Factors affecting the Post-Implementation Evaluation of Information Systems Used in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMES) in Meru County Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of carrying out this research was to propose a Framework on The Factors Affecting the Post-Implementation Evaluation of Information Systems Used in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises of Meru County. The study was guided by four main objectives which were to; determine the implementation status of the information systems implemented in the small and medium sized enterprises of Meru County, identify the evaluation parameters of IS, establish the challenges of IS at the post-implementation level and to propose a Framework for the SMEs in Meru County. An information system brings about automation, information and transformation. The organizations adopt information systems that are flexible and organize continuous upgrading of MIS staff. The reviewing of the information systems on post-implementation level is an important step that ensures the IS works appropriately. The benefits that are realized from information systems are realized until four or five years after the adoption of the systems. The criteria for evaluating information systems are cited as user satisfaction, functionality, adaptability, the popularity of suppliers and maintenance. Some SMEs in developing countries are discontented with their IS investments and are inadequate in meeting their needs. This result from the information system installed is inefficient, ineffective and obsolete. More so, the SMEs do not have qualified personnel to develop in-house soft wares; hence opting for the off-shelf soft wares. The research that has been done in other counties shows that the human threatening factors in the post-implementation of information systems are the main reasons for the malfunctioning of the information technologies. These human factors include the users who may lack adequate training to handle the systems; and lack of sufficient communication from the executives on the systems. The study has used the Information Systems Continuous Theory, Technology Fit Model and the TOE Framework. The research used descriptive survey research design which was employed to enable the researcher to obtain the required information. The population of the study was 800 SMEs in Meru County. The sample size was 240 which was 30% of the total population of SMEs using the information systems. The research data was collected using questionnaires which had both open ended and closed questions. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS (version 20). The data was edited and coded in SPSS for analysis. In addition to descriptive analysis; factor analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were also made to gain more insight about the factors that affect post-implementation. The study concluded that implementation of information systems led to efficiency in report generation, enhanced data sharing between departments and improved access to information in the SMEs operating in Meru County. Subsequently, there was swiftness in access to information, improved customer service and enhanced the level of output. In addition, the criteria for evaluating an information system include user friendliness, functionality, user performance and acceptance. Hence an information system implemented in SMEs should be user friendly, perform the functions for which it was meant to and enhance user performance. Also; the high costs involved in upgrading were the major obstacles of information systems at the post implementation level. Some of the recommendations put forth were that the users should be engaged in continuous training and upgrading in order to handle the information systems effectively