Assessing the Organizations' Disaster Organizations' Disaster Organizations' Disaster Organizations' Disaster Recovery Recovery Preparedness ::: :
Khanyisa Malufu · 2013
Information Systems remain a subject to attack by natural and human threats. Security breaches and damages of information systems are increasing daily yet there are still chances of natural disasters affecting availability of Information Systems. As a result, automated data are more susceptible to destruction, unavailability or loss. The aim of this study was to assess whether or not the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are adequately prepared to recover and resume their operations in the event of a disaster occurring. The researcher chose a descriptive-quantitative research design. Data was collected using a self-constructed questionnaire. Convenience sampling and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select the main subjects of the study. Generally there was no significant difference between the perceptions of SMEs management and non-management personnel on the disaster recovery preparedness of SMEs. The study recommends further future studies to explore ways in which SMEs can helped to appreciate the importance of disaster recovery planning. awareness of potential disasters, their ability to develop a plan to minimize disruptions of critical functions and the capability to recover operations expediently and successfully. (11) Most of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are funded by the government through loans and grants as means of employment creation, economic empowerment of citizens and indigenization of businesses (13). In its vision, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development strives to be the 'nerve' centre for economic growth and empowerment through the development of SMEs in (14). Currently, the SMEs in Zimbabwe are the major drivers of the economy and they account for about 70 per cent of the economically active Zimbabweans. Thus, the failure of the SMEs may adversely affect the country's economy and in turn, the lives of many people. Use of Information Systems in order to improve the efficiency in the delivery of services is to welcome as a noble move and a great step towards improving the performance of the SMEs in line with the advancements in technology. Organizations that seek to make a difference should harness the latest technologies and stay abreast with the industry's competition if they are to remain profitable with an edge over their rivals. However, if such technology is not yet fully understood especially by the people who should implement it, monitor its performance, ensure its security and constant availability, then the organization is greatly increasing its chances of failure if it is attacked. This research seeks to find out if SMEs are adequately prepared for continuity in the event of a disaster. The researcher used a self- constructed questionnaire. As far as the researcher knows, no studies had been made before that addresses the disaster preparedness of SMEs in Zimbabwe as a developing country. This gave the researcher a ground breaking experience as the research is original and not a mere reproduction of other people's ideas.