Utilisation of ICTs by SMEs in records and information management in Uganda: a baseline study

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), in virtually all countries, play a key role in national economic development strategies by facilitating flows of information, capital, ideas, people and products. Equally, the potential benefits of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are well known. ICTs enhance SME efficiency, reduce costs, and broaden market reach, both locally and globally. Based on this understanding, a study was designed to examine the utilisation of ICTs by SMEs for records and information management in Uganda. A baseline study was carried out in Tororo district in eastern Uganda before a full scale study is conducted to determine the ICTs knowledgeand skills of the SMEs managers and ICTs used for managing records and information in Uganda. Secondly the study sought to determine the level to which different ICTs are useful to the SMEs in management of records and information and assess in particular e-mail records management among the SMEs. The study elicited data using the questionnaire and a follow up interview to validate or clarify on emerging issues. The findings of the study indicate that the SMEs managers lack skills in most of the ICTs and their applications in records and information management. The study concludes that there is a need to sensitize and train SMEs managers in ICTs application in records and information management. Thisis imperative because SMEs are pillars of economic growth.

Keywords: Records and information management, Small and medium enterprises, ICTs utilisation, E-mail management