The Impact of IT Strategic Planning Process on SME Performance: A Systematic Review

Information technology (IT) strategic planning plays a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), improving operational efficiency and decision-making, and fostering innovation. This systematic review aims to synthesize the impacts of IT strategic plannin...

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Main Authors: Olebogeng B. Molete, Selloane E. Mokhele, Somquba D. Ntombela, Bonginkosi A. Thango
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Businesses
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7116/5/1/2
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author Olebogeng B. Molete
Selloane E. Mokhele
Somquba D. Ntombela
Bonginkosi A. Thango
author_facet Olebogeng B. Molete
Selloane E. Mokhele
Somquba D. Ntombela
Bonginkosi A. Thango
author_sort Olebogeng B. Molete
collection DOAJ
description Information technology (IT) strategic planning plays a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), improving operational efficiency and decision-making, and fostering innovation. This systematic review aims to synthesize the impacts of IT strategic planning on SME performance, focusing on key performance indicators such as operational efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction. A total of 80 studies were rigorously analyzed. Quantitative methods were used in 45% of the studies, while 25% applied thematic analysis. The adoption of cloud-based solutions (11.25%) and hybrid IT setups (17.5%) were also evaluated as critical enablers of flexibility and cost-efficiency. SMEs aligning their IT strategies with business objectives demonstrated up to a 20% reduction in operational costs and a 15% increase in customer satisfaction. Resource constraints were identified as a significant challenge in 60% of the studies. Nevertheless, effective IT planning contributed to long-term sustainability and competitive advantage in 60% of the reviewed studies. This review provides actionable insights and strategic frameworks to guide SMEs in optimizing their IT investments, overcoming resource limitations, and ensuring sustainable growth.
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spelling doaj-art-d977fa2ba86c419ebe56ccc7538d5eef2025-08-20T02:11:18ZengMDPI AGBusinesses2673-71162025-01-0151210.3390/businesses5010002The Impact of IT Strategic Planning Process on SME Performance: A Systematic ReviewOlebogeng B. Molete0Selloane E. Mokhele1Somquba D. Ntombela2Bonginkosi A. Thango3Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South AfricaDepartment of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South AfricaDepartment of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South AfricaDepartment of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South AfricaInformation technology (IT) strategic planning plays a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), improving operational efficiency and decision-making, and fostering innovation. This systematic review aims to synthesize the impacts of IT strategic planning on SME performance, focusing on key performance indicators such as operational efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction. A total of 80 studies were rigorously analyzed. Quantitative methods were used in 45% of the studies, while 25% applied thematic analysis. The adoption of cloud-based solutions (11.25%) and hybrid IT setups (17.5%) were also evaluated as critical enablers of flexibility and cost-efficiency. SMEs aligning their IT strategies with business objectives demonstrated up to a 20% reduction in operational costs and a 15% increase in customer satisfaction. Resource constraints were identified as a significant challenge in 60% of the studies. Nevertheless, effective IT planning contributed to long-term sustainability and competitive advantage in 60% of the reviewed studies. This review provides actionable insights and strategic frameworks to guide SMEs in optimizing their IT investments, overcoming resource limitations, and ensuring sustainable growth.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7116/5/1/2information technologyIT strategic planningSME performanceIT investmentsdigital economy
spellingShingle Olebogeng B. Molete
Selloane E. Mokhele
Somquba D. Ntombela
Bonginkosi A. Thango
The Impact of IT Strategic Planning Process on SME Performance: A Systematic Review
Businesses
information technology
IT strategic planning
SME performance
IT investments
digital economy
title The Impact of IT Strategic Planning Process on SME Performance: A Systematic Review
title_full The Impact of IT Strategic Planning Process on SME Performance: A Systematic Review
title_fullStr The Impact of IT Strategic Planning Process on SME Performance: A Systematic Review
title_full_unstemmed The Impact of IT Strategic Planning Process on SME Performance: A Systematic Review
title_short The Impact of IT Strategic Planning Process on SME Performance: A Systematic Review
title_sort impact of it strategic planning process on sme performance a systematic review
topic information technology
IT strategic planning
SME performance
IT investments
digital economy
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7116/5/1/2
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