An Evaluation of the Impact of Information and Communication Technologies: Two Case Study Examples

Abstract

There is a growing requirement in recent times for stronger cost control and a demand for higher returns in businesses (Milis and Mercken, 2003). The use of Information and communication technology (ICT) to gain competitive advantage has become a key strategic issue amongst organizations in the fast globalizing environment (Kakabadse et al., 2005), as ICT plays a strategic role in the management of organizations. Rastrict and Corner (2010); Lin and Lin (2006) amongst others reveal that there is a growing support for the positive relationship between ICT and its benefits. Thus, it implies that ICT brings about organizational advantage. This paper is drawn from on-going PhD research and it intends to deepen our understanding on the impact of implementing ICT in organizations using two companies in Nigeria as case study examples. It further identifies the reasons behind the companies’ decisions to adopt ICT and the benefits associated with the use of ICT.