Abstract
M.Inf.
In an environment of uncertainty, information has a potential competitive advantage for enterprises. South African enterprises, in metropolitan areas operate in a global market and must withstand the competitive pressure from other producers and from new alternative technologies and products. Managers therefore need an input of competitive information and must manage and utilise this information. This empirical study therefore investigates the extent to which small- and medium-sized enterprises in Acornhoek make use of business information for sustainable competitive advantage. An extensive literature review determining the information needs of business managers as well as how managers use and handle information in business enterprises is conducted. Based on the literature review, a survey method using pre-structured questionnaire is used. The study provides recommendations on how small- and medium-sized enterprises in Acornhoek should make use of business information to survive in a competitive environment. Finally, areas for further investigation on the subject of information as an economic resource for small– and medium–sized enterprises are provided.