Perceptions of E-commerce Web Sites across Two Generations

Abstract

Numerous studies have examined and predicted the usage of e-commerce Web sites using the Technology Acceptance Model and its primary constructs of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Smith ( 2008) conducted an empirical study of four e-commerce Web sites with participation from a unique and often understudied segment of the population -the senior generation. In addition, he called for additional research on the same e-commerce Web sites with participants from today's student population, a generation that has grown up with computers and the Internet. During the Spring 2008 semester, the authors duplicated Smith's research and conducted a field experiment with a purposeful sample of students enrolled in four courses in the School of Information Technology at Macon State College. Consistent with the conclusion by Smith, of significant worth is the test of the robustness of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) when applied to e-commerce adoption by both the senior generation and the net generation. The model's predictive and explanatory capabilities still hold true. This is the only study we know of that compares two generations and their perceptions of e-commerce Web sites.

Organisational Factors Influencing E-business Adoption in Zimbabwe's Manufacturing Sector

“… Perceived usefulness: A five item scale was used to measure perceived usefulness. The scale was adapted from Smith and Spiers' (2009) study. The measurement scale has five items measuring whether managers perceived e-business to: 1) improve firm performance; 2) increase productivity; 3) increase perceived image; 4) improve product and service quality; and 5) improve coordination with suppliers and customers.…”

Organisational Factors Influencing E-business Adoption in Zimbabwe’s Manufacturing Sector

“…Empirical evidence suggests that business efficiency and competitiveness have been significantly enhanced by adoption of electronic business practices, more so in the context of developed economies (Huy et al, 2012;Kim & Nam, 2007;Li & Xie, 2012). For instance, Smith and Spiers (2009) note improvements in supply chain management, planning, communication and collaboration by companies in the manufacturing industry. It is also argued that electronic business, hereafter referred to as e-business, has reshaped customer-supplier relationships and streamlined business processes and in some cases, reengineered the industry's operating philosophy (Cardwell, Harland, Bwell & Zheng, 2013;Chao & Chandra, 2012).…”