E-BUSINESS MODELS

E-Business Models



Abstract

Recognized and adopted by the academic and professional models maturity of e-business can track the progress of systems and information technology in enterprises. The objective of this paper is to present the main models of e-maturity, taking into account organizational developments caused mainly by Internet and electronic commerce in SMEs of United Kingdom. We are going to see, through these theories, how the company is gradually becoming more flexible, outsourced, centralized and less operative network through the adoption of e-business.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

Description and Analysis4

Specific Models for e-Business8

Nolan Model9

The SOG-e model10

The Company's Objectives10

Role of ICT in Regatta11

Adoption of the Internet by Regatta12

E-Business Applications at Regatta13

Implications of maturity stages for the Company14

The maturity level of e-business14

The use of Internet Technologies for Export15

The benefits of using the Internet and the EC for export16

Alternative Solutions16

Questionnaire for the Interview of Regatta Managers17

Conclusion19

References22

E-Business Models

Introduction

Long before the advent of the Internet and electronic commerce, the growth stages of computer have interested researchers such as Nolan (1973), Gibson and Nolan (1974), Earl (1983), Earl (1989), Galliers and Sutherland (1989). Developed in the mid-70s, theories about the stages of growth were studied because of the growing importance of information systems in organizations. These maturity models have been useful in understanding the use and implementation of these systems within companies.

It is now recognized that new technologies, especially Internet access, tend to modify communication between the various players in the professional world, notably:

relations between the company and its customers,

the inner workings of the company, including company-employee relationship,

The company's relationship with its partners and suppliers.

This paper will discuss the implementation of e-business models in Regatta (clothing). It is a family Owned, outdoor and sports company which has been established in the Britain since 1981. Its clothing is amongst the most popular in the leisurewear and work wear markets, with products including fleeces, jackets, soft shells and trousers.

Description and Analysis

A growing number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) confront a more complex and unstable business environment. In this context, the leaders are on the lookout of any tools that could help them move towards higher levels of efficiency. IT and the Web are one of those privileged levers. Mastering these tools is the maturity level or informational technology affect the competitiveness of the firm. A multitude of factors (organizational, individual, technical, external, internal, etc.) as conditions for the integration, learning and performance technology (IT) in general and e-business in particular. Again, most research efforts have focused on the situation in large firms and too few have examined the context of these innovations in SMEs. Works that now school have shown, however, the specific nature and specificity of strategic SME. For example, Raymond and Blili (1997) found that the fact manufacturing SMEs often act as a subcontractor or in partnership with other companies or a prime contractor within a more or less formal can affect their learning of e-business. Since Regatta is also a manufacturer and is a small and medium sized business enterprise, these theories can be applied to ...