Abstract
The ubiquity of the Internet has allowed companies of any size to engage in e-business. However, e-business adoption among Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) is limited because of resource constraints and a failure to understand the strategic value of e-business. In an effort to better understand the value of e-business to SMEs, this paper examines the use of over 100 e-business applications by over 400 SMEs in five different industries. Cluster analysis suggests a three stage model for e-business evolution in which firms progress from making only nominal use of the Internet to convey company information, to supply chain and order management applications in a transitional stage, to more extensive and integrated use in subsequent stages. Evidence of differences in use is also presented for firms that are manufacturers versus service providers.
Recommended Citation
Magal, Simha R.; Koslage, Parag; and Levenburg, Nancy M., "Towards a Stage Model for E-Business Adoption Among SMEs: Preliminary Results for Manufacturing and Service Firms" (2008). AMCIS 2008 Proceedings. 148.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2008/148