An evaluation of the role of information technology in achieving sustainable competitive advantage in the frozen vegetables industry: A case study of Exhort Enterprises (PVT) Ltd (2007 - 2011)

Abstract

The general conclusion from literature on competitive advantage is that information communication systems results in competitive advantage and increased organisational performance by enabling firms to realise higher economic return, increased productivity and a decrease in total risk through leveraging on the firm’s initial conditions, core competencies and strategic assets. However, this literature has been confined to other parts of the world; hence the aim of this research was to attempt to fill the research gap by investigating the impact of information communications systems on the performance of a Zimbabwean organisation. The research information and its application were aimed at benefiting the corporate world, the country and academic community. This research was based on a single case study design of Exhort Enterprises. Positivism and phenomenology research methods were used because both would add unique value to the study. The research found out that having successfully implemented the information communications system, Exhort Enterprises failed to improve operational efficiencies, and internal processes, and that information technology is not regarded in the company’s strategy. It was also found that Exhort lost its supplies of raw materials to other markets through side marketing of its pre-funded crop, by farmers. The main conclusion was that the company has not used the technology to achieve strategic positioning and operational efficiencies. The recommendations were that Exhort should assess the strategic capabilities of the information technology and then put those into use.