| dc.description.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 | en_US |
