Written Information and Planning in Jamaican Small Businesses: a Usability Approach

The use of written information in planning is important in making one's business competitive and profitable. This study sought to understand and explore the situation among some small business operators in Jamaica's two primary cities. It is based on a Master's research paper undertaken at the University of the West Indies, for the Masters in Library and Information Studies. The study collected data between 2005 and 2006 using survey techniques. The data was then analysed in relation to the researcher's question. The findings indicate that written information are important in the operations of Jamaican small business operators. While written information sources are used by most small business operators to inform their business planning processes, many are not sufficiently benefiting as they could from written information sources due to a variety of reasons. A number of recommendations are made to improve this situation. This book is relevant to those who undertake specialist publishing and information dissemination for small business operators. It is also relevant to those seeking important sources of Jamaican business information for planning.