Value creation through an e‐business strategy: implication for SMEs in construction

Abstract

Many construction organizations have begun to acknowledge that to improve the performance of their supply chains they need to establish long‐term relationships with suppliers so that mutual dependencies can be created. However, to create economic value, as well as support interorganizational connectivity in the supply chain, an e‐business infrastructure supported by Internet and Web technologies is required. Using two case studies, this paper demonstrates how the adoption of an e‐business strategy can be used to create value throughout the supply chain in construction. Interviews with the information technology managers involved with the two case studies were undertaken to provide insights into the benefits and limitations of the technologies used to service business‐to‐business (B2B) and business‐to‐consumer (B2C) activities. In addition, the paper suggests how different Internet and Web‐based technologies can be used by construction contractors, particularly small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to gain a competitive advantage in their respective marketplaces.

Citation

Loforte Robeiro, F. and Love, P.E.D. (2003), "Value creation through an e‐business strategy: implication for SMEs in construction", Construction Innovation, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 3-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/14714170310814819