Analyzing the Usage of IT in SMEs

Abstract

Nowadays, rapid changes in information technology (IT) force enterprises to adapt new developments. IT is critical to the success of most businesses especially small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). In recent years, the information technologies are started to be used frequently by SMEs in Turkey but unfortunately the usage has not reached to desired levels yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the purposes of the IT usage in SMEs and put forward the key factors affecting the level of their IT usage. To be able to evaluate the IT usage, a survey questionnaire was prepared and conducted to 112 SMEs in Istanbul. Data were analyzed by Descriptive, Independent T-Test, One-Way ANOVA and Multiple Regression Analyses. Findings are almost consistent with the previous researches. The study states that most of SMEs uses IT for their basic needs but they show the tendency to use it for more advanced activities. Moreover, there are significant differences in the IT usage of the companies operating in different sectors. The study also highlights that strong IT infrastructure, higher number of workers, giving importance to IT training, finding more purposes to use IT, and functioning in IT sector are important factors that positively affect IT usage.