The impact of e‐business on supply chain management: An empirical study of key developments

Abstract

Purpose

E‐business systems and processes that use ubiquitous platforms such as web browser and internet have a profound impact on the management of inter‐organisational processes. Consequently, a major implication of e‐business is its impact on supply chain management. This paper focuses on the developments in e‐business system adoption and deployment in support of supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

The research conducted for this paper was empirical in nature, involving an interview study with a large sample of organisations and selected case study visits. Analysis of the impact of e‐business on supply chain strategy also examines three representative areas of supply chain management – procurement, customer relationship management, and fulfilment process.

Findings

E‐business systems deployment was also seen to act as a significant catalyst for each of the three areas examined, although this paper presents only the findings from the exploratory study.

Originality/value

From the research analysis it was possible to develop a normative, five‐stage, model classifying the evolution of e‐business systems deployment for supply chain management. Finally proposes the need for longitudinal research to surface the underlying dynamics of e‐business adoption and deployment.

Citation

Croom, S.R. (2005), "The impact of e‐business on supply chain management: An empirical study of key developments", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 55-73. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570510572240