Evaluating information systems in small and medium-sized enterprises: Issues and evidence

Much empirical work has investigated the nature of information systems (IS) evaluation in large organizations. However, little work has examined the nature of evaluation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper discusses IS evaluation in the context of SMEs by identifying a number of issues particularly relevant to such organizations. Drawing on the experiences of four SMEs, the paper identifies the following factors and their implications for evaluation practice: a lack of business and IS/IT strategy; limited access to capital resources; and emphasis on automating; the influence of major customers; and limited information skills. The paper draws on two frameworks of evaluation which are used to help understand evaluation practices in SMEs, and which form a structure within which future research may be placed. The paper concludes with a set of propositions which constitute a research agenda for further examining evaluation practice in SMEs.