Title: Using the CATE model to help SMEs expand to global e-commerce markets

Authors: Chen W. Ferguson, David C. Yen

Addresses: Department of Business Technology, Miami University, 1601 University Blvd. Hamilton, OH 45011, USA. ' Department of Decision Sciences and Management Information Systems, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA

Abstract: This paper starts with an overview of global e-commerce development and 2004 Global E-readiness Rankings (GER). Considering limited resources and economies of scale, a Cultural, Administrative, Technological and Economical (CATE) model is recommended to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) develop appropriate marketing strategies. The paper continues with discussion of cultural, administrative, technological and economical considerations relevant to e-commerce global expansion in the eight world regions. The paper concludes with managerial implications for SMEs to use the CATE model and capture mass global e-commerce markets, especially in developing countries.

Keywords: global e-commerce; e-business; B2B; B2C; m-commerce; electronic commerce; electronic business; mobile commerce; enterprise development; SMEs; small and medium sized enterprises; cultural; administrative; technological; economic; CATE; modelling; marketing strategies; developing countries; globalisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2007.011458

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2007 Vol.4 No.1, pp.96 - 117

Published online: 30 Nov 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article