Technological Infrastructure and Economic Sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises in Ebonyi State

Abstract

The study examined Technological Infrastructure and economic sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises in Ebonyi State. The specific objectives are to: Examine the relationship between internet connectivity and Operational efficiency; and evaluate the relationship between telecommunications networks and customer retention of small and Medium Enterprises in Ebonyi State. The study used the descriptive survey design approach. The primary source of data was the administration of questionnaire. A total population of 1994 owners and managers of Small and medium enterprises were used. The adequate sample size of 333, using Freund and William's statistic formula at 5 percent margin of error was used. 267staff returned the questionnaire and accurately filled. Data was presented and analyzed and the hypotheses were tested using Z - test. The findings indicated i. internet connectivity had a significant positive relationship with the operational efficiency of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ebonyi State, Z = 10.542, p. <. 05 and Telecommunications networks had a significant positive relationship with customer retention of SMEs in Ebonyi State, Z = 10.848 p. <. 05. The study concluded that technological infrastructure plays a significant role in promoting the economic sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ebonyi State. The study recommended among others that SME owners and managers should invest in reliable and high-speed internet services and adopt suitable internet-enabled business tools to improve communication, online transactions, information access, and overall operational efficiency.