Management of Information System in Indian SMEs: an exploratory study

To improve overall business performance and the more and more use of Information Technology (IT) have forced Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to design and deploy effective strategy for management of Information system (IS) function and follow proper IS-related practices. SMEs with limited resources may be able to deploy IS for their normal operations, but may not be able to manage the IS functions or follow IS practices properly. This study aims to identify critical issues that would contribute to effective performance of the IS management in Indian SMEs sector. On the basis of the four case studies from diverse SMEs from three different states of western India, this paper presents the four important issues in IS management – IS strategy, competitive priorities, benefits observed/perceived by effective management of IS function and barriers observed in implementing IS management practices. On the basis of the analysis of the case studies, several propositions as recommendations such as the role of top management, use of IT tools, investment in IT, supply chain linkages and work culture for an effective IS management in Indian SMEs have been discussed.