Document Type

Article

Abstract

Purpose - To date, identifying barriers and critical success factors (CSFs) and integrating business model in implementing e-business for SMEs have not been systematically investigated. Few existing studies have derived their CSFs and business model from large companies' perspectives and have not considered the needs of integration for smaller businesses. This paper is aimed to bridge this gap.

Design/methodology/approach - Existing studies on CSFs and e-business model were reviewed and their limitations were identified. By integrating insights drawn from these studies as well as adding some new factors, the author proposed a set of 18 CSFs which is believed to be more useful for SMEs. The importance of the proposed CSFs was theoretically discussed and justified. In addition, a case study was conducted to evaluate the extent of success of this proposition.

Findings - The overall results from the case study assessment were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed CSFs and integrated model.

Practical implications - The set of CSFs and integrated model can act as a list of items and an easy to follow model for SMEs to address when adopting e-business. This helps to ensure that the essential issues and factors are covered during implementation. For academics, it provides a common language for them to discuss and study the factors crucial for the success of e-business in SMEs.

Originality/value - This study is probably the first to provide an integrative perspective of CSFs and integrated model for implementing e-business in the SME sector. It gives valuable information, which hopefully will help this business sector to accomplish e-business visions.

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