{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,3]],"date-time":"2026-03-03T16:33:48Z","timestamp":1772555628539,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":54,"publisher":"Emerald","issue":"2","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2011,5,3]],"date-time":"2011-05-03T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1304380800000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/www.emerald.com\/insight\/site-policies"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2011,5,3]]},"abstract":"<jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Purpose<\/jats:title><jats:p>The purpose of this paper is to consider factors affecting the effective utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) and the adoption of more sophisticated ICT solutions in small and medium\u2010sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos, Nigeria.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Design\/methodology\/approach<\/jats:title><jats:p>The study adopts a case study approach. Semi\u2010structured interviews in 25 SMEs were used as tools for data collection.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Findings<\/jats:title><jats:p>The paper identifies eight key factors that affect the effective utilisation and adoption of more sophisticated or advanced ICT solutions in Nigerian SMEs.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Research limitations\/implications<\/jats:title><jats:p>The data for this research are drawn from a particular region in Nigeria, therefore, the findings are not generalisable to SMEs in other regions. Also, the data are collected from various industry sectors hence, it is not possible to have sector\u2010specific conclusions.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Practical implications<\/jats:title><jats:p>Effective utilisation of sophisticated ICT solutions in SMEs has great impact on SMEs' competitiveness. Also, the study could assist owner\u2010managers, policy makers and stakeholders to better understand the major challenges faced by Nigerian SMEs and create various initiatives to assist these SMEs.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Originality\/value<\/jats:title><jats:p>The study provides insight into the adoption of sophisticated ICT solutions within Nigerian SMEs that is of value to owner\u2010managers, policy makers and academic researchers. The study further suggests means to achieve a successful and sustainable technology adoption in SMEs.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1108\/13287261111135972","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2011,5,21]],"date-time":"2011-05-21T07:47:27Z","timestamp":1305964047000},"page":"125-143","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":60,"title":["Factors affecting the effective utilisation and adoption of sophisticated ICT solutions"],"prefix":"10.1108","volume":"13","author":[{"given":"Idisemi","family":"Apulu","sequence":"first","affiliation":[]},{"given":"Ann","family":"Latham","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]},{"given":"Robert","family":"Moreton","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]}],"member":"140","reference":[{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b1","unstructured":"Abor, J. and Quartey, P. (2010), \u201cIssues in SME development in Ghana and South Africa\u201d, International Research Journal of Finance and Economics, Vol. 39, pp. 218\u201028."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b2","unstructured":"Achimugu, P., Oluwagbemi, O., Oluwaranti, A. and Afolabi, B. (2009), \u201cAdoption of information and communications technologies in developing countries: an impact analysis\u201d, Journal of Information Technology Impact, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 37\u201046."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b3","unstructured":"Adeosun, O.O., Adeosun, T.H. and Adetunde, I.A. (2009), \u201cStrategic application of information and communication technology for effective service delivery in banking industry\u201d, Journal of Social Sciences, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 47\u201051."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b4","unstructured":"Aina, O.C. (2007), \u201cThe role of SMEs in poverty alleviation in Nigeria\u201d, available at: www.journalanduse.org\/Assets\/Vol3%20Papers\/JOURNAL%2010.pdf (accessed 13 December 2009)."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b5","unstructured":"Akpan\u2010Obong, P. (2007), \u201cInformation and communication technologies in development: contextuality and promise\u201d, Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Social Implications of Computers in Developing Countries Sao Paulo, Brazil."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b6","unstructured":"Alam, S.S. and Noor, M.K.M. (2009), \u201cICT adoption in small and medium enterprises: an empirical evidence of service sectors in Malaysia\u201d, International Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 112\u201025."