SMEs and web-based business processes: barriers and solutions
by Doug Cruickshank, Damien McLeod
International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management (IJEIM), Vol. 4, No. 6, 2004

Abstract: At present most SMEs make only relatively basic use of the internet. It is recognised that SMEs can gain greater business benefit by undertaking web-based business processes, however there is little use of such applications amongst SMEs. This preliminary investigation explores the factors which help to explain the reticence of SMEs to consider web-based processes delivered by the application service provider model. The paper identifies the key barriers, the greatest of which is seen as ''fear''. A mechanism is proposed for SMEs to readily assess and overcome the main ''fear factor'' barrier and thereby commence a more reasoned evaluation of the real business case. The conclusions also provide some guidance to development agencies and the application providers.

Online publication date: Thu, 16-Dec-2004

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management (IJEIM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com