Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Manufacturing firms in Minna Metropolis

Abstract

This study examines the impact of ICT on sustainability of MSMEs manufacturing firms in Minna metropolis. Electronic marketing, technology and web 2.0 were used as the variable of ICT while increase in market share was used as a measure of MSMEs manufacturing firm’s sustainability. The study makes use of quantitative approach where one hundred and nine (109) operating registered MSMEs manufacturing firms were surveyed. The demographic data was analysed using descriptive statistics while multiple linear regressions were explored in measuring the impact of ICT on sustainability of MSMEs manufacturing firms by determining the relationship between both variables. The descriptive analysis showed that 75.2% of the survey respondents were male with a mean age of 40 years. Approximately 63.3% of the manufacturing firms surveyed are micro firms. Regression analysis summary model revealed a positive relationship between ICT and MSMEs manufacturing firm’s sustainability with r value of 0.467, r2 value of 0.180, F value of 7.675 and significant at 0.000. The findings revealed that electronic marketing, technology and web 2.0 have positive and significant relationship with MSMEs manufacturing firm’s sustainability. The results of this study notwithstanding, suggested that, the government should create an ICT friendly environment by availing the needed socioeconomic infrastructure and subsidize important ICT infrastructures like electricity good and affordable network services that will entice the adoption and full utilization of ICT in business practice as this can boost their level of sustainability and their survival rate.