The Development of a Web-Based Strategic Pricing Application to Support the Sustainