Title: The technological decision model: an entrepreneurial innovation in digital printing technologies

Authors: Chris Adendorff; J.A. Jonker

Addresses: NMMU Business School, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa ' NMMU Business School, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa

Abstract: Entrepreneurs within the SME sector using large format digital printing (LFDP) face specific decision-making problems, because of the changes in technology that influences the decision-making processes of the entrepreneur in the purchasing of a new LFDP. Rapid changes in technology are likely to continue and can cause current technologies to become obsolete overnight. The entrepreneurs within the LFDP industry are faced with rapid changes and are therefore faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, they need to make sure that the technology used produces consistent and quality products. The literature and the findings of this study, proposes an adaptation to an existing decision-making model, introducing consultant involvement in the purchase of high technology products, which is then adapted to integrate resource-forecasting areas together with timing, the type of information required, as well as external environment scanning. The existing model's focus is on the entrepreneur's ability to make decisions based on his/her own knowledge.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial innovation; digital printing; technological decision models; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; decision making; rapid technological change; printing technology; consultant involvement; high technology; high tech products; resource forecasting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSEI.2012.051471

International Journal of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2012 Vol.1 No.4, pp.330 - 350

Published online: 29 Nov 2014 *

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