Skip to main content

Designing for Context Versus the Lock-in Effect of ‘Free’ Global Digital Platforms: A Case of SMEs from Nigeria

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Designing for Digital Transformation. Co-Creating Services with Citizens and Industry (DESRIST 2020)

Abstract

This paper reports on the design and evaluation of an app that was designed using the newly created elaborated action design research method and critical realism to overcome the social and economic structural challenges that SMEs in Nigeria face. The results show that even though the app took into account the full range of SME dynamic capabilities and proved valuable, SMEs remained dependent on the affordances of the existing global digital platforms. The findings point to the lock-in effect of ‘freely’ available digital platforms and that SMEs tend to default to their path dependency (and therefore the existing global digital platforms) rather than explore local digital innovations. The paper suggests that intentional efforts from powerful actors such as government might be necessary to overcome the path dependency and lock-in effect of ‘freely’ available global digital platforms. The paper identifies the extra efforts required to sustain local digital innovation in the face of well-resourced global digital platforms. The paper further reveals the utility of the new elaborated action design research method for designing for context. Six (6) design principles for designing for SMEs in resource-constrained contexts were also elicited.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Teece, D., Shuena, A., Pisano, G.: Dynamic capabilities and strategic management. Strategic Manage. J. 18, 509–533 (1997)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Esselaar, S., Christoph, S., Ali, N., Deen-Swarray, M.: ICT usage and its impact on profitability of SMEs in 13 African countries. In: 2006 International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies and Development, pp. 40–47. IEEE (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Constantinides, P., Henfridsson, O., Parker, G.: Platforms and infrastructures in the digital age (2018). https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2018.0794

  4. Asadullah, A., Faik, I., Kankanhalli, A.: Digital platforms: a review and future directions (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  5. O’Halloran, J.: SMEs get productivity from mobile applications. http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240088236/SMEs-get-productivity-from-mobile-applications. Accessed 20 June 2017

  6. Nwagwu, I., Oni, T.: Lagos and its potentials for economic growth. https://ng.boell.org/2015/07/02/lagos-and-its-potentials-economic-growth. Accessed 30 Sept 2018

  7. Muller, P., et al.: Annual report on European SMEs 2018/2019 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Urquhart, C.: Response to davison and martinsons: context is king! Yes and no - it’s still all about theory (building). J. Inf. Technol. 31, 254–256 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41265-016-0002-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Davison, R., Martinsons, M.: Context is king! Considering particularism in research design and reporting. J. Inf. Technol. 31, 241–249 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.2015.19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Andoh-Baidoo, F.: Context-specific theorizing in ICT4D research. Inf. Technol. Dev. 23, 195–211 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1080/02681102.2017.1356036

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Bhaskar, R.: A realist theory of science SE - radical thinkers. Verso (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Heeks, R., Wall, P.J.: Critical realism and ICT4D research. In: Choudrie, J., Islam, M.S., Wahid, F., Bass, J.M., Priyatma, J.E. (eds.) ICT4D 2017. IAICT, vol. 504, pp. 159–170. Springer, Cham (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59111-7_14

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  13. Ng, E., Tan, B.: Achieving state-of-the-art ICT connectivity in developing countries: the Azerbaijan model of Technology Leapfrogging. Electron. J. Inf. Syst. Dev. Countr. 84, e12027 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1002/isd2.12027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Abdullahi, M., et al.: The nature of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs): government and financial institutions support in Nigeria. Int. J. Acad. Res. Bus. Soc. Sci. 5, 527 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Easterby-Smith, M., Lyles, M.A., Peteraf, M.A.: Dynamic capabilities: current debates and future directions. Br. J. Manag. 20, S1–S8 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Mohamud, M., Sarpong, D.: Dynamic capabilities: towards an organizing framework. (2016). https://doi.org/10.1108/JSMA-11-2015-0088

  17. Islam, D.M.D.R., Mazumder, T.: Mobile application and its global impact. Int. J. Eng. Technol. 10, 72–78 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Bula, H.: Evolution and theories of entrepreneurship: a critical review on the Kenyan perspective. Int. J. Bus. Commer. 1, 81–96 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  19. Bălan, C.: The disruptive impact of future advanced ICTs on maritime transport: a systematic review (2018). https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-03-2018-0133

  20. Bezerra, J., et al.: The mobile revolution: how mobile technologies drive a trillion dollar impact. https://eliasgagas.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/the_mobile_revolution_jan_2015_tcm80-180510.pdf. Accessed 18 July 2017

  21. Twinomurinzi, H., Schofield, A., Hagen, L., Ditsoane-Molefe, S., Tshidzumba, N.A.: Towards a shared worldview on e-skills: a discourse between government, industry and academia on the ICT skills paradox. South Afr. Comput. J. 29, 215–237 (2017). https://doi.org/10.18489/sacj.v29i3.408

