A Framework for Determining Success Factors of an E-Commerce Initiative

Abstract

Businesses and entrepreneurs are rushing to the Internet to do business and reach new markets. While the Internet is used for cutting cost and generating revenue by conducting business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce (EC) and business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, existing businesses and entrepreneurs are finding tremendous challenges to succeed. This paper examines the factors that are critical to the success of any company's e-commerce initiative and makes recommendations to businesses and entrepreneurs so they can overcome the challenges and exploit the opportunities presented by the Internet.     

The Potential for Cross-Functional Contributions to B2B E-Commerce Marketing Initiatives: E-Commerce and Purchasing Professionals

ABSTRACT

While there is a great deal of information in the literature linking purchasing personnel with both supply side and distribution side transactions, there is little evidence of their involvement in setting the design and strategic objectives of their own company's e-commerce activities. Yet, these professionals have much to offer marketing personnel who may be charged with developing e-commerce strategy and Websites. This paper suggests a proactive approach that supports the benefits of such cross-disciplinary collaboration between marketing and purchasing professionals within a firm.     

E-Commerce Consumer Perceptions Regarding On-line Shopping

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a survey exploring the perceptions of e-commerce consumers regarding the benefits and concerns of shopping on-line. Implications for the industry, site development, operational issues and customer service are presented.     

The Impact of Individual Needs on Work Behavior: China and North America

ABSTRACT

Twenty individual needs were measured using the Personality Research Form in two different samples in the People's Republic of China (PRC); one sample from Chengdu, the other from Wuhan. Based on reliability estimates, eleven needs were retained for analysis. The Chinese samples were compared with each other and with established North American norms. Gender differences were also examined. Rank order correlations suggest the two PRC samples are relatively similar, and each is different from established North American norms. Implications for Chinese and North American managers working with the other group are discussed, as well as the need for further research.     

A Benchmark for B2B Use of E-Commerce

ABSTRACT

A telephone survey of 517 corporate executives in large and mixed-sized companies was used to determine the status of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce. Findings included that only one-quarter of respondents used B2B e-commerce in their businesses, but 41% said that their companies planned to add e-commerce to their Websites. Of those who conducted e-commerce, 73% found it a profitable way to reach customers without cannibalizing traditional sales revenue. The timing of the survey, between periods of economic expansion, makes this a valuable benchmark for the adoption of e-commerce.     

E-commerce in Least Developing Countries: Summary Evidence and Implications

ABSTRACT

We undertook a review and classification of research on electronic commerce (e-commerce) in developing countries. We analyzed 181 articles published in a broad range of journals covering e-commerce, global information technology, and development issues. The analysis provides a roadmap that not only indicates the current state of e-commerce for development research but also identifies gaps and priorities for future research. This will be of significant value to both academics and practitioners who are working on, or plan to work on, e-commerce in developing countries.     

A Snap Shot of E-Commerce by General Line Industrial Distributors

Abstract

Industrial distributors and manufacturers are constantly in search of methods to increase sales and market share. While e-commerce is not new, its adoption is growing and gaining a foothold in American business. Most attention in the e-commerce realm has been on business-to-consumer-type ventures (Amazon, eBay, etc.); however it is the purpose of this paper to examine how e-commerce is effecting business-to-business transactions, specifically in fields relating to industrial distributors and industrial manufacturers.     

E-Commerce Adoption: Perceptions of Managers/Owners of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand

ABSTRACT

E-commerce can be an important source of competitive advantage for most business organizations, especially small- and medium-sized (SMEs) businesses. Recently, researchers have focused on e-commerce adoption both in the United States and other countries. This study examines the factors that influence e-commerce adoption in Thailand. The results show that the major reason behind e-commerce non-adoption is that the organization is not ready to make that change because of cultural, technological, financial, and/or logistical reasons. Additionally, organizational readiness strongly influences e-commerce implementation, and managerial support and financial, logistical, and technological factors weigh heavily in determining if an SME in Thailand can pursue e-commerce implementation. We believe that the e-commerce adoption model in this study will have both managerial implication for practitioners in Thailand, as well as those in other developing countries, and academic implications for researchers who are interested in e-commerce adoption in developing countries.     

RFID–Tracks It,Tracks You

ABSTRACT

In an effort to improve business efficiencies and the bottom line, many industries are fast adopting Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Tagging and tracking of items from entry into the supply chain through consumer purchase has already begun. The U.S. Department of Defense and Wal-Mart are two major organizations spearheading the implementation of RFID. This paper provides insight and understanding concerning RFID technology, its benefits, obstacles to implementation, and its applications.     

Business School Curricular Responses to the Emergence of Electronic Commerce

Abstract

The latest innovation to draw the attention of business schools and their stakeholders is electronic commerce (e-commerce). The purpose of this paper is to examine how business schools are responding to the curriculum challenge of e-commerce. The results indicate that business schools are initiating three types of responses: The first concerns programmatic changes. The second concerns changes in the disciplines of management information systems, marketing, operations management, and accounting. The third response is the establishment of centers/institutes of e-commerce. Before we report on these responses, we present an overview of e-commerce. After our responses, we present a summary of our results and predict future trends.     

Consumer-to-consumer e-commerce: outcomes and implications

Abstract

One outcome of the digitised retail environment is the emergence of consumer-to-consumer (C2C) electronic commerce. Existing research has extensively addressed C2C commerce in an offline environment, while relatively little is known about online C2C behaviour. Thus, there is a need to deepen the understanding of how and why consumers engage in C2C e-commerce as well as the implications that C2C e-commerce holds for retailers. To address this gap, a comprehensive survey targeting Finnish consumers was conducted. The survey yielded a total of 2823 respondents who had transacted on C2C e-commerce platforms. The data are used to profile C2C e-commerce with demographics, product categories, customer value and key retail outcomes. This analysis provides a well-grounded basis for discussing the implications of C2C e-commerce for retailers.     

Characteristics of Internet Users and Their Privacy Concerns

Abstract

Concern about the privacy of online consumers is a global issue. Given the global nature of the Internet, companies planning and implementing e-commerce must understand the differences in privacy concerns of consumers in different cultures with different social/economic contexts to become effective in business. Motivated by this need, this study analyzes and compares the privacy concerns of online consumers in China and the United States, identifies major factors related to these concerns, and discusses the cultural/social/economic backgrounds of the related phenomena found in the study.     

A Case Study: How a Retail Jewelry Store Learned to Compete in the E-Commerce Market Place

ABSTRACT

The Case Study describes how a retail jewelry store adapted to a new e-commerce market place. Until the mid-1990s, their marketing strategy included (1) a large dramatic sign visible from surrounding streets, (2) local print and radio advertising, (3) a sales staff that aggressively pushed the perceived value and emotional component of jewelry, and (4) an after-sales follow-up program. Typical customers were in the lower to middle socio-economic segment.

E-commerce created more knowledgeable customers who recognized their buying alternatives. The Store reacted by developing several proprietary web sites, displaying products in the store “as seen on” the home shopping networks or on various web sites, and offering classes on how to become a more knowledgeable jewelry shopper. During the implementation of the e-commerce changes, problems arose in two areas: project management issues (deadlines, staffing, testing) and cultural adaptation issues. Once these issues were effectively addressed, and the e-commerce changes were implemented, sales stabilized and returned to prior levels.

The Case Study explores a well-known strategic principle: all organizations must monitor their changing environment and adapt accordingly, e-commerce is a current example; there will always be others.     

Online Privacy Policies and Diffusion Theory Perspectives

ABSTRACT

The use of the Internet and related technologies in data sharing and new product development, which essentially serves as a foundation for the management of data flows for strategic IT, are rapidly expanding. The innovation clusters and frameworks to characterize recent e-commerce sites' privacy policies to ensure confidentiality of personal information have been under increasing academic inquiries. An application of Rogers' (1995) diffusion of innovation or technology concepts as applied to the Internet is used to develop several models of e-commerce related security and privacy concerns. One possible solution discussed is the strategic leveraging of a consortium model, providing for governmental assurances of privacy and security. Unfortunately, the current e-commerce model has no governing body to represent the consumer and e-tailer in terms of privacy and security issues so critical to the continued growth and success of the Internet.     

电子商务环境下我国第三方物流企业加快信息化建设的障碍及策略研究

电子商务的迅速发展给第三方物流企业的发展既带来了机遇,又带来了新的挑战。本文首先分析了电子商务环境下第三方物流信息化的必要性,然后对我国的第三方物流企业信息化建设的现状及面临的主要障碍进行了阐述和剖析,最后提出了我国第三方物流企业加快信息化建设的策略。     

生鲜农产品电子商务发展面临的问题和对策

随着互联网时代的到来,网络科技的发展与普及,我国电子商务平台逐步融入人们的日常生活中,给我国各个行业的商家提供了良好的经营契机,也为我国农产品的营销拓展起到了一定的促进作用。电子商务发展已经突破时间与空间的发展限制,也为我国经济发展贡献出一定的产业力量。但在生鲜农产品电子商务发展过程中,我国生鲜农产品仍旧存在经营阻碍,这是由于生鲜农产品需要构建较高的保鲜储藏环境。为此,本文首先对生鲜农产品电子商务的发展环境进行分析,其次对生鲜农产品电子商务发展面临的问题进行探究,最后对生鲜农产品电子商务发展应对策略进行研究。     

E-Commerce Patterns in South Asia: A Look Beyond Economics

ABSTRACT

Conflicting and complex forces are shaping the diffusion patterns of the Internet and e-commerce in South Asia. Drawing upon the literature on institutional theory, we explore the drivers and inhibitors of the Internet in South Asian countries. We examine the influence of the three pillars of institutions (Scott, 1995) on the digital world of South Asia. The paper discusses how regulatory, normative, and cognitive institution–such as laws, relationships, culture, and habit–have shaped the diffusion patterns of the Internet and e-commerce in South Asia.     

The Role of XML in Preparing Students for a Career in E-Commerce

Abstract

This essay asserts that for those students interested in pursuing a career in the information and data driven area of e-commerce, XML must be included as a required topic of study. This paper explains the basics of XML, as well as a few of related business specific derivatives, XBRL, cXML and ebXML, and concludes that students, especially marketing majors, interested in or planning a career in e-commerce must possess a working knowledge of XML and its derivatives.     

Driving Forces for M-Commerce Success

Abstract

Is m-commerce just an extension or a subset of e-commerce? Will it turn out to be just more hype? In this paper we discuss the realities of m-commerce and the major differences between mobile commerce and Internet-based e-commerce. Based on this understanding, we identify key factors that must be taken into consideration in order to design valuable m-com-merce applications. We emphasize that the success of m-commerce relies on the synergy of three driving forces: technology innovation, evolution of a new value chain, and active customer demand.