Presenter: Billy J. Cates

Faculty Sponsor: Karen Druffel

School: Framingham State University

Research Area: Business & Economics

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Auditorium, A59

ABSTRACT

Small businesses increasingly depend on digital technologies to improve efficiency, manage growth, and remain competitive in their markets. While existing research has examined information technology adoption in organizational settings, there is a need to better understand how small business owners perceive the role of business technologies in supporting operational efficiency and growth capacity. This study explores how the adoption of business technologies influences operational efficiency and perceived growth capacity in small businesses.

This research will use a survey-based methodology to collect primary data from small business owners and managers. The survey will gather information on the types of business technologies adopted, including marketing, communication, and operational tools, as well as respondents’ perceptions of technology usefulness, ease of use, operational efficiency, and scalability. Empirical data will be collected through an online questionnaire distributed to small business owners within the researcher’s professional network and broader small business communities.

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical methods to examine relationships between technological adoption and perceived business outcomes. As a work in progress, this study aims to contribute to the information systems literature by providing insight into how small businesses leverage technology to improve efficiency and support growth. The findings are also expected to offer practical implications for small business owners making technological adoption decisions in real-world operating environments.