1. LE NGUYEN DOAN KHOI - Department of Scientific Research Affairs, Can Tho University, Vietnam.
2. TU VAN BINH - University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and CFVG, Vietnam.
The purpose of this study is to analyse the role of information technology (IT) in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the South of Vietnam. Based on interviews with entrepreneurs in the provinces, it was found that SMEs in the South of Vietnam have started using this new technology to improve their businesses. Most of them are using email and Internet services to communicate with their business partners and friends. Internet services are also being used to search for product related information. Several positive effects from using IT were reported, such as increased sales, access to new customers and markets, and improved efficiency of operations. Lack of financial resources and lack of computer skills were reported as the major barriers for accessing IT services, while language barriers and lack of time only were mentioned by a few of the entrepreuneurs entrepreneurs. However, lack of time was also stated as a barrier to achieving the needed training, thus also having an indirect negative effect on IT adoption and use. These results indicate that providing funding schemes and access to IT training programs are of key importance for stimulating human resource development through further adoption and use of IT services among SMEs in the South of Vietnam.
SMEs, IT, South of Vietnam.