The design and implementation of an interactive IT consulting system to improve performance in small service firms

The small business (SB) sector plays an extremely important role in the South African economy; this role of the SB sector is prevalent within economies globally. Unfortunately, many small firms experience failure within the first three years of existence and face intensification of competition that requires increased productivity and flexibility. Information Technology (IT) can be implemented into the SB environment to provide critical information, increase productivity, overcome failure and gain a competitive edge. Small firms have implemented IT to a relatively large degree however the optimal utilization thereof within this environment is not prevalent. This paper describes an intervention that was designed to facilitate the effective integration of IT into the small business through the combination of management principles and a well-planned optimal use of IT. Evidence indicates that as a stand-alone tool the intervention is an effective and efficient practical methodology to facilitate the integration of IT into small business. The degree of successful integration is evident in performance escalation that occurred within the SB.