Design Principles for SME-focused Maturity Models in Information Systems
Stefan Rösl, Daniel Schallmo, and Christian Schieder
This study addresses the limited practical application of maturity models (MMs) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through a structured analysis of 28 relevant academic articles, the researchers developed ten actionable design principles (DPs) to improve the usability and strategic impact of MMs for SMEs. These principles were subsequently validated by 18 recognized experts to ensure their practical relevance.
Problem
Maturity models are valuable tools for assessing organizational capabilities, but existing frameworks are often too complex, resource-intensive, and not tailored to the specific constraints of SMEs. This misalignment leads to low adoption rates, preventing smaller businesses from effectively using these models to guide their transformation and innovation efforts.
Outcome
- The study developed and validated ten actionable design principles (DPs) for creating maturity models specifically tailored for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). - These principles, confirmed by experts as highly useful, provide a structured foundation for researchers and designers to build MMs that are more accessible, relevant, and usable for SMEs. - The research bridges the gap between MM theory and real-world applicability, enabling the development of tools that better support SMEs in strategic planning and capability improvement.
Host: Welcome to A.I.S. Insights, the podcast at the intersection of business and technology, powered by Living Knowledge. I’m your host, Anna Ivy Summers. Host: Today, we’re diving into a study titled "Design Principles for SME-focused Maturity Models in Information Systems." It’s all about a common challenge: how can smaller businesses use powerful strategic tools that were really designed for large corporations? Host: Joining me is our analyst, Alex Ian Sutherland. Alex, great to have you. Expert: Great to be here, Anna. Host: So, let's start with the big picture. The study talks about something called "maturity models." What are they, and what's the problem this study is trying to solve? Expert: Of course. Think of a maturity model as a roadmap. It helps a company assess its capabilities in a certain area—like digital transformation or cybersecurity—and see what steps it needs to take to get better, or more "mature." Expert: The problem is, most of these models are built with big companies in mind. The study points out they are often too complex, too resource-intensive, and don't fit the specific constraints of small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs. Host: So they’re a great tool in theory, but in practice, smaller businesses just can't use them? Expert: Exactly. SMEs have limited time, money, and personnel. When they try to use a standard maturity model, they often find it overwhelming and misaligned with their needs. As a result, they miss out on a valuable tool for strategic planning and innovation. Host: It sounds like a classic case of a solution not fitting the user. How did the researchers in this study approach fixing that? Expert: They used a really solid, two-part approach. First, they conducted a systematic review of 28 relevant academic articles to identify the core requirements that a maturity model for SMEs *should* have. Expert: Then, based on that analysis, they developed ten clear design principles. And this is the crucial part: they didn't just stop there. They validated these principles with 18 recognized experts in the field to ensure they were practical and genuinely useful in the real world. Host: So this isn’t just theoretical. They’ve created a practical blueprint. What are some of these key principles they discovered? Expert: The main outcome is this set of ten principles. We don't have time for all of them, but a couple really stand out. The very first one is "Tailored or Configurable Design." Host: Meaning it can't be one-size-fits-all? Expert: Precisely. It means a model for an SME should be adaptable to its specific industry, size, and goals. Another key principle is "Intuitive Self-Assessment Tool." This emphasizes that the model should be easy enough for an SME's team to use on their own, without needing to hire expensive external consultants. Host: That makes perfect sense for a company with a tight budget. Alex, let’s get to the bottom line. Why does this matter for a business professional listening right now? What are the key takeaways? Expert: This is the most important part. If you’re a leader at an SME, this study provides a checklist for what to look for in a strategic tool. It empowers you to ask the right questions. Is this model flexible? Does it focus on our specific needs? Can my team use it easily? Expert: It fundamentally bridges the gap between abstract business theory and practical application for smaller companies. Following these design principles means developers can create better tools, and SME leaders can choose tools that actually help them improve and compete, rather than just collecting dust on a shelf. Host: It’s about leveling the playing field, giving SMEs access to the same kind of strategic guidance that large enterprises have, but in a format that works for them. Expert: That's it exactly. It's about making strategy accessible and actionable for everyone. Host: So, to summarize: Maturity models are powerful roadmaps for business improvement, but they've historically been a poor fit for SMEs. This study identified ten core design principles to change that, focusing on things like adaptability, simplicity, and practical guidance. Host: Ultimately, this gives SME leaders a framework to find or build tools that drive real strategic value. Alex, thank you so much for breaking down this insightful study for us. Expert: My pleasure, Anna. Host: And a big thank you to our audience for tuning in to A.I.S. Insights. Join us next time as we uncover more knowledge to power your business.
