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Third party IT provision in UK SMEs: an improvisational strategy perspective

Research output: Contribution to conference - Without ISBN/ISSN Conference paperpeer-review

Published
Publication date2013
<mark>Original language</mark>English
EventBAM - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Duration: 10/09/201312/09/2013

Conference

ConferenceBAM
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLiverpool
Period10/09/1312/09/13

Abstract

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) exhibit problems in planning and providing information and systems technology (IST) facilities in the context of third party provision. To explore this problem, the research methodology utilizes a case study strategy, with data collected primarily via face-to-face semi-structured interviews with key IT decision makers in four SMEs in the north west of England. Improvisation theory is used as a theoretical lens to both guide the data collection and interpret the research. Based on the analysis of one example case study called Mercury there is precious little in the literature that reflects the reality of this SME; Mercury follows a strategy of improvisation in accessing and using third party IT services. The findings capture the process through which Mercury goes about providing their IST facilities.