Strategic Use of Electronic Commerce by SMEs: Some Lessons from Cases in Japanese Distribution Channel and Research Framework

Authors

Pham T.T. Hong, International Graduate School of Social Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, JapanFollow
Yoshiki Matsui, International Graduate School of Social Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan and Babcock Graduate School of Management, Wake Forest University, USAFollow

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Nowadays, e-commerce and its applicability are in controversy throughout the world. Firms in all sizes are facing with various barriers in adopting e-commerce. For case of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), there are much more obstacles than large companies have face with, therefore, the model that is fit and effective for SMEs may quite different from large enterprises’ ones. This paper takes up case of Japanese distribution channels to illustrate the major impact of information technology on SMEs, finds out the role of e-commerce within SMEs distribution systems in Japanese economy, and then, points out some major barriers that prevent SMEs from entering into e-commerce. Finally, we propose an analytical framework for e-commerce penetration into SMEs as a guideline of future research in this area.

Recommended Citation

Hong, Pham T.T. and Matsui, Yoshiki, "Strategic Use of Electronic Commerce by SMEs: Some Lessons from Cases in Japanese Distribution Channel and Research Framework" (2003). ICEB 2003 Proceedings (Singapore). 116.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/iceb2003/116