Building SME Resilience through Business Analytics: A Dynamic Capabilities Perspective

Authors

Kakale Ndwapi, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Adriana Aletta Steyn, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Published in

IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

DOI: https://doi.org/tbc

Publisher

IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

Abstract

South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are operating in an increasingly data-driven economy. Due to financial constraints, digital infrastructure limitations, and skills gaps, they have not made great strides in leveraging data to achieve competitive advantage and sustainable business growth. There is a growing need for targeted interventions to uplift SMEs as they are the lifeblood of the economy. This paper presents a business analytics capability framework designed to empower SMEs to leverage data effectively for decision-making. Using an interpretivist, qualitative and design science approach, the study conducted interviews with 16 SMEs across various industries to develop a context-specific framework that would enable a practical, scalable roadmap for implementing data-driven practices in SME business operations. The research findings resulted in tailored business analytics capabilities, proposing a tiered capability development approach, primarily based on SME size and readiness.

Keywords

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Business Analytics, Capability Framework, Dynamic Capabilities

Cite this paper

K. Ndwapi and A.A. Steyn (2026) "Building SME Resilience through Business Analytics: A Dynamic Capabilities Perspective", IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings, Miriam Cunningham and Paul Cunningham (Eds), IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, 2026, ISSN: 2576-8581, ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2, https://doi.org/tbc

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