E-business is concerned with the use of the Internet to link companies with their suppliers, customers and other trading partners. As a business concept, it has evolved significantly since its introduction in the 1990’s in parallel with the rapid rate of development of information technology (IT) during this period. Supply chain management (SCM) is fundamentally concerned with integration of activities both with and between organisations. IT plays a crucial role in SCM as a key enabler of supply chain integration (SCI). This chapter sets out the role of e-business concepts in the context of the supply chain challenges faced by firms. It specifically explores the role of e-procurement as an example of how e-business concepts have been applied to one key SCM activity, namely purchasing and procurement. In this context, the chapter examines the nature and evolution of e-marketplaces and goes on to identify key adoption drivers and benefits based on recent research. This research identifies key adoption drivers and benefits but also recognises that there are many barriers that ongoing research needs to address if the potential of e-business is to be fulfilled.
The growth in the manufacture and distribution of electronic devices is one of the most significant sources of continuing innovation of the last half-century. These products are notable in that they integrate physical elements (i.e. hardware) and virtual elements (e.g. software) to deliver value to customers. This chapter examines the role of innovation in electronic product supply chains by exploring the commonalities and differences between the distribution models of digital and physical elements and examining alternative frameworks from which digital and physical distribution methods can be merged. A number of contemporary case studies are presented that highlight how the different elements can work together to deliver continuously innovative value to customers.
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