The commercial impact of big data on the Irish SME sector [printed text] / Owen McAllister, Author ; IBAT College Dublin, ; Matt Murray, Thesis advisor . - 2013 . - 192 p. : ill. (col), includes bibliographical references pp. 178-191, and abstract ; 31 cm.
ISSN : DISS7
Dissertation (MBA) -- IBAT College Dublin, 2013.

Keywords:	Big  Data,  SME,  Strategy
Class number:	658
Abstract:	This paper examines the relevance of Big Data for the Irish SME sector. Specifically the paper defines where the market is in the life cycle of Big Data, examines its relevance to the SME sector in Ireland, and provides a strategy for successful Big Data implementation. On a Macro level, recommendations are made regarding how the Irish Government can best nurture an environment to realise a strong return from Big Data. Methods of research included: 1. Literature Review 2. 16 In-depth Interviews 3. Participative Observation from three industry events 4. 2 Surveys, one with a sample population of Irish SME IT Managers/Leaders, the second with a sample population of the Irish consumer Note: The validity of the SME IT Manager survey is subject to considerable error given the lack of valid responses (19 in total). To address this additional research on the area of Particpative Observation and In-depth interviews was conducted, which served to provide additional validity to the SME survey findings. Results of the research prove that only with the correct company environment and availability of relevant external resources, an Irish SME can obtain a tangible benefit from Big Data. A condition favourable to the Irish market in particular is the Irish consumer sentiment regarding protective (or not as the case may prove) they are about their data. However the Big Data sector is currently not targeting the SME sector, which means there is a lack of education in the sector, which is hampering its development. The model developed as part of this papers findings enabled the identification of specific sectors where conditions are already in place for Big Data to make an impact. From this further study was conducted on the Security, Legal and Hotel SME sectors. A strategic template for success is subsequently presented and findings show that the Hotel sector specifically has the best opportunity for obtaining value from Big Data. Finally recommendations are outlined for the Irish Government with regards developing a more collaborative strategy to developing Big Data within in Ireland, without which Ireland will not see the full potential in the Governemnt's recent investment in Big Data.