Information Technology Factors Influence the Adoption to Ecommerce in Small and Medium Scale Organizations in Sri Lanka: A Research Agenda

Abstract

Improvement of advance communication technologies and changes of business environments have resulted in as increasing demand for Information Technology (IT) products to be used in businesses today. But unfortunately, the Small and Medium Scale Businesses (SMEs) are not using those technologies effectively and not gain the competitive advantage over competitors. Although prior studies proposed many models and frameworks to understand the barrier to use advance communication technologies, the practicability remain a concern. Furthermore, those frameworks mainly discussing common general barriers and take technology as a barrier among other factors. This study provided critical review of those available frameworks and construct a new one focusing on IT factors. A research model along with its theoretical and managerial implications is presented. Besides proposing a methodology for future studies, this study also serves to guide practitioners to decide on the key factors to consider when assessing the IT factors effecting the adoption to e-commerce based e-business technologies.

Impact of E-commerce adoption on business performance of SMEs in Sri Lanka; moderating role of artificial intelligence

“…Marketing strategies help organisations connect with the customers and expand market share, leading to BP (Chigbata et al, 2020;Mahliza, 2019;Sakovi c Jovanovi c et al, 2020;Fonseka et al, 2021). On the other hand, EC is part of the business strategies in organisations (Alzahrani, 2019;Putra and Santoso, 2020;Kuruwitaarachchi et al, 2020). The main objective of the marketing strategies is to accomplish the required goals that enhance the BP, which is a business strategy of organisations (Alzahrani, 2019;Mahliza, 2019;Kuruwitaarachchi et al, 2020).…”

“…On the other hand, EC is part of the business strategies in organisations (Alzahrani, 2019;Putra and Santoso, 2020;Kuruwitaarachchi et al, 2020). The main objective of the marketing strategies is to accomplish the required goals that enhance the BP, which is a business strategy of organisations (Alzahrani, 2019;Mahliza, 2019;Kuruwitaarachchi et al, 2020). Commonly used business strategy is Porter's generic strategies, which includes cost-leadership, differentiation and focus strategies to create competitive advantage and sustain superior performance (Porter, 1985).…”

“…Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy, especially in developing countries (Kuruwitaarachchi et al, 2020;Masbuqin et al, 2020). Most SMEs in developing countries are reluctant to use e-commerce technology and gain its benefits due to unawareness of its advantages (Abed, 2020;Mahliza, 2019;Kuruwitaarachchi et al, 2020;Putra and Santoso, 2020;Masbuqin et al, 2020). However, SMEs in Sri Lanka contribute more than 52% of the country's GDP (National Accounts of Sri Lanka, 2020).…”

“…However, SMEs in Sri Lanka contribute more than 52% of the country's GDP (National Accounts of Sri Lanka, 2020). Nevertheless, due to unawareness of the benefits of e-commerce strategy, the usage of e-commerce technology in Sri Lanka is far below the other developing countries in the region (Kuruwitaarachchi et al, 2020;Govinnage and Sachitra, 2019;Gunawardana, 2018). Further, the underutilisation of digital technology has significantly impacted BP, and it is one of the critical weaknesses in the competitive market.…”

Generation Z consumer’s preferences for online food ordering application: a study of gofood and grabfood

“…Information technology also makes it possible to get product and price information in real time in a fast time, making it easier for consumers and traders to make decisions. E-commerce is an application of information technology in trade sector that allows buying and selling of goods and services through digital platforms [2]. The development of e-commerce in Indonesia shows an increasing trend from year to year even during the Covid-19 pandemic.…”