Abstract
M.Comm.
The principal aim of this study within the framework of Business Management is to
determine whether or not South African companies that invest in Information Technology
actually reap the fruit of their investments in the form of improved competitiveness in the
industry in question. Successful companies in the developed countries of the world are
conclusive proof of the fact that their investment in Information Technology is to their
advantage, as their ability to gather, analyse and utilise information is dramatically
improved. Their success is further supported by the unique abilities of Information
Technology to help them establish interrelations with other firms, markets and products.
The inherent abilities of and the rapid development within the information industry soon
convince one of the fact that Information Technology does, indeed, have at its disposal the
wherewithal to ensure that companies investing in IT become leaders in terms of their
competitive position in the market. The deciding factor in the development of the full
potential of this technology in each company is, however, the policy and approach each
management pursues and adopts towards its version of Information Technology, as well as the strategic application of the immense potential of this domain of technology.