IT Governance Strategies for SMEs in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Abstract

Robust IT governance practices are vital in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In this age of the fourth industrial revolution, good IT governance practices can help enterprises achieve better IT-business alignment, deal with rapid emergence of technologies, and maximize profits. Given that SMEs contribute to 75% of employment in most economies, good IT governance practices are needed if they are to survive in a competitive market. Research suggests that such practices are mostly non-existent in SMEs, even though well-recognized IT governance frameworks exist. Hence, the purpose of this study is to better understand the barriers to implementing IT governance practices in SMEs. Case study research combined with quantitative research will be conducted to gain a deeper understanding of these barriers. This study will also suggest IT management practices that can be included in an IT governance framework for SMEs.