E‐business: linking available services and entrepreneurs’ needs

Abstract

Traditionally, entrepreneurs and small businesses have faced difficulties when competing with entrenched firms for customers and expanding into global markets. The World Wide Web (WWW) is one approach to overcoming obstacles by giving organizations a direct connection to potential customers and suppliers on a global level. However, complex technology, security, and reliability present significant challenges to the entrepreneur or small business owner about to enter the ebusiness arena. Difficulties are especially notable when the business operates in a non-Web-related field or when it has relatively few individuals with IT (information technology)/Web experience. Facing these challenges alone by hiring or developing an in-house technology staff and building a support infrastructure is costly and may be risky. An alternative, contracting for Web-based services from an application service provider (ASP), effectively reduces cost and risk while preserving the competitive advantage of the entrepreneurial firm. This paper describes the use of the ASP concept to allow an entrepreneurial firm to compete effectively in the global market.

The Determinants of Strategic Information System Planning (SISP) Success: A Proposed Framework for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

“…Extensive deployment of IS further facilitates firms to compete with larger organizations (Dibrell et al, 2008 (Kurnia et al, 2009) as well as security and trust issues (Narayanasamy et al 2008). Moreover, lack of financial resources further restricts firms to invest extensively on IS related projects (Yrle, Hartman & Walsh, 2004). In another respect, the inadequate presence of in-house IT experts even put greater pressure for the firms to outsource most of their IS-related projects and have greater reliance on other external parties (Levy, Powell & Galliers, 1999).…”

Consumer trust: privacy policies and third‐party seals

“…SMEs contemplating entry into the e‐commerce economy are likely to encounter a number of obstacles with regard to establishing an online presence. While successfully competing in the e‐commerce domain can be a challenge for any organizations, it can be even more daunting for small enterprises because of such factors as a lack of name recognition, limited web site development/maintenance budget, and lack of advertising resources (Yrle et al , 2004). Providing support services, answering customer questions, supplying information, or processing orders in broader, international markets can be overwhelming to the owners of small enterprises.…”

“…The new economy structured around e‐commerce is particularly well suited for SMEs since the new economy is based on relationships, networks and information as opposed to the traditional economic structure which favored size and physical matters (Tse and Soufani, 2003). Through e‐commerce, SMEs can provide product catalogs, ordering and payment systems, and other customer support information in any geographical area (Yrle et al , 2004). Thus, e‐commerce creates the opportunity for SMEs to overcome barriers related to establishing a direct connection to potential customers on a global level and allows SMEs to compete on equal footing with multi‐national organizations (Hamill and Gregory, 1997).…”

“…By establishing an online presence, SMEs are able to enhance a number of business activities (Yrle et al , 2004). Online shopping can simplify the complex product search process for their customers, as well as reduce printing/paper and other costs for the enterprise by increasing the efficiency of executing transactions (Dholakia and Kshetri, 2004).…”

Supporting SME e‐commerce migration through blended e‐learning

“…They also believe that the reluctance can be partially attributed to IT suppliers requiring “up‐front capital investments for purchasing hardware, software, and service” (Schlenker and Crocker, 2003). Yrle et al (2004) addresses this latter problem by proposing the greater use of e‐business application service providers (ASPs) by small businesses.…”