Sunday, August 10, 2008
Project Update
Research Proposal Confirmation
By Andy Hall
Project overview
The research proposal encompasses two separate but interrelated components. The first component is based on research and the second is a practical ICT (information and communication technology) exercise.
Project Purpose
The purpose of the research project is to establish and analyse the current NZ trends of using ICT in SME’s (small to medium sized enterprises). The project will examine the following three aspects:
• ICT Adoption: The rate at which technology is implanted in SME’s.
• ICT Usage: How many SME’s use ICT and for what use(s)?
• ICT Barriers: What are the real/perceived barriers to adopting technology in NZ?
The second part of the project involves the researcher gaining first hand experience that covers the three areas above. Permission has been granted to the researcher by a local SME to implement required ICT changes and carry out structural changes to the IT infrastructure.
Background
An existing small business (Abelia Motor Lodge) approached me to perform an ICT system upgrade. Abelia Motor Lodge (Abelia) is a motel situated in Tahunanui, Nelson. The motel was built and developed in 2000 by the current owners/managers. The facility has a 4 and a half star rating. The accommodation boasts 12 self contained units, each ranging in size and type. Nelson is a traditional tourism location and the businesses peak season is during the warm summer months.
I have previously been employed by Abelia in an assistant type role where I performed all general duties at the motel, throughout the peak periods. The current ICT setup at Abelia has not be modified since the businesses inception back in 2000, so an ICT infrastructure upgrade is inevitable. When approached to conduct this upgrade, I became interested in how other SME’s use ICT to add value to their business operation. This led me to read the current journal article publications and take stock of the research in the area. This research topic is important because the majority of businesses in New Zealand are SMEs. My findings will therefore be relevant to many similar SMEs.
ICT in SME
The NZ government has voiced its support in the uptake of ICT in NZ businesses and has also placed emphasis on developing broadband coverage (Locke 2005). Small and medium sized business equate to nearly 85% of all businesses in New Zealand (Locke 2004). ICT is an increasingly important tool in gaining efficiencies and effectiveness within a business which in turn can lead to a competitive advantage (Rashid 2003). How SME’s adopt and utilise ICT is a topical area of interest as it directly relates to the business performance and ultimately the national economy.
Academic Worth
This research project area is an area that many New Zealanders can relate to I hope the findings can assist in future strategies of increasing ICT use. There is literature regarding the area and I wish to further expand and develop on this. The subject matter is a topic that is directly important to NZ businesses, and I wish to aid in commentary and analysis.
The practical aspect for the project is a great opportunity for the researcher to gain ‘hands-on’ industry based skills. The setup and re-structuring of the IT infrastructure will involve using IT skills and techniques learnt academically and applying them into a business.
Key Project Areas:
• Establish NZ trends of ICT in SME’s
• Gather relevant government statistical information
• Conduct literature review of pertinent resources
• Obtain NZ case studies/examples of ICT in SME’s
• Practical case example that outlines the adoption, strategy and implementation of ICT in a SME (carried out by the researcher)
Methodology:
The literature that will be the basis of the research will be obtained primarily from industry specific journals, currently there are a number of journals in this area. Other resources in the area include text books, web articles, NZ business websites and government released publications. There are sufficient academic resources available to conduct the research.
For the practically applied case study the researcher will upgrade the ICT infrastructure at Abelia to a pre determined level and standard. A blog will be created that captures and comments on the process of the practical implementation. Once the ICT infrastructure is completed an analysis on the process will be completed and comments on how this process could be obtained by another SME will be constructed.
Overview of aspects/tasks to be performed during applied case study:
• Building a backup/file server and incremental backup solution
• Selecting and building a new PC for the reception
• Selecting and configuring an MFD printer and a laser colour printer
• Installation of firewall and anti-virus software
• Installation and configuration of new email client (outlook 2007 and a possibility of MS exchange)
• Updates and maintenance of Abelia website
• User training on Microsoft Office Suite
Skills/resources required:
The skills required by the researcher will be the general methods of investigative research, resource retrieval and information collation. The practical aspect of the project will require computing skills to a proficient manner. The researcher holds a relevant degree and industry certifications, coupled with practical work experience in the area of computing and business.
The resources required mainly relate to the practical aspect of the project. A laptop is already provided by NMIT to the researcher and access to academic material is provided through the NMIT library. The software and the hardware required for the IT infrastructure upgraded will be purchased and provided by Abelia Motor Lodge. Below is a list of the software/hardware needed to implement the project (all excluding GST):
• PC ‘Swap box”, est $500 (for reception upgrade)
• Laser MFD, $299
• Colour Laser, $279
• MS Server 2008, $223
• MS Office Small Business upgrade, $550
• AVG Internet Security $82.90
• Backup Wizard $39.90
Anticipated outcomes:
• To complete the project in a timely manner.
• To obtain all necessary information pertaining to ICT issues in SME’s in NZ.
• Make justified critiques on the adoption and usage of ICT in SME’s in NZ.
• Further develop my research and analysis skills
• Embark on a real time project that will enhance my project management skills
• Increase and hone my knowledge of desktop and application installs and configurations.
• Apply academically developed IT skills into a real time small business solution
• Develop ICT as a business solution for a business end user.
Project ownership/responsibilities:
The project will be undertaken solely by the researcher. The onus will be on the researcher to undertake the project in a professional manner and to respect the wishes of Abelia.
Ethical Considerations:
Written permission to complete the project will be provided by the owners of Abelia. The identity of the motel will be protected by using a suitable alternative non-de-plume (Motel A). Sensitive financial data held by Abelia will be treated as confidential.
Possible Limitations
Time Management. The research has a set timeframe for completion and it is essential for the researcher to adhere to this. An anticipated timeframe is provided in the following table:
Project timeframe:
Week/Date Task Milestone Est. Time
Week 1
4/8/08 Begin Project plan
Map out proposed strategy and action plan. 20hrs
Week 2
11/8/2008 Conduct ICT audit of Abelia and make recommendations on changes needed. 20hrs
Week 3
18/8/2008 Source and configure new reception hardware (PC & Printer) System up and running 20hrs
Week 4
25/8/2008 Source, Install and configure required software 20hrs
Week 5
1/9/2008 Source, Install and configure required software (cont) 20hrs
Week 6
8/9/2008 Conduct end user training on new software/system. 20hrs
Week 7
15/9/2008 Setup server and implement backup solution. All running smooth and user happy 20hrs
Week 8
22/9/2008 Comment on the Practicum process and analyse the process 20hrs
Week 9
29/9/2008 Collect academic resources and analyse the material 20hrs
Week 10
6/10/2008 Write up report on ICT usage in SME’s 20hrs
Week 11
13/10/2008 Write up report on ICT adoption in SME’s 20hrs
Week 12
20/10/2008 Write up report on ICT barriers in SME’s Draft completed 20hrs
Week 13
27/10/2008 Report writing 20hrs
Week 14
3/11/2008 Report writing. Report finished 20hrs
Week 15
10/11/2008 Presentation Preparation Presentation done 20hrs
Total Hours = 300
References
Farmer Adoption of ICT in New Zealand. Locke, S (2005). The Business Review, Cambridge; Aug 2005; INFORM Global; pp191-197
E-Commerce Technology Adoption Framework by New Zealand Small to Medium Size Enterprises. Rashid (2003)R.I.I.M.S., Massey University
ICT Adoption and SME Growth in New Zealand. Locke, S (2004). Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge; Mar 2004; INFORM Global; pp93-103
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Research Proposal
Self Evaluation for Blog
RES300#1-2008 Marking Schedule – Self assessment
Name Andy Hall
This is the self-assessment schedule for the journal. When assessing your journal and giving yourself marks, it may help to think in terms of a four point scale such as:
0.25 Poor
0.50 OK but a major rethink for next time
0.75 Pretty good but not perfect
1.00 Fantastic!
| Criterion | Your mark | Marks Available |
| Easy to find information: How easily can you find what you are looking for? How much unnecessary stuff is in there? | 2 | 2 marks |
| Increasingly sophisticated: Did the format or structure of your journal change as your work developed? | .75 | 1 mark |
| Useful content: How useful were the things that your recorded in your journal? | 1 | 1 mark |
| Consistent use/recording: Did you use it fairly frequently, or just occasionally? | .75 | 1 mark |
General Comments: Put any comments here that you think help to explain why you have given yourself the marks you have.
I found the Blog process a good way of recording thoughts. It is advantageous as in today’s world increasingly more resources are electronic, so the blog allows you to add links to such resources. I felt my content was relevant and the fact that I added dates and tags mean that retrieving info was easier. I found that at the start I was prone to use the blog but as the course went on, I was pretty sure on my research area, so I did not need to add as much content. Adding more content more often would be something I could have utilised further. I will endeavour to use the blog for my research project.
Total………….4.5/5
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Rsearch journal reviews after thoughts
I found I chose relevant articles and all 3 where written by NZ academics on NZ specific IT areas.
At this stage I am going to endevaour a proposal that focuses on IT on SME's and somehow include a case study/user viewpoints on the area.
Some time to knuckle this topic out will be my next step.
Clare reaised some interesting points regarding ethics today, but they are not too valid in my research approach.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thoughts on research process
In short, finding resources isn't as easy as it should be!!
Assignment 1 write up
E-Commerce Technology Adoption Framework by New Zealand
Small to Medium Size Enterprises. M. A. Rashid
R.I.I.M.S., Massey University
What the paper is about?
Increasing role of ICT in SME’s
95% of businesses are SME’s.
NZ EC rates are low in comparison with other APEC countries.
Adoption rate is high but limited in commercial transactions.
Lack of knowledge by SME’s on EC potential.
Lack of guidance in implementation and perceived costs.
Most companies would use Internet/email and have a website but that’s the extent.
Strategies to adopt EC in SME’s, govt influence?
What did the author(s) do?
Based his observations on findings from a PWC extensive survey on SME’s. Also used Ministry of Commerce publications for commentary purposes. Major themes of paper:
EC and its role in SME.
EC rates in NZ.
Limitis to adoption.
Adoption traits.
Why did you choose this paper?
It is a NZ written article by a kiwi academic, shows direct relevance and interest. When searching the area focuses on large-scale businesses, this article appealed as it was on smaller business (like the majority of NZ businesses).
Was the paper was worth reading? Why (or why not)?
I found this paper quite interesting and some of the adoption traits where interesting. The factors that can influence EC adoption are very relevant. The paper was published in 2001, so it may be of some irrelevance now as im sure EC adoption is higher but none the less a good article.
Do you believe the results/findings or the paper? Why?
Yes I believe findings of the paper. They were based on surveys conducted by outside organisations, including NZ govt.
What form of research approach did the researchers follow?
Descriptive Research
Descriptive research tells "what is."
Do you feel that this was an appropriate approach? Why?
Yes as the resources used were reputable and up to date at the time of publish. Conducting empirical research could be a large task and difficult to administer in terms of finding the right industry focus group.
Title on the board.
Intro
What is a SME? What %? What is EC?
Example, restaurant.
What factors would hinder EC – mention the authors on board.
EC in NZ
A govt backed framework.
Why I choose, papers merits
Research approaches:
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/Courses/ED690DR/Class01/ResearchTypes.html