Software Systems within SMEs - Essay Example

Strategies for Implementing Accounting Software Systems within SMEsTopic OutlineSmall to medium enterprise present the major part of developed economies: SMEs form 99% of enterprises in highly developed countries (Usherproject.org.uk 2002). In this context it is extremely important to research as explicitly as possible all factors driving SMEs performance. The proposed project will bring better insight into what software implementation strategies are bets used with SMEs when implementing accounting software packages.

Choosing the right accounting software is perceived as one of the most challenging tasks an entrepreneur faces in his professional career (Johnston 2003). This especially relates to small businesses as their owners often lack the expertise beyond their core activities.Problem to Solve and WorthThere is a wide choice of accounting software packages currently presented on the market addressing various needs of customer. In this highly diversified area, choosing the ‘right’ software system becomes an important and at the same time difficult leading to the importance of picking out the ‘right’ strategy for implementing accounting software.

Although a lot of SMEs nowadays implement a strategic approach to implementation of software generally perceived as ‘perspective’, there is no desired clarity in what strategies are suit best for SMEs. This problem requires further research, as it brings better understanding of links between accounting performance and strategies of software implementation.Research QuestionWhat strategies for implementing accounting software suit best for small to medium enterprises in improving their accounting performance?

Expected form of AnswerA report containing description and evaluation of different software implementation strategies used by SMEs for choosing and utilising accounting software packages.List of Primary Data Items 1. List of SMEs participating in the research;2. List of strategies used with participants for implementing accounting software systems;3. Measurement system for accounting performance of SMEs;4. Measures for evaluating the effectiveness of strategies;5. Costs of implementation of strategies.

Idea for Action To compare the dissimilarities between the accounting performance of SMEs using different strategic approaches when implementing accounting software; to analyse through case studies benefits and drawbacks of accounting software implementation strategies. The results of analysis will be used in the report to recommend certain strategies to be chosen with SMEs.Strategic IT ElementThe report produced on the outcome of my project will be a useful contribution to general theory of software implementation strategies explaining through evaluation of strategic approaches what steps a small to medium enterprise should take to implement a suitable accounting software successfully.

Moreover, till now theoretical frameworks have been concentrating mainly on general benefits of strategic approach to software implementation, lacking the specific features of SME and a detailed comparison of performance changes with different strategies implemented. My project will fill this gap and provide companies with an analysis of different strategies for implementing accounting software systems.ReferencesJohnston, R.P. (2003). A Strategy for Finding the Right Accounting Software. Journal of Accountancy, Sep.

Retrieved online July 16, 2005 from http://www.aicpa.org/pubs/jofa/sep2003/johnston.htmUsherproject.org.uk. (2002) Strategy Guidelines for SME Internet Trading. Retrieved online July 16, 2005 from http://www.usherproject.org.uk/support/docs/sm-eb-strat.pdf