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Digital transformation dimensions for evaluating SMEs' readiness for big data analytics and artificial intelligence: A review

Author

Listed:
  • Ignitia Motjolopane

    (Department of Information Systems, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, Mmabatho, South Africa)

  • Martin Chanza

    (Department of Statistics and Operations Research, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus Mmabatho, South Africa)

Abstract

Assessing the readiness and maturity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a foundation for implementing emerging technologies like big data analytics and artificial intelligence to drive their digital transformation endeavours. This study emphasises that readiness and maturity dimensions offer descriptive and prescriptive guidelines for gauging the current and desired levels of preparedness and maturity required to achieve desired digital transformation outcomes. However, prevailing readiness and maturity models overlook the diverse stages of advancement in big data analytics and artificial intelligence. This research explores the dimensions essential for assessing SMEs' readiness to adopt big data analytics and artificial intelligence. This paper identifies the key dimensions for evaluating SMEs' readiness and maturity across different categories of big data analytics and artificial intelligence by conducting a systematic literature review and employing cluster analysis. The study's principal findings underscore that SMEs' readiness for maturity is influenced prominently by strategic leadership and organisational culture, closely trailed by information technology, security, and business model transformation. Additionally, three pivotal dimensions encompass data analytics and governance, cost-benefit and risk management, and environmental factors. Consequently, proposing that evaluating digital readiness and maturity for SMEs should encompass these six dimensions, thoughtfully considering various prerequisites related to analytics and artificial intelligence. Key Words:Small and medium enterprise, digital transformation,, big data analytics,, artificial intelligence

Suggested Citation

  • Ignitia Motjolopane & Martin Chanza, 2023. "Digital transformation dimensions for evaluating SMEs' readiness for big data analytics and artificial intelligence: A review," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 12(7), pages 583-595, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:rbs:ijbrss:v:12:y:2023:i:7:p:583-595
    DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v12i7.2837
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Peetu Virkkala & Martti Saarela & Kai Hänninen & Jaakko Kujala & Anna-Mari Simunaniemi, 2020. "Business Maturity Models for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Systematic Literature Review," Management, University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper, vol. 15(2), pages 137-155.
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