A central theme running through the paper
is that the successful utilisation of
technology is predicated on having the
necessary skills and competencies in-house
to manage likely new systems, processes and
structures that may be associated with
technology enhanced functioning. The
authors question whether SMEs are prepared
for this future and explore whether the
training and development systems in place in
SMEs can provide the necessary readiness to
take advantage of this new environment.
Focusing on a number of principle training
and development indicators ± such as
expenditure on T&D, training needs
identification and training priorities ± the
authors conclude that there is a relatively
underdeveloped training culture in Northern
Ireland's SMEs. Specifically they highlight