Information and Communication Technology Strategies to Improve International Competitiveness in the Wholesale and Retail Trade Sector

Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2018 in the subject Business economics - Business Management, Corporate Governance, grade: 4.0, , language: English, abstract: The study explored the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategies that managers of Barbados's wholesale trade businesses use to improve international competitiveness in Barbados. The resource-based view theory was the conceptual framework for this study. Data collection included semi structured interviews with 15 business managers, participant observation, and organizational document analysis. Data analysis and methodological triangulation revealed 4 themes that helped to understand the findings within the context of the research question and the purpose of the study. These themes included competitive position and response, internal factors, IT-specific factors, and ICT experiences. Implications of social change include providing business managers with specific knowledge on ICT strategies used to improve international competitiveness in Barbados and an understanding of desirable and undesirable perspectives held regarding these strategies.