David Tucker

Internet Diffusion in Creative Micro-Businesses-Identifying Change Agent Characteristics as Critical Success Factors

Micro-businesses make a substantial contribution to the economic and social well being of Europe, the Asian Pacific region, and the United States. In Europe, for example, 30% of firms with less than 10 employees generate 70% of turnover. This remarkable statistic has prompted the European Union to fund novel research projects aimed at stimulating growth within the very small businesses sector. In particular, projects aimed at improving the adoption rate of information and communication technology (ICT) are seen as vital. The Internet is a unique and powerful form of ICT, which is making electronic commerce attractive to even the smallest of businesses. These micro-businesses stand to gain tremendous business advantages from implementing Internet technology. For this reason, in this article we focus specifically on Internet diffusion processes in micro-businesses.1 Through a field study within a geographic cluster of creative micro-businesses, we identify the vital role played by the change agents. Revealing that the unique way in which the change agents became infused into the local community had a significant impact on fostering mutual trust that led to successful Internet adoption. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the provision of customized training programs by the change agents was a critical success factor. Finally, we reflect on the successful diffusion projects and identify the characteristics of the change agents that were instrumental in ensuring Internet adoption.

Leveraging the power of the Internet for optimal supplier sourcing

Intelligent software agents offer the potential to unleash the power of the Internet to optimise the process of supplier sourcing. Aims to promote an awareness in the buyer/supplier community of the potential for using intelligent software agents over the Internet for this purpose. The traditional relationship between suppliers and buyers is contrasted with that of Internet‐based trading. This comparison confirms that trust is a critical component in the traditional relationship and that an understanding of the nature of trust is necessary in revealing where and how agent technology will have maximum benefit for both buyers and suppliers. It is shown that the technology that can enable this form of sourcing is already well established, and a range of conceptual agents are described. Finally, identifies the benefits that will accrue to organisations that adopt agent technology as part of their supplier‐sourcing portfolio, and recommendations for further work are made.

Implementing Electronic Commerce in SMEs: Process and Barriers

Partwell Limited is a small to medium sized (SME) manufacturing and supply company based in the United Kingdom. This case study discusses the circumstances that led the company to consider the implementation of two Internet Web sites for the purpose of conducting Electronic Commerce (e-commerce). The history and culture of Partwell are described, as are the histories and characteristics of key personnel involved in this e-commerce project. Furthermore, the company’s previous experience with information and communication technology (ICT) is described. Following on from this the process by which e-commerce was introduced into the company is explained. This information provides the background for analyzing the case study. Finally, the case study goes on to show the importance of SMEs to the economy of the UK and identifies the main factors that inhibit SMEs from adopting e-commerce. The tangible benefits and consequences of this e-commerce project are identified.

Towards the integration of concurrent engineering environments within organisational strategy: Perspectives on the Cougar methodology

In an increasingly uncertain marketplace manufacturing organisations are striving to find new ways to meet customer requirements for competitively priced, customised products, delivered in shorter lead times. It is argued that to meet these demands there is a need to integrate the design, development and production functions within a concurrent engineering (CE) environment. The literature reports many cases of failed CE projects. One of the main reasons for this failure is believed to be a lack of formal methodologies to assist organisations with the processes required to move from sequential to concurrent product development phases. This paper describes the Cougar methodology which has been developed specifically to address this issue. The paper initially outlines briefly the progression of ideas within organisational theory from classical to contemporary strategy. It then considers the development and application of the Cougar methodology. Finally, a case study is described detailing the success of the concept within a leading UK engineering company with observations and proposals for further organisational analysis.

An Innovative Approach for Using the GRAI Methodology for Reengineering the New Product Introduction Process

This paper represents the culmination of a four-year ethnographic research project in a leading U.K. manufacturing company. A number of organizational deficiencies in the new product introduction (NPI) process are identified. Proposals subsequently are implemented that enhance the effectiveness of this process. The paper identifies the critical need for organizations to communicate effectively among different functional areas with respect to new products. A review of modeling techniques identifies the GRAI grid as an effective model for analyzing and improving cooperative business processes. The GRAI grid is set within the framework of a novel implementation methodology and subsequently is applied to the NPI process within the collaborating company. The paper concludes by reporting the substantial benefits gained.