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b7","unstructured":"Apulu, I. and Latham, A. (2009), \u201cKnowledge management: facilitator for SMEs competitiveness in Nigeria\u201d, Proceedings of the 14th Annual Conference on UK Academy for Information Systems, St Anne's College, Oxford."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b8","unstructured":"Apulu, I. and Latham, A. (2010), \u201cBenefits of information and communication technology in small and medium sized enterprises: a case study of a Nigerian SME\u201d, Proceedings of the 15th Annual Conference on UK Academy for Information Systems, Oriel College, University of Oxford, Oxford, 23\u201024 March."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b9","unstructured":"Arendt, L. (2008), \u201cBarriers to ICT adoption in SMEs: how to bridge the digital divide?\u201d, Journal of Systems and Information Technology, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 93\u2010108."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b10","unstructured":"Arikpo, I.I., Osofisan, A. and Usoro, A. (2009), \u201cBridging the digital divide: the Nigerian journey so far\u201d, International Journal of Global Business, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 181\u2010204."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b12","unstructured":"Ashrafi, R. and Murtaza, M. (2008), \u201cUse and impact of ICT on SMEs in Oman\u201d, Electronic Journal Information Systems Evaluation, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 125\u201038, available at: www.ejise.com\/volume\u201011\/volume11\u2010issue3\/ashrafiAndMurtaza.pdf (accessed 10 October 2009)."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b13","unstructured":"Baker, L. (2008), Facilitating Whose Power? IFI Policy Influence in Nigeria's Energy Sector, Bretton Woods Project, available at: www.brettonwoodsproject.org\/update\/60\/bwupdt60_ai.pdf (accessed 28 June 2010)."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b14","unstructured":"Berisha\u2010Namani, M. (2009), \u201cThe role of information technology in small and medium sized enterprises in Kosova\u201d, paper presented at Fulbright Academy 2009 Conference Small Places can Change the World, available at: www.fulbrightacademy.org\/file_depot\/0\u201010000000\/20000\u2010 30000\/21647\/folder\/82430\/Berisha+Paper+IT+in+SMEs+in+Kosovo.pdf (accessed 15 July 2009)."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b15","unstructured":"Chukuezi, C.O. (2009), \u201cGender and renewable energy in rural Nigeria\u201d, International NGO Journal, Vol. 4 No. 7, pp. 333\u20106."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b16","unstructured":"Cook, P. and Nixson, F. (2000), \u201cFinance and small and medium\u2010sized enterprise development\u201d, Working Paper Series, Paper No. 14, Finance and Development Research Programme, IDPM, University of Manchester, Manchester."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b17","unstructured":"Dike, V.E. (2005), Corruption in Nigeria: A New Paradigm for Effective Control, Africa Economic Analysis, Bridge North, available at: www.africaeconomicanalysis.org\/articles\/gen\/corruptiondikehtm.html (accessed 11 July 2008)."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b18","unstructured":"Folorunsho, O., Gabriel, O.A., Sushil, S.K. and Jeff, Z. (2006), \u201cFactors affecting the adoption of e\u2010commerce: a study in Nigeria\u201d, Journal of Applied Science, Vol. 6 No. 10, pp. 2224\u201030."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b19","unstructured":"Golding, P., Donaldson, O., Tennant, V. and Black, K. (2008), \u201cAn analysis of factors affecting the adoption of ICT by MSMEs in rural and urban Jamaica\u201d, available at: http:\/\/is2.lse.ac.uk\/asp\/aspecis\/20080109.pdf (accessed 15 May 2009)."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b21","unstructured":"Ihua, U.B. (2009), \u201cSMEs key failure\u2010factors: a comparison between the United Kingdom and Nigeria\u201d, Journal of Social Sciences, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 199\u2010207."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b22","unstructured":"Kapurubandara, K. (2006), \u201cA model of ICT and e\u2010commerce in the developing countries: a pilot study of SMEs in Sri Lanka\u201d, paper presented at International Conference on Business and Information, Singapore, 12\u201014 July."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b23","unstructured":"Lawal, A.A. (2002), \u201cEntrepreneurship development in small and medium enterprises: key success factor\u201d, Lagos Journal of Business, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 35\u201046."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b24","unstructured":"Ling, C.Y. \u201cModel of factors influences on electronic commerce adoption and diffusion in small and medium sized enterprises\u201d, paper presented at ECIS Doctoral Consortium, AIS region 2 (Europe, Africa, Middle\u2010East) 24\u201026 June."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b25","unstructured":"Malik, K.P. and Malik, S. (2008), \u201cValue creation role of knowledge management: a developing country perspective\u201d, Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 41\u20108."