A research submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration

Research Studies Project Report (M.B.A.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2021

Entrepreneurship among women is frequently considered the way out of neediness and an equal treatment journey. Research has shown that entrepreneurship can empower women both in the form of SMEs and alter dynamics of power in society and make it a stage where women are able to lead. Nepalese women entrepreneurs have been more strategically and crucially involved in economic growth in the country than ever before. Earlier, the use of information technology had received unparalleled attention worldwide. However, despite the effective engagement in entrepreneurship, Nepal is lagging behind and struggling to keep afloat to embrace advanced ICT, especially among women entrepreneurs, while the world prospers to explore new markets and opportunities through it. Hence, this research study aims to highlight the factors of ICT that are involved in implementation of advanced ICT by women entrepreneurs in their businesses. The main purposes of this research study are to determine the factors of ICT adoption from individual as well as firm level then to identify which of those factors contribute significantly for advanced ICT adoption and lastly to identify which of those factors act as a barrier to advanced ICT adoption among women entrepreneurs. A quantitative research methodology and sampling questionnaire survey was adopted yielding a sample size of 243 respondents. Principal component analysis, correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis was adapted to test and analyze the variables{u2019} validity, correlation, and significance. From the analysis, it was concluded that in the scenario of Nepalese women entrepreneurs, all the individual level factors comprising of motivation, technological market experience, knowledge level, technical education and trainings had statistically significant association with advanced ICT adoption while work-life balance didn{u2019}t have. Similarly, all firm-level factors comprising of access to financial resources, technological infrastructure and organizational readiness were statistically significantly associated with advanced ICT adoption. Furthermore, emerging women entrepreneurs can utilize this research study to change their perception regarding advanced ICT as convenient mechanism to implement in their businesses. Overall, on the basis of these factors, entrepreneurs can overcome their respective advanced adoption barrier and enhance their business operation management.