The impact of adoption and usage of Information and Communication Technologies(ICTs)in selected manufacturing and business firms in Zambia
Date
2016
Authors
Daka, Philemon
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
This study was aimed at investigating the impact of adoption of Information
Communication Technologies (ICTs) on selected manufacturing and business firms
in Zambia.This study was exploratory in nature, hence, a cross sectional approach
was undertaken in the first half of 2015 to measure firms’ responses regarding
adoption of ICT. The diffusion theory of innovation was used as a theoretical
framework to understand the phenomenon of ICT adoption.
An online questionnaire was designed to help answer the research questions.
Questionnaires were sent to 70 randomly selected organisations from mining,
banking and finance, manufacturing and processing, education, professional
management; IT related service and advertising sector using stratified random
sampling method.
The research findings reveal that common ICTs such as computers and internet have
high usage among firms. However, the use of high-technology ICTs as SCADA is
still average and there is need for more effort from all stake holders to focus on
stimulating accelerated adoption of ICTs. The results also shows that Zambia’s
manufacturing industries could rebrand and increase productivity, improve their
profit margins and contribute effectively to the economy if they adopt more ICTs in
their businesses. In this regard ICTs serve as a very important cost saving measure
and as a means of increasing productivity and efficiency.
The study therefore, recommends that awareness be increased on the importance of
ICTs amongst firms. In addition, company owners should be encouraged to train
their employees in ICT usage. Innovators should develop systems that benefit firms
in their areas of expertise. Firms must be encouraged to adopt and use ICTs in
carrying out their businesses.
Description
THESIS M ENG
Keywords
Telecommunication-Developing Countries , Information Technology-Zambia , Information Technology-Developing Countries