Title: The role of information and communication technologies and logistics organisation in the economic performance of Sicilian fruit and vegetable enterprises

Authors: Emanuele Schimmenti; Antonio Asciuto; Valeria Borsellino; Antonino Galati

Addresses: DEMETRA Department, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy ' DEMETRA Department, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy ' DEMETRA Department, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy ' DEMETRA Department, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy

Abstract: Through a direct survey conducted on a sample of firms operating in the Sicilian fruit and vegetable sector, the present study provides an empirical evidence on the degree of diffusion of ICTs as well as on relationships with the regional distribution system. To pursue this goal, a multiple regression analysis model was implemented to identify which factors affect more the economic results of fruit and vegetable enterprises. The main results of the analysis indicate that firms using specific software for accounting, warehousing, payment and sales orders and contracts, are more likely to obtain higher economic performances under the 'coeteris paribus' condition, as well as firms which are equipped with larger plants for product processing. As to other variables dealing with logistics, it was not possible to extend the model results to the whole population of fruit and vegetable firms, since their coefficient estimates were not considered significant.

Keywords: information and communications technology; ICT; logistics; fruit and vegetables; linear regression analysis; information technology; economic performance; Sicily; Italy; regional distribution; accounting software; warehousing software; payment software; sales orders software; contracts.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2013.052254

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2013 Vol.10 No.2, pp.185 - 193

Published online: 21 Nov 2013 *

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