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mutula, M.S. and Brakel, P.V. (2006), \u201cE\u2010readiness of SMEs in the ICT sector in Botswana, with respect to information access\u201d, Electronic Library, Vol. 24, pp. 402\u20107.","DOI":"10.1108\/02640470610671240"},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b28","unstructured":"Ogechukwu, A.D. (2006), \u201cThe role of small scale industry in national development in Nigeria\u201d, paper presented at Association for Small Business & Entrepreneurship Annual Conference, Corpus Christi, TX, 1\u20103 November."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b29","unstructured":"Ojukwu, D. (2006), \u201cAchieving sustainable growth through the adoption of integrated business and information solutions: a case study of Nigeria small and medium sized enterprises\u201d, Journal of Information Technology Impact, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 47\u201060."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b30","unstructured":"Ojukwu, D. and Georgiadou, E. (2007), \u201cTowards improving inter\u2010organizational trust among SMEs: a case study from developing countries\u201d, Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Social Implications of Computers in Developing Countries, Sao Paulo, Brazil."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b31","unstructured":"Okongwu, D.A. (2001), Fostering the innovation potential of SMEs in the globalization era: the role of patents. paper presented at WIPO Milan Forum on Intellectual Property and Small and Medium\u2010sized Enterprises Organized by The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Ministry of Industry and Foreign Trade of the Government of Italy, Milan, 9\u201010 February."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b32","unstructured":"Olatokun, W.M. (2006), \u201cNational information technology policy in Nigeria: prospects, challenges and a framework for implementation\u201d, African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 9\u201018."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b33","unstructured":"Olorunshola, J.B. (2003), Problems and Prospects of Small and Medium\u2010scale Industries in Nigeria: Seminar on Small and Medium Industries Equity Investment Scheme, CBN Training Centre, Lagos."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b34","unstructured":"Ongori, H. (2009), \u201cRole of information communication technologies adoption in SMES: evidence from Botswana\u201d, Research Journal of Information Technology, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 79\u201085."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b35","unstructured":"Ongori, H. and Migiro, S.O. (2010), \u201cInformation and communication technology adoption: a literature review\u201d, Journal of Chinese Entrepreneurship, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 93\u2010104."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b36","unstructured":"Orlikowski, W.J. and Baroudi, J.J. (1991), \u201cStudying information technology in organisations: research approaches and assumptions\u201d, Information Systems Research, Vol. 2, pp. 1\u201028."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b37","unstructured":"Oshikoya, T.W. and Hussain, M.N. (2007), \u201cInformation technology and the challenge of economic development\u201d, in Opoku\u2010Mensah, A. and Salih, M.A.M. (Eds), African E\u2010Markets Information and Economic Development, Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa, pp. 43\u201076."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b38","unstructured":"Owoseye, A. (2010), \u201cSmall scale businesses hindered by many challenges\u201d, available at: http:\/\/234next.com\/csp\/cms\/sites\/Next\/Money\/Business\/5460387\u2010147\/story.csp (accessed 10 September 2010)."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b39","unstructured":"Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (2006), \u201cICT in developing countries\u201d, Postmote March 2006, No. 261, avaliable at: www.parli ament.uk\/documents\/upload\/postpn261.pdf (accessed 10 July 2009)."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b40","unstructured":"Rashid, M.A. and Al\u2010Qirim, N.A. (2001), \u201cE\u2010commerce technology adoption framework by New Zealand small to medium size enterprises\u201d, Research Letters in the Information and Mathematical Sciences, Vol. 2, pp. 63\u201070."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b41","unstructured":"Remenyi, D. and Williams, B. (1996), \u201cThe nature of research: qualitative or quantitative, narrative or paradigmatic?\u201d, Information Systems Journal, Vol. 6 No. 2, pp. 131\u201046."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b42","unstructured":"Reynolds, W., Savage, W. and Williams, A. (1994), Your Own Business: A Practical Guide to Success, ITP, London."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b43","unstructured":"Sauer, C. (1993), Why Information Systems Fail: A Case Study Approach, Alfred Wailer, Henley\u2010on\u2010Thames."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b44","unstructured":"SMEDAN (2005), SME Success Digest, Vol. 3 No. 1."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b45","unstructured":"Ssewanyana, J.K. (2009), \u201cICT usage in microfinance institutions in Uganda\u201d, The African Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 5\u201028."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b46","unstructured":"Suliman, A., Fie, D.Y., Raman, M. and Alam, N. (2008), \u201cBarriers for implementing ICT on higher education in underdeveloped countries\u201d, paper presented at Sudan: Case Study CONF\u2010IRM Conference 2008."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b47","unstructured":"Tallapragada, P.V.S.N. (2009), \u201cNigeria's electricity sector \u2013 electricity and gas pricing barriers\u201d, International Association for Energy Economics, First Quater, pp. 29\u201034."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Tan, M. and Teo, T.S.H. (2000), \u201cFactors influencing the adoption of internet banking\u201d, Journal of the Association for Information Systems, Vol. 1 No. 5.","DOI":"10.17705\/1jais.00005"},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b50","unstructured":"Udechukwu, F.N. (2003), \u201cSurvey of small and medium scale industries and their potentials in Nigeria\u201d, Central Bank of Nigeria, Seminar on Small and Medium Industries Equity Investments Scheme (SMIEIS), CBN Training Centre, Lagos, p. 4."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b54","unstructured":"Wangwe, S. (2007), \u201cA review of methodology for assessing ICT impact on development and economic transformation: contribution to the AERC Project on the impact of ICTs on economic development and transformation\u201d, available at: www.aercafrica.org\/documents\/ICT_project_working_papers\/WangweSAReviewofMethodologyonICT.pdf (accessed 5 April 2010)."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b51","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Wattanapruttipaisan, T. (2003), \u201cFour proposals for improved financing of SME development in ASEAN\u201d, Vol. 20 No. 2, available at: www.cenbank.org\/OUT\/PUBLICATIONS\/GUIDELINES\/DFD\/2004\/SMIEIS.PDF (accessed 5 March 2009).","DOI":"10.1142\/S0116110503000083"},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_b53","unstructured":"Yin, R.K. (2003), Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Applied Social Science Method Series, 3rd ed., Vol. 5, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_frd1","unstructured":"Aris, N.M. (2006), \u201cBuilding blocks for economic growth\u201d, paper presented at National Statistics Conference, Department of Statistics Putrajaya, 4\u20105 September, available at: www.statistics.gov.my\/eng\/images\/stories\/files\/journalDOSM\/smes.pdf (accessed 5 April 2009)."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_frd2","unstructured":"Hazbo, S., Arnela, C. and Chun\u2010yan, H. (2008), \u201cICT adoption model of Chinese SMEs\u201d, International Journal of Business Research, Vol. 44, pp. 161\u20105."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_frd3","unstructured":"Mpofu, K.C., Milne, D. and Watkins\u2010Mathys, L. (2009), \u201cICT adoption and development of e\u2010business among SMEs in South Africa\u201d, Proceedings of the ISBE 2009 Conference, University of Liverpool, Liverpool."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_frd4","unstructured":"Tan, Y.L. and Macaulay, L.A. (2007), \u201cAdoption of ICT among small business: vision vs reality\u201d, International Journal of Electronic Business, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 188\u2010203."},{"key":"key2021010620323855800_frd5","unstructured":"Wymer, S.A. and Regan, E.A. (2005), \u201cFactors influencing e\u2010commerce adoption and use by small and medium businesses\u201d, Electronic Markets, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 438\u201053."}],"container-title":["Journal of Systems and Information Technology"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"http:\/\/www.emeraldinsight.com\/doi\/full-xml\/10.1108\/13287261111135972","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.emerald.com\/insight\/content\/doi\/10.1108\/13287261111135972\/full\/xml","content-type":"application\/xml","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.emerald.com\/insight\/content\/doi\/10.1108\/13287261111135972\/full\/html","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,25]],"date-time":"2025-07-25T00:24:21Z","timestamp":1753403061000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"http:\/\/www.emerald.com\/jsit\/article\/13\/2\/125-143\/247629"}},"subtitle":["Case studies of SMEs in Lagos, Nigeria"],"editor":[{"given":"Paul","family":"Jones","sequence":"first","affiliation":[]}],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2011,5,3]]},"references-count":54,"journal-issue":{"issue":"2","published-print":{"date-parts":[[2011,5,3]]}},"alternative-id":["10.1108\/13287261111135972"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1108\/13287261111135972","relation":{},"ISSN":["1328-7265"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1328-7265","type":"print"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2011,5,3]]}}}