ROLE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT OF SMALL TO MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES): A CASE STUDY OF CHIKWANHA BUSINESS CENTRE IN CHITUNGWIZA, ZIMBABWE

ROLE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT OF SMALL TO MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES): A CASE STUDY OF CHIKWANHA BUSINESS CENTRE IN CHITUNGWIZA, ZIMBABWE

RUGARE CHITIGA

The Zimbabwean economy declined in the past decades. Many industries
closed leading to mushrooming of the informal sector. Chikwanha has developed into a
hub of many SMEs involved in different activities. No study has been carried out to
ascertain how ICT has influenced the stock or inventory management of SMEs
activities at Chikwanha. This research study was aimed at determining the extent of
ICT influence in stock management. A qualitative approach was used. Interviews and
questionnaires were used in data generation. The findings showed that Internet was not
used despite the availability of iPads and smart phones in the market. The benefits of
Internet usage in trade and inventory management were not experienced. Limited
benefits such as accuracy, processing speed, theft and stock shortages reduction were
realized through the use of computers. However a number of challenges were faced.
The major challenge was that of lack and unreliability of electricity supply that affected
usage of computers. Lack of computer skills also hampered usage of computerized
inventory systems. It was recommended that the SMEs be staff-developed in the use of
computers. The use of iPads and smart phones should be encouraged