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Voss, C., Perks, H., Sousa, R., Witell, L., Wünderlich, N.: Reflections on context in service research. J. Serv. Manag. 27, 30–36 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1108/JOSM-04-2015-0115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Ayoung, A., Abbott, P., Kashefi, A.: The influence of intangible (‘soft’) constructs on the outcome of community ICT initiatives in ghana: a gap archetype analysis. Electron. J. Inf. Syst. Dev. Countr. 77, 1–22 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1681-4835.2016.tb00562.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Tennant, J.: Why ‘context’ is important for research. https://blog.scienceopen.com/2016/05/why-context-is-important-for-research/. Accessed 23 Oct 2019

  25. Takavarasha Jr., S., Hapanyengwi, G., Kabanda, G.: Using livelihood profiles for assessing context in ICT4D resarch: a case study of zimbabwe’s highveld prime communal. Electron. J. Inf. Syst. Dev. Countr. 79, 1–22 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1681-4835.2017.tb00582.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Ongori, H.: Empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with information communication technologies (ICTs): global perspective. EPRA Int. J. Econ. Bus. Rev. 4 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Siqueira, E., Souza, C., Barbosa, A., Senen, D., Meirelles, F.: Using a digital divide index among enterprises in the context of public policies in Brazil. Electron. J. Inf. Syst. Dev. Countr. 85, e12088 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1002/isd2.12088

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Dasuki, S., Quaye, A., Abubakar, N.: An evaluation of information systems students internship programs in Nigeria: a capability perspective. Electron. J. Inf. Syst. Dev. Countr. 83, 1–19 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1681-4835.2017.tb00614.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Sein, M., Henfridsson, O., Purao, S., Rossi, M., Lindgren, R.: Action design research. MIS Q. 35, 37 (2011). https://doi.org/10.2307/23043488

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Mullarkey, M., Hevner, A.: An elaborated action design research process model (2018). https://doi.org/10.1080/0960085X.2018.1451811

  31. McLaren, T., Buijs, P.: A Design science approach for developing information systems research instruments (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  32. Hevner, A., March, S., Park, J., Ram, S.: Design science in information systems research. MIS Q.: Manag. Inf. Syst. 28, 75–105 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Jeppesen, S.: Critical realism as an approach to unfolding empirical findings: thoughts on fieldwork in South Africa on SMEs and environment. J. Transdisc. Environ. Stud. 4, 9 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Elder-Vass, D.: Re-examining Bhaskar’s three ontological domains: the lessons from emergence. In: Lawson, C., Spiro Latsis, J., and Martins, N. (eds.) Contributions to Social Ontology, pp. 160–176. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group (2013). https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203607473

  35. Mingers, J.: Realizing information systems: critical realism as an underpinning philosophy for information systems. Inf. Organ. 14, 87–103 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Tolani, A., Owoseni, A., Twinomurinzi, H.: Exploring the effect of mobile apps on SMEs in Nigeria: a critical realist study. In: Nielsen, P., Kimaro, H.C. (eds.) ICT4D 2019. IAICT, vol. 551, pp. 606–618. Springer, Cham (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18400-1_50

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  37. Owoseni, A., Twinomurinzi, H.: The use of mobile apps to enhance SMEs in conditions of uncertainty: A case study from Lagos, Nigeria. In: Proceedings of the 10th Annual Pre-ICIS SIG GlobDev Workshop, Seoul, South Korea (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  38. George, D., Mallery, P.: SPSS for Windows Step by Step : A Simple Guide and Reference 17.0 Update. Allyn & Bacon, Boston (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  39. Teece, D., Pisano, G., Shuen, A.: Dynamic capabilities and strategic management. Strateg. Manag. J. 18, 509–533 (1997)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Modell, S., Jacobs, K., Wiesel, F.: A process (re) turn? Path dependencies, institutions and performance management in Swedish central government. Manag. Acc. Res. 18, 453–475 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mar.2006.12.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Soyer, A., Onar, S.Ç., Sanchez, R.: Overcoming path dependency and “lock-in” in competence building and competence leveraging processes. Res. Compet.-Based Manage. 8, 25–44 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1108/S1744-211720170000008002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. HBS: WeChat: A winner in China but a loser abroad. https://digital.hbs.edu/platform-digit/submission/wechat-a-winner-in-china-but-a-loser-abroad/. Accessed 23 Oct 2019

  43. Baierl, R., Grichnik, D., Herrmann, A.: Overcoming path-dependency with entrepreneurial self-efficacy (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  44. Djelic, M.-L., Quack, S.: Overcoming path dependency: path generation in open systems. Theory Soc. 36, 161–186 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11186-007-9026-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adedamola Tolani .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

1 Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (DOCX 502 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Tolani, A., Owoseni, A., Twinomurinzi, H. (2020). Designing for Context Versus the Lock-in Effect of ‘Free’ Global Digital Platforms: A Case of SMEs from Nigeria. In: Hofmann, S., Müller, O., Rossi, M. (eds) Designing for Digital Transformation. Co-Creating Services with Citizens and Industry. DESRIST 2020. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 12388. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64823-7_29

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64823-7_29

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-64822-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-64823-7

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics