Impact of consultants on computerization success in small businesses

This paper presents the findings of a study comparing the level of computerization success between two groups of small businesses: those with consultants and those without consultants. The comparison, based on data collected from 96 small businesses in Singapore, is performed at three levels: projective success, service success, and economic success. The results show that the level of computer system usage of small businesses with consultants is higher than that of small businesses without consultants. The computer systems of the former group also tend to provide more up-to-date computer reports and information than those of the latter. However, small businesses that engage a consultant are less likely to complete their computerization project on time and within budget. Further analysis shows that computerization success of small businesses with consultants is positively associated with three consultant attributes, namely, capability, experience, and effectiveness.