| dc.description.abstract | When the computer was first developed in the 1940's, only large, majior business firms could afford to have a computer. This has changed since the 1970's with the introduction and development of the large scale integrated chips which made possible the manufacture of microcomputers. The result has been affordable computer power within the reach of every business. With the development of microcomputers, small businesses can now afford to buy a computer which has more computing power than the first commercial computer, UNIVAC I, delivered in 1949. Past researchers (Lai[10] OJ, Raymond andMagnenatf[15], DeLone[4]. Ein-Dor and Segev[7]) indicate that application of microcomputers to production management which has proved to be a very effective route to a significant improvements in efficiency in large companies, was not until recently easily achieved in small companies. The effect of computerization of small businesses in the field of production management is still very limit,ed. This study was designed to determine if small manufacturing businesses are actually purchasing and using microcomputers, and if so, for what production applications, the source of software used, and the level of satisfaction with the performance of the systems. | |
