IT Management Practices in Small Firms

Abstract

Computer based information systems have grown in importance to small firms and are now being used increasingly to help them compete. For example, many small firms have turned to the World Wide Web to support their endeavours. Although the technology that is being used is relatively well understood, its effective management is not so well understood. A good understanding is important as the management of IT is an attribute that has the potential to deliver a sustainable competitive advantage to a firm (Mata, Fuerst, & Barney, 1995). This chapter shows that there is no one accepted view of the term “IT management” for either large or small firms. However, the term “management” is often considered to include the four functions of planning, organising, leading, and controlling. This framework can be applied to small firms and specifically to their IT management practices.