The Adoption and use of ICT's by SME's in the road passenger Operators at Intercity Bus Terminus

Abstract

The study was aimed at investigating the adoption and use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) by Small-and-Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the road passenger transport sector in Lusaka, Zambia. The study was based on the following general objectives: 1. To determine the factors which influence the adoption and use of ICT’s by SMEs in road passenger transport sector in Lusaka, Zambia. 2. To find out the key ICT adoption attributes amongst SMEs in the Road passenger transport sector in Lusaka. 3. To establish the impact of ICT literacy on the adoption and use of ICTs by SMEs in the Road passenger transport sector in Lusaka. The study used a case study method to collect both qualitative and quantitative data and the diffusion theory of innovation to achieve the objectives. Self administered questionnaires were used in collecting data for this study. Some of the findings revealed that despite the high presence of some ICTs such as radios at 96.3%, usage for business was generally inadequate at about 46%. The prominent barriers to the adoption and further usage of ICTs highlighted in the study were monetary costs at 77% and lack of relevant technology at 76%.It is cardinal that SMEs are encouraged to adopt and use ICTs in carrying out their businesses. The study clearly revealed that performance improvement, increased profitability and increased market share are some of the factors fostering the adoption and use of ICTs by SMEs in the road passenger transport sector in Lusaka. The study therefore, recommends that awareness be increased on the importance of ICTs amongst SMEs. The acquisition of ICT equipment should be enhanced through encouraging cooperation amongst SMEs. Furthermore, company owners should be encouraged to train their employees in ICTs usage.