Internet Research

Classifying enterprises on the basis of WWW use: a behavioral approach : Table of Contents

Paulina Papastathopoulou, George J. Avlonitis — Sun Jun 07 14:15:03 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Research studies have started to appear in recent years about the use of world wide web (WWW) by organizations. In an attempt to shed more light into this issue, this study seeks to take a behavioral approach for classifying enterprises on the basis of WWW use. It aims to address two research questions: Can different organizational profiles reveal as a result of a classification scheme/taxonomy of enterprises based on WWW use? and If such a classification is possible, to what extent are the WWW usage profiles related to specific market, organizational and demographic characteristics? Design/methodology/approach – The sampling frame of the study consisted of the largest 1,250 firms in Greece in terms of sales turnover that had already adopted information and communication technologies. After three follow-up contacts by telephone, e-mail and fax the cooperation of 500 companies was secured (40 percent response rate). Data collection was carried out by a professional market research firm by means of computer-aided personal interviewing (CAPI) system. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire. Findings – Five distinct WWW usage profiles of enterprises were identified, namely “E-merchants”, “Information seekers”, “E-purchasers”, “E-transaction adopters” and “WWW experimentalists”. These profiles are found to be associated with different market, organizational and demographic characteristics. Practical implications – This classification scheme can be viewed as a behavioral segmentation exercise based on the application/use criterion that is used for segmenting B2B markets by web service providers. The present classification may also help suppliers of networking infrastructure and e-business software. E-commerce policy makers can also benefit from the results of this study. The different types of WWW adopters that have been uncovered in the present study practically map the extent of combined WWW uses by various types of enterprises. Such information is important for future WWW promotions and the design of funding projects to further promote WWW. Originality/value – The paper's value is considered important because, despite its acknowledged importance, only limited research has been conducted on the commercial use of the WWW, mainly, through examining the use of WWW home pages of various organizations and their effect in marketing. Similarly, despite the fact that various European Union-sponsored studies are conducted regularly by the National Statistical Offices of the member states and the European E-Business Market W@tch, these studies limit their analysis to descriptive statistics.

A study of members' helping behaviors in online community : Table of Contents

Kuo-Ming Chu — Sun Jun 07 14:15:03 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to develop a theoretical model that enables us to examine the antecedents and consequences effects of members' helping behavior in online communities. It also aims to develop a complete model for empirical testing. Design/methodology/approach – The sample is 425 participants including nine online communities in Taiwan, including Yahoo! Kimo, CPB, Sony music, etc.. who were contacted and asked to participate in the study. Data were collected between August and December 2007 via the web for Internet users using a standardized questionnaire. Excluding those surveys that were undeliverable and those who believed that it was inappropriate to respond, the overall effective response rate was 84 percent (355 of 425). Findings – The empirical results suggested that online communities members' helping behavior represents a large pool of product know-how. They seem to be a promising source of innovation capabilities for new product development. Research limitations/implications – The research only aims to experimentally investigate complete model of helping behavior in online communities. But this research has not dealt with a double role of online communities' members so far, linking innovation with commercialization. They seem to be a promising source of innovation capabilities for new product development. Practical implications – The phenomenon of helping behavior among members may become a major source and channel for information in the decision making process for the purchase of products. Therefore, a major finding derived from the empirical application is that community members are capable and willing to contribute to virtual co-development. Originality/value – Many variables have been evaluated for their influences on the helping behaviors of the members of the online communities. However, none of the previous studies have integrated these variables into a more comprehensive framework.

Influence of interorganizational relationships on SMEs' e-business adoption : Table of Contents

Alain Yee-Loong Chong, Keng-Boon Ooi, Binshan Lin, Shu Yi Tang — Sun Jun 07 14:15:03 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The objective of this paper is to examine the influence of interorganizational relationships on the adoption of e-business in the supply chain of Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was distributed to 200 Malaysian SMEs with a response rate of 68 percent. Data were analyzed by employing multiple regression analysis. Findings – Interorganizational relationships such as communication, collaboration and information sharing were found to be significant in affecting Malaysian SMEs' decision to adopt e-business in their supply chain. Contrary to existing literatures, this research found that trust and trading partners' power have no significant influence on the adoption of e-business in the supply chain of Malaysian SMEs. Practical implications – Organizations that would like to adopt e-business in their supply chain with their trading partners will be able to apply strategies based on the findings from this research. Based on these finding, organizations that would like to implement e-business with their trading partners in Malaysia should focus on improving interorganizational relationships such as communication, collaboration and information sharing. Originality/value – The findings created an understanding of what attributes of interorganizational relationships influence the adoption of e-business in the supply chain. In terms of theoretical contributions, this study has extended previous researches conducted in Western countries and provides great potential by advancing the understanding between the association of adoption factors and e-business adoption in Malaysian SMEs. SMEs planning to adopt e-business in their supply chain would be able to applied strategies based on the findings from this research.

Statistical inference from power law distributed web-based social interactions : Table of Contents

Daphne R. Raban, Eyal Rabin — Sun Jun 07 14:15:03 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for statistical inference on data from power law distributions in order to explain behavior and social phenomena associated with web-based social spaces such as discussion forums, question-and-answer sites, web 2.0 applications and the like. Design/methodology/approach – The paper starts by highlighting the importance of explaining behavior in social networks. Next, the power law nature of social interactions is described and a hypothetical example is used to explain why analyzing sub-sets of data might misrepresent the relationship between variables having power law distributions. Analysis requires the use of the complete distribution. The paper proposes logarithmic transformation prior to correlation and regression analysis and shows why it works using the hypothetical example and field data retrieved from Microsoft's Netscan project. Findings – The hypothetical example emphasizes the importance of analyzing complete datasets harvested from social spaces. The Netscan example shows the importance of the logarithmic transformation for enabling the development of a predictive regression model based on the power law distributed data. Specifically, it shows that the number of new and returning participants are the main predictors of discussion forum activity. Originality/value – This paper offers a useful analysis tool for anyone interested in social aspects of the Internet as well as corporate intra-net systems, knowledge management systems or other systems that support social interaction such as cellular phones and mobile devices. It also explains how to avoid errors by paying attention to assumptions and range restriction issues.

Online branding strategies of UK fashion retailers : Table of Contents

Jennifer Rowley — Sun Jun 07 14:15:03 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on exploratory research that aims to contribute to knowledge on online branding, and the way in which the online channel is being used to support brands. The focus of this research is the top multi-channel UK fashion retailers. Design/methodology/approach – Content analyses were performed on the web sites of a number of top fashion and clothing retailers, plus three supermarket chains with a strong presence in clothes retailing. An analysis of the extent to which the retailers were using their web site to provide online services and information provided a context for a more detailed analysis of online branding strategies, including communicating brand identity and presence, and building brand relationships. Findings – Most top “non-value” fashion retailers offer transactions through their web site, offering extended opportunities for brand engagement and experience. While all fashion retailers achieve consistency of visual identity between the online and other channels, their use of the online channel to communicate brand values, and to promote brand relationships is underdeveloped. There is evidence of some innovative practice, but also scope for considerable further development of the notion of online branding. Research into online and multi-channel branding has a role to play in supporting this process. Originality/value – This study makes an important contribution to the under-researched area of online branding, through a study of the online branding activities of top multi-channel UK fashion retailers.

Design and implementation of a generic per-fee-link framework : Table of Contents

Antonio Ruiz-Martínez, Óscar Cánovas, Antonio F. Gómez-Skarmeta — Sun Jun 07 14:15:03 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to present a viable approach for designing and implementing a generic per-fee-link framework. It also aims to design this framework to be used with any payment protocol and test it with two existing ones. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a per-fee-link framework based on several generic components. These components have been developed and tested in order to prove the viability of the proposed framework. Findings – The results show that is possible to establish a per-fee-link framework. Four core components are defined: first, the different modules needed for browsers and web servers, second, an extended payment protocol (EPP), which negotiates the payment protocol to use and encapsulates its related messages, third, an API for e-wallets, which is independent of the payment protocol, to incorporate the protocols to use with EPP and finally, the definition of a per-fee-link that associates payment information to a link. Practical implications – The framework presented shows a uniform way of using payment protocols that can increase the trust of end users. Furthermore, it has been developed and tested. Originality/value – The contribution describes the components needed for supporting the framework. Its feasibility has been checked through an implementation and it facilitates the payment for content on the web. Thus, content providers can obtain an alternative revenue source to advertisement or subscription. Furthermore, developers, vendors and customers can see that the incorporation of payment protocols to the system is facilitated. Finally, the users obtain a uniform way to make payments that increases the perception of trust.