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Title:
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UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY BY SMALL, MICRO AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN VHEMBE DISTRICT, SOUTH AFRICA |
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Author(s):
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Manzira Mungofa Francis, Munyoka Willard |
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ISBN:
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978-989-8533-54-8 |
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Editors:
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Piet Kommers and Guo Chao Peng |
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Year:
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2016 |
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Edition:
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Single |
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Keywords:
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Rural, Small, Micro and Medium Scale Enterprises, Information and Communication Technologies, Vhembe |
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Type:
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Full Paper |
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First Page:
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41 |
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Last Page:
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48 |
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Language:
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English |
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Cover:
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Full Contents:
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click to dowload 
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Paper Abstract:
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Small, Micro and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMMEs) are slow to adopt Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to assist in day to day business operations. In South Africa, this is a major concern for business operating in rural areas because of great influence SMMEs have in the growth of economy and greater contribution to overall gross domestic product (GDP). This research focused on unlocking the potential of Information and Communication Technologies on (SMMEs) towards improving their operations and survival in todays dynamic modern business environment. In addition, the impact on growth and success of SMMEs through implementation of ICT was another area of concern. 138 SMMES were surveyed in the rural municipal area of Thulamela in Vhembe District, Limpopo. Data was collected from the SMMEs in Sibasa, Thohoyandou, Shayandima and Tshififi towns. Results show that SMMEs major setbacks include lack of infrastructure, inadequate resources and limited access to finance for funding the implementation and maintenance of information systems in their operations. Inadequate technological infrastructure, transport and the basic electricity which SMMEs deemed to be important for the implementation of sound ICT utilization were identified as challenges. Despite the challenges, most SMMEs indicated that they do make use of ICT tools in their day to day operations and have a greater role in the long term operations of a business against the changing technological environment. |
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