Influencing factors model of information and communication technology (ICT) in Saudi Arabian small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

There has been no research done on how SMEs are adopting and use ICT in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In particular, which factors are influencing the implementation and use of ICT and how those factors impact a firm's performance. The aim of this chapter is to addresses this gap through an exploration of the sufficient and necessary factors associated with adoption and use of ICT in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's SMEs. Significance of the research is founded on premises that SMEs are the main developing and an economy's diversifying factor and that adoption and use of ICT represents the fundamental source of competitiveness and the basis for SMEs survival in the world market. In many countries, small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have played a crucial role in creating jobs and providing economic stability. Following its significance, the paper sets the following general objectives:' To develop the ICT adoption model for the KSA SMEs, ' To evaluate intensity of factors influencing the ICT use,' To design the Map of Interactions' To establish the Map of the Performance influencing factors. The research methods which will be used to achieve the objectives are: 'The qualitative-comparative analysis (QCA) and its formal language Boolean algebra.This method will be used in the first phase to develop the ICT adoption model for the KSA SMEs. 'The System Theory application is the method applied in the second stage which has the capacity to allow a comprehensive study of the complex and dynamic interactions between organisational context, users, ICT and the environment. Outcomes of this research are expected to be a comprehensive array of recommendations for a firm's performance improvement, economic development and strategic policy plans. In terms of measurable outcomes it is expected on macro level this project to increase SMEs survival rate, while on the micro level a firm should be able to measure improved performance by increased profitability, increased market share, and customers' and employees' satisfaction, and increased use of ICT in a company.