The technological decision model: an entrepreneurial innovation in digital printing technologies

Abstract

Entrepreneurs within the SME sector using large format digital printing (LFDP) face specific decision-making problems, because of the changes in technology that influences the decision-making processes of the entrepreneur in the purchasing of a new LFDP. Rapid changes in technology are likely to continue and can cause current technologies to become obsolete overnight. The entrepreneurs within the LFDP industry are faced with rapid changes and are therefore faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, they need to make sure that the technology used produces consistent and quality products. The literature and the findings of this study, proposes an adaptation to an existing decision-making model, introducing consultant involvement in the purchase of high technology products, which is then adapted to integrate resource-forecasting areas together with timing, the type of information required, as well as external environment scanning. The existing model’s focus is on the entrepreneur’s ability to make decisions based on his/her own knowledge.