e-Infrastructure and e-Services for Developing Countries. 8th International Conference, AFRICOMM 2016, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, December 6-7, 2016, Proceedings

Research Article

Usage of Online Business Advisory by Micro-entrepreneurs:

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  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-319-66742-3_24,
        author={Fatuma Namisango and Gorretti Byomire and Maria Kafuko and Asianzu Elizabeth},
        title={Usage of Online Business Advisory by Micro-entrepreneurs: 
        },
        proceedings={e-Infrastructure and e-Services for Developing Countries. 8th International Conference, AFRICOMM 2016, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, December 6-7, 2016, Proceedings},
        proceedings_a={AFRICOMM},
        year={2017},
        month={10},
        keywords={Online usage Business advisory Micro-entrepreneurs},
        doi={10.1007/978-3-319-66742-3_24}
    }
    
  • Fatuma Namisango
    Gorretti Byomire
    Maria Kafuko
    Asianzu Elizabeth
    Year: 2017
    Usage of Online Business Advisory by Micro-entrepreneurs:
    AFRICOMM
    Springer
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66742-3_24
Fatuma Namisango1,*, Gorretti Byomire1,*, Maria Kafuko1,*, Asianzu Elizabeth1,*
  • 1: Makerere University Business School
*Contact email: fnamisango@mubs.ac.ug, gbyomire@mubs.ac.ug, mmiiro@mubs.ac.ug, easianzu@mubs.ac.ug

Abstract

Online platforms are becoming common and a way to enhanced interaction and wider reach. However, micro-entrepreneurs have generally not embraced online services for business development and support. Micro-entrepreneurs have largely failed during infancy owing to factors like technology use. Even with the business advisory service that is widely preached by government and non-government providers, micro entrepreneurs are still challenged. Concerns of business advisory outreach are largely raised. Using a quantitative approach the study sought to identify the advisory services needed, those accessed online and the reasons for using on not using the existing online platforms to access business advisory. The study was narrowed down to micro-entrepreneurs operating in the textile industry. The study provides insight about the state of internet-based business advisory in the micro-entrepreneurial society of Uganda. It was generally noted that micro-entrepreneurs prefer physical access to online access of business advisory although they acknowledge the benefits associated with online platforms. Limited knowledge and skills on how to use these platforms coped with the busy daily schedule limits the time available to search for advice online.