Abstract
D.Comm.
The small-business enterprise is becoming evermore important to economies
worldwide, even to those of first-world countries. In South Africa, the small-business
sector plays an even greater part. Research has shown that computer technology can
be implemented in the small-business environment to increase productivity and even
to gain a competitive edge over one's competitors.
Despite the fact that small-business enterprises stand to derive great benefits from
computerisation, many managers lack the necessary expertise to computerise their
businesses. Although the necessary expertise may be acquired by engaging
consultants, the associated cost often is beyond the financial means of the smallbusiness
enterprise.
The principal aim of this study, therefore, is to identify mechanisms in terms of which
the necessary expertise could be made available to the small-business enterprise at a
fair price. The study furthermore proposes a consultation model in terms of which the
costs can be shared by enough small-business enterprises so that it would still be
affordable to small-business enterprises and financially viable for consultants.