Enterprise system investments for competitive advantage: an empirical study of Swiss SMEs

Gianfranco Walsh, P. Schubert, C. Jones

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Previous research identifies various reasons companies invest in information technology (IT), often as a means to generate value. To add to the discussion of IT value generation, this study investigates investments in enterprise software systems that support business processes. Managers of more than 500 Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) responded to a survey regarding the levels of their IT investment in enterprise software systems and the perceived utility of those investments. The authors use logistic and ordinary least squares regression to examine whether IT investments in two business processes affect SMEs' performance and competitive advantage. Using cluster analysis, they also develop a firm typology with four distinct groups that differ in their investments in enterprise software systems. These findings offer key implications for both research and managerial practice.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)180-189
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Management Review
Volume7
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Keywords

  • enterprise system investments
  • competitive advantage
  • empirical study
  • swiss
  • sme's
  • information technology
  • investment
  • small and medium-sized enterprises
  • capital investments

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