How they manage IT: SMEs in Canada and the US

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the US are making better use of information technology (IT) than their Canadian counterparts, as effective IT management is critical for SMEs since they operate different from large companies. The major domains that effect IT management in SMEs include environment, organization, technology/innovation, task, and technology. The findings indicate that support from top management and commitment to IS implementation, IT decision making, and guidance and direction are similar between the two countries. The statistical analysis shows that consultants provide US and Canadian SMEs with similar levels of expertise to assist in IT implementation, problem identification, and the selection of application packages and vendors who provide user training, after-sales service, and technical support. Future investigations can compare IT management in the US SMEs with those in other countries as a baseline to enhance best practice in management of IT resources.