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ISSUES AND BARRIERS AFFECTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECOMMERCE ON SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE.

A STUDY SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS

AT

THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

BY

AYOKUNLE ILESANMI

September, 2007

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Abstract

Research indicates that e-commerce offers a promising and exiting way for organizations to meet various challenges of an ever-changing environment in these present days. However, few available studies relating to SMEs in developing countries reveal that majority of these businesses always lag behind or are in doubt about adopting ecommerce technology despite advantages, opportunities and their effectiveness. Literature, i.e. books and academic related materials also reveal many significant reasons towards SMEs lagging behind. The various factors identified that cause this can be broadly classified as internal barriers and external barriers. Internal Barriers are the barriers which are caused within the businesses and can be eliminated by the business itself, while External Barriers are the barriers caused outside these businesses or from the society and can be addressed either by government intervention or making available adequate measures for success from the collaboration of these SMEs. This dissertation then presents the issues and barriers to the adoption of e-commerce, which is written from the collection of available literature and a discussion from the results of a survey conducted in the study. In addition to the barriers facing SMEs, this research also will identify the supports required by SMEs in developing countries using Nigeria as a case study. The methodology and current trends found in the area of research are also discussed broadly.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First, I would like to thank Almighty God for guidance, good understanding and wisdom throughout the project.

Secondly,...