| Author: | Lu, Yingping Stephanie |
| Title: | B2B e-commerce platform adoption : fitness between features of B2B e-commerce platforms and SME's characteristics |
| Other Title: | Business-to-business electronic commerce platform adoption |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2010 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Electronic commerce Small business -- Data processing |
| Department: | Department of Computing |
| Pages: | vii, 85 leaves : ill. ; 31 cm. |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Enterprises are confused about the selection and timing of a B2B e-commerce platform adoption. Before adopting the B2B e-commerce platform, enterprises should have a deep understanding of the features of a B2B e-commerce platform and find out whether the features are in need. Especially, the small and medium enterprises do not have abundant resources to risk their investments. The decision for SME to adopt a B2B e-commerce platform is not gamble. SMEs should consider whether they are in great need to adopt and whether the B2B e-commerce platform fits their organizational characteristics. For some B2B e-commerce platforms, the charge in adoption and service may overwhelm a SME. If a SME makes a wrong decision in choosing a B2B e-commerce platform, potential risk may include the close of her own business. The objective of this study is to examine the factors constituting the fit between the features of a B2B e-commerce platform and the need of a SME. Based on a survey of 475 SMEs in China, I identified that the most suitable features of a B2B e-commerce platform includes broadening and deepening service, workflow efficiency, costs reduction and stronger partnership. While these features fits the SMEs that are characterized with limited resources, environmental uncertainty and informal workflow management. This study proved the fitness between the features of a B2B e-commerce platform and SMEs' characteristics significantly determines the adoption of a B2B e-commerce platform. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Based on different situations of fitness, SMEs would have different intentions to adopt a platform. SMEs should consider both their characteristics and the features of a B2B platform first to find out whether they perfect fit or not. Then SMEs can decide when and how to adopt the platform. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b23910926.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 793.95 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/5861