A framework for the adoption of ICT and security by SMEs
- Authors: Van Beveren, John , Beck, Eric , Allan, Craig , Annear, Justin
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 16th Annual SEAANZ Conference, Ballarat, Australia : 28th September - 1st October, 2003
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: SME’s have become an integral part of the Australian economy and are an employer of a large number of Australians. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that a majority of SME’s have adopted ICT, however Australian SME’s are lagging behind when compared to organisations of a similar nature. Although Australian SME’s have adopted ICT, very few have adopted any security technologies to secure their infrastructures. This paper looks at the adoption rates of ICT and security technologies by Australian SME as well as some of the influential factors regarding their adoption. A framework has been developed (adapted from Earl, 2000) which identifies the four stage evolutionary process for ICT adoption, security technology adoption and trust.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000589
Understanding and measuring the effect of social capital on knowledge transfer within clusters of SMEs
- Authors: Whittaker, Jay , Van Beveren, John , Burns, Michelle
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 16th Annual SEAANZ Conference, Ballarat, Australia : 28th September - 1st October, 2003
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: In today’s globalised economy, Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are facing ever increasing competitive pressures. They need to gain new market information and knowledge to remain competitive. A common strategy is to develop clusters of networks with other SMEs. Clustering enables the development of informal social networks through which knowledge can flow and be used. This paper aims to investigate the mechanisms of informal social networks that promote knowledge transfer. Finally, some issues relating to the measurement of the intellectual value created are explored.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000590
Growing exports via online communities and web-portals : A case from the Central Highlands region of Victoria
- Authors: Thompson, Helen
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 16th Annual SEAANZ Conference, Ballarat, Australia : 28th September - 1st October, 2003
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite a rise of interest in information communications technology (ICT) and in community informatics (CI) initiatives, these are not ‘magic bullets’ or ‘quick-fix solutions’ for SMEs or even larger organisations, communities, or industries. There is growing recognition of the need to go beyond anecdotal evidence and to assess more effectively the change brought about by providing access to and utilisation of ICT in communities. Denison et al. (2002) have presented a taxonomy which differentiates between various types of ICT and community networking initiatives. The application of this schema to a cluster of community informatics initiatives originating from the Central Highlands region of Victoria proves to be useful. A single case study is then presented which reviews the evolution of GrowExport.com, one of the online communities within that cluster. The diverse factors which are involved in establishing sustainable online services are examined. Access to a comprehensive toolset specifically designed to meet the skills and infrastructure gaps which often exist in regional areas has been important. The active involvement of community members in designing, implementing and sustaining web-based services has also been important. By generating debate and discussion and by sharing the critical learning from specific cases it is hoped that others can be better informed about the major characteristics and the diverse factors which impact on the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of CI initiatives in a regional and rural context.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000591