Abstract:
Small enterprises are one o,f the imporfant factors in the economic development of Sri
Lanka, But those small enterprises are facing many digitalization challenges in tliis
digital environment by the introduction of digital technology. And Digitalization is a
big concept that is involving in all the modern activities that is carried by the several
Small enterprises all over the world. Even though in the adoption of digitalization of
small enterprises are challengeable in many ways. Thus, regarding the identification
of digitalization challenges" this study is connecting the different t)?es of small
enterprises in different DS division in Batticaloa district.
Hence, aims of this study to explore the nature of Digitalization of small enterprises.
the determining factors of Digitaiization in small enterprises, Identifuing and how the
challenges influencing in digitalization of small enterprises and the possible
recommendations and suggestions for small enterprises to face the digitalization
challenges effectively. To find out the digitaiization challenges of small enterprises the
survey was caried out among 30 small enterprises in Batticaloa district who were
interviewed using a semi-stmctured intenielv lxethod. It is an inductive study r.vhere
the qualitative approach was undefiaken equally 3 small enterprises each in l0 DS
Division in Batticaloa district. Collected data were analyzed using NVivo 10 through
thematic analysis. According to the findings, Digiralization is challenging in several
ways in small enteqprises. As it was elaborated a positive relationship is built among
the small enterprises and customers. Further, the factors such as the social media,
mobile apps and software, intemet, electronic banking" cost" time efficiency, and
technological knowledge were considered as supporting factors which indeed
influence Digitalization of small enterprises, At the same time, the researcher found
how the challenges influenced in the small enterprises and finally, the researcher
recommended some strategies and mechanisms for the policymakers to enhance the
Digitalization by taking proper action to face the challenges of small enterprises in
Batticaloa district.
