Denise Gengatharen

A framework to assess the factors affecting success or failure of the implementation of government-supported regional e-marketplaces for SMEs

Regional electronic marketplaces (REMs) have been used to promote e-commerce uptake by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, the community and regional economic development motives underpinning REM creation can cause complexities. While REM development and management can be informed by existing theoretical frameworks, there is no comprehensive framework that can be used to examine the factors affecting the success or failure of government-supported SME-REMs. The objective of this paper is to construct such a framework that can be used to examine these factors. The literature on e-marketplaces and IT/IS/e-commerce adoption by SMEs is examined to determine the appropriateness of existing theoretical frameworks, the key constructs of which are synthesised to form an integrated theoretical framework. The value of the framework is confirmed by content analysis of published case studies and empirical results from in-depth case studies of two SME-REMs. The most significant factors affecting success or failure of government-supported SME-REMs are as follows: SME-owner innovativeness; REM ownership structure and governance that engender trust and build critical mass by including SMEs in REM development and management; matching REM focus and structure with regional profile by leveraging community ties and existing business relationships; adopting a staged approach to REM development; and ensuring REM benefits are understood by SMEs.

Examining the relationship between electronic marketplace strategy and structure

The contribution of market structure to the success of an electronic marketplace (e-marketplace) is an issue that has not received a great deal of attention in the literature. Although, researchers have given some attention to the antecedents of successful e-marketplace participation by organizations,there has been relatively little attention given to the e-marketplace structures. In this paper, the issue of e-marketplace strategy and its relationship withe-marketplace structure is examined. A classification of e-marketplace strategies is presented. The market structures of intermediary, hierarchy, consortium,and large group ownership structures are mapped onto this classification using four case studies to explain the relationship between structure and strategy. Each structural model has a range of implications for market participants. These include the economic and service benefits from intermediaries, economic benefits, and the potential to deliver improved levels of service for hierarchies,the relational benefits from the strong network ethos of consortia, and large group ownership structures which have potential for regional community or industry sector development.

Government‐supported Community Portal Regional e‐marketplaces for SMEs: Evidence to Support a Staged Approach

The effective development of electronic marketplace systems with a community focus is not helped by the lack of theory and case studies. This paper analyses data from two government-supported horizontal community-portal regional e-marketplaces (REMs) for SMEs in Western Australia. One, launched simultaneously with the community portal, ultimately failed. The other was part of a staged approach, the REM introduced after use of the community portal and business directory were achieved. The staged approach leads to better focused REM planning, development and evaluation. Other factors affecting successful implementation are adequate funding; SME competence-building; wider community involvement in REM ownership, development and management; strong offline community relationships; e-business champions within the community; matching REM structure to the profile of the region and a good marketing plan. The results of the case study and the analysis of the literature are used to construct a staged model for effective implementation of horizontal community-portal REMs for SMEs. Our research also shows that while such REMs may successfully be used to encourage SME

Interpreting the success and failure of regional internet community portals in promoting e‐commerce adoption by SMEs : A cultural perspective

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the impact of cultural factors on the success or failure of three Western Australian (WA) government‐funded collaboratively‐owned regional internet community portals designed to encourage small to medium‐sized enterprise adoption of e‐commerce. Two portals were rural/country‐based and the third was in metropolitan WA.Design/methodology/approach – Hofstedes cultural dimensions theory is used to interpret the findings of study which employed the structured case study methodology using a multiple‐case embedded‐design.Findings – Australia with cultural traits of high individualism, masculinity, low power distance and moderately low uncertainty avoidance, would not be a laggard in adopting technological innovation. In such a culture, the individuals perceived usefulness and personal gain will be the most important factors in technology acceptance. However, this research highlights a need for caution in using national culture to examine IS adoption. In this study, the coll...

How organizing visions influence the adoption and use of reverse auctions

This research investigates strategic and tactical approaches to reverse auction use, and how they are influenced by organizing visions. Organizing visions are real and perceived forces that influence the adoption of information technology. We use an extensive literature review and a case study of a reverse auction provider, that has managed thousands of auctions for organizations, to investigate how organizing visions impact on decision making in relation to reverse auction adoption and use.The findings from the study show that e-auctions are used to reduce procurement costs and improve efficiency and are more likely to be used for commodity purchases. The narrower tactical role for e-auctions that is now evident in some organizations is shaped by the fear and disdain surrounding past use and in particular the perception of the damage to supplier relationships that their widespread adoption in procurement could create. The reverse auction vendor legitimates tactical adoption through the type of service provided. The paper makes an original contribution to theory in extending the concept of organizing visions. It concludes that although an organizing vision is often viewed as a force for adopting technology it can also be a limiting force that inhibits organizations from obtaining significant benefits from technological opportunities.

CAN E-MARKETPLACES BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE? AN ANALYSIS OF TWO WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CASES

In Australia, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly rural SMEs, are perceived as being on the wrong side of the digital divide. Government at local and state levels has taken a leading role in the development of electronic marketplaces with an aim of improving SME participation. Many government departments now either own or sponsor electronic marketplaces. The aims of government agencies in creating e‐marketplaces are often motivated by regional economic development issues. Whilst government entities may think e‐marketplaces are an effective channel for implementing government policy, a number of complications can arise from this model. Despite the community development motivation, a major argument for e‐marketplace development being put forward is the economic one and this has contributed to a narrow view of the e‐marketplace concept and one, which for the time being at least, is likely to restrict its impact. Government sponsored e‐marketplaces should consider the value of on‐line business networks to share knowledge and potentially increase levels of innovation. The findings have implications for government sponsored e‐marketplace initiatives around the world.

Australian food retail supply chain analysis

The Australian retail food sector, comprising mostly small enterprises, is undergoing change as a result of the innovative supply chain approach adopted. This change has implications across the entire food value chain in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the adoption of supply chain management practices on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Australian food retail industry.,The study surveys 120 SME retailers in the food sector. A stepwise multiple regression using SPSS version 14.0 was performed on the data.,Statistical results suggest that lean thinking and the quality of information shared can lead to greater efficient supply chain performance.,The small sample is the main limitation. The findings bear important implications for further research as understanding these dimensions can help to position key changes and industry improvement that will increase revenue and reduce cost to the SMEs in the food retail supply chain.,Adopting lean thinking and improving information sharing in the supply chain can reduce the cost for SMEs.,This study has unique implications for social sustainability, especially the smaller food enterprises, which are hard pressed to combat the challenges within the food sector.,Innovative supply chain management helps SMEs to see beyond the silo mentality and helps them to focus on greater value addition in the supply chain.