Abstract

MATHU, Kenneth M.. The information technology role in supplier-customer information-sharing in the supply chain management of South African small and medium-sized enterprises. S. Afr. j. econ. manag. sci. [online]. 2019, vol.22, n.1, pp.1-8. ISSN 2222-3436.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajems.v22i1.2256.

BACKGROUND: The study background looked at the advent of supply chain management in the last generation which ushered in technology that drives information-sharing within, and across enterprises. The information flow facilitates synchronisation of business activities, such as relationship-building, supply chain management among others. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate how information technology (IT) application in the South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enhanced supplier-customer information sharing. SETTING: Interviews were conducted with SMEs samples that comprised mixed owner-managers from food, and general trading SMEs in Gauteng Province of South Africa. METHODS: A qualitative research methodology was used, and a non-probability sampling process was pursued. RESULTS: The results indicated that IT application in the South African SMEs enhanced supplier-customer information-sharing, as it improved interaction through supply chain collaboration and integration. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of the study highlighted that IT application in enterprises as obtained from South African SMEs enhanced supplier-customer information-sharing.

Keywords : Collaboration; information sharing; information technology; integration; small and medium enterprises; supplier-customer; supply chain management.

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