Records and information management practices among SMEs in Tororo district, Uganda

Abstract

Purpose

The realization of the significant roles played by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in economic development and the crucial values attached to efficient and effective records and information management in decision making, and the fact that little seems to be done to improve on the management of records and information among the SMES in Uganda, necessitated this study. The study therefore aims to investigate the management of records and information among the SMEs in Tororo district in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a quantitative approach in which a structured questionnaire was used as the main data collection method and supplemented with a telephone interview. Snowball sampling strategy was applied in identifying the respondents. A total of 61 SMEs could be identified. Off this 61, 42 (69 percent) participated in the study. Data were analysed using the Excel program.

Findings

The findings indicate that the SMEs have many issues and challenges related to records and information management. The paper concludes that a concerted effort should be made and proposes that SMEs managers be trained on key skills for records and information management.

Originality/value

The Government of Uganda, in a bid to improve on the SMEs sector, have mainly focused on provision of advice on business practices and counseling for entrepreneurs who seek to access credit and new markets ignoring the crucial component of records and information management. This study thus closes this gap and makes key recommendations regarding improvement of records and information management among SMEs.

Citation

Okello‐Obura, C. (2012), "Records and information management practices among SMEs in Tororo district, Uganda", Library Review, Vol. 61 No. 6, pp. 447-469. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242531211284357