Evaluating mobile app usage by service sector micro and small enterprises in Nigeria: an abductive approach

ABSTRACT

This research investigated how mobile apps influence the dynamic capabilities of service sector micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Using an abductive method, data from 388 service sector MSEs was examined through exploratory factor analysis. The resultant model suggests that mobile app usage barely increases the absorptive capability (integrating new learning into the organization) of MSEs; rather, it strongly influences the ability to seize opportunities. The result implies that mobile app usage by service sector MSEs in Lagos deviates from the conventional views on the micro foundations of the dynamic capability framework, which argues that sensed opportunities are first analysed (shaped) before resources are deployed towards their maximization. These findings suggest that the service sector MSEs in Lagos seldom scrutinize opportunities before deploying resources to seize them. This study extends IS literature on how mobile apps help MSEs to exploit business opportunities in resource-constrained contexts.

KEYWORDS:

• Mobile apps
• service sector micro and small enterprises
• abduction
• exploratory factor analysis (EFA)
• dynamic capability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes on contributors

Adebowale Owoseni is a digital innovator with proven success in both corporate and academic arenas. He started as a software engineer in the Nigerian financial service industry. Specialize in leading contextual digital solutions such as enterprise web applications, mobile applications and robotic process automation (RPA). Improving customer experiences and accelerating other business goals. He leverages the industry experience and finds remarkable fulfillment in researching and teaching subjects that speak to ICT for development (ICT4D) and societal impact of emerging technologies as portrayed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution – 4IR. Specifically, in the areas of digital inclusion, digital readiness, and digital transformation.

Hossana Twinomurinzi is currently the Director for Digital Skills Research at NEMISA, a past Associate Editor for the African Journal of Information Systems, the Immediate Past Chairperson for the ICT4D Flagship at Unisa, and immediate Past Secretary for SAICSIT. His primary research interests are in Digital Skills, Digital Government, Digital Innovation and ICT for development. He has professional membership on the Association for Information Systems (AIS), the International Institute of Informatics and Systemics (IIIS) and the Computer Society of South Africa (IITPSA). He has done contract research in various sectors ranging from the military, government, non-profit organizations and banking. He has management and executive experience having served in chief executive and senior management positions in South Africa, England, Swaziland and Uganda. He is a professional facilitator and is involved in several social enterprise activities.