Towards a Framework for the Adoption of Mobile Information Communication Technology Dynamic Capabilities for Namibian Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

A company’s ability to be mobile is the capability to transact anytime, anywhere, Mobile information and communication technologies (ICT) ability to transform businesses is attributed to the dynamic capabilities (DCs) of ICT. In response to changing technologies and as a means to gain profits, organizations use DC, which is a catalyst of the business ability to design and adjust resources. As such DCs effect is also felt on resource base affording the organization competitive advantage. In this qualitative Namibian case study, the DCs of mobile ICT were closely analyzed as a means to investigate the usage of DCs of mobile ICT by Namibian Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), and how it can enhance SME transformation and strategies used for its adoption. The analysis of this study was conducted using the Theory of Dynamic Capabilities. For this study 40 SMEs were identified by means of convenience sampling and one employee per SME by means of purposive sampling. The collection of data was primarily through interviews and questionnaires subsequently the data was coded. The results showed that although some SMEs in Namibia use technology, there is still a significant number that is oblivious to the advantages that DCs of mobile ICT can offer. The researcher therefore recommends that governing bodies of Namibian SMEs enforce policies that facilitate the adoption of mobile ICT and sponsor local SMEs as conduit for economic advancement; that owners of SMEs adopt mobile ICT as a means to gain competitive advantage; that SMEs with existing mobile ICT infrastructure should look into ways of adopting diverse DCs of mobile ICT thus creating a better environment for faster service delivery; that SMEs should adopt the culture of ICT training to enable employees to effectively use mobile ICT; that in order to reduce software costs SMEs should opt for open source applications; and that as means to gain visibility and increase customer base SMEs should make use of mobile technology to market their services and products.