Reality of Use and Nature of Change in Small Business: A Case Study in Inefficient Compromise

Reality of Use and Nature of Change in Small Business: A Case Study in Inefficient Compromise

Wita Wojtkowski, J. Craig Hardesty
ISBN13: 9781615205929
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-592-9.ch015
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MLA

Wojtkowski, Wita, and J. Craig Hardesty. "Reality of Use and Nature of Change in Small Business: A Case Study in Inefficient Compromise." Annals of Cases on Information Technology: Applications and Management in Organizations, edited by Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, D.B.A., IGI Global, 2001, pp. 217-225. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61520-592-9.ch015

APA

Wojtkowski, W. & Hardesty, J. (2001). Reality of Use and Nature of Change in Small Business: A Case Study in Inefficient Compromise. In M. Khosrow-Pour, D.B.A. (Ed.), Annals of Cases on Information Technology: Applications and Management in Organizations (pp. 217-225). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61520-592-9.ch015

Chicago

Wojtkowski, Wita, and J. Craig Hardesty. "Reality of Use and Nature of Change in Small Business: A Case Study in Inefficient Compromise." In Annals of Cases on Information Technology: Applications and Management in Organizations, edited by Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, D.B.A., 217-225. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2001. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61520-592-9.ch015

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Abstract

Through this case we ponder an inescapable issue faced by all small businesses. Of interest are both the positive and negative roles information technology plays when affecting organizational change. We tell a story of a small successful business that is evolving into a larger organization. While this subject brings with it myriad facets, we evaluate the actions taken in terms of technology, staff, and procedures. What learning difficulties did this enterprise face? How did management address these challenges? Why did the original entrepreneur not want to let go when the next generation attempted to implement support mechanisms? What was the outcome? Our case concerns a small service enterprise located in the western United States. There are numerous organizational issues presented in this case. Case Industry: Temporary Staffing and Service Business, OTI Major Technical Issue: Appropriate use of database technology Major Strategic Issue: Sustainable expansion when undergoing technological change Major Players/Leaders: CEO-owner (CO), operational manager (OM), IT technical manager (TM) Case Conclusion/ Recommendation: Inefficient compromise may result when small businesses employ IT to meet an increasingly competitive business environment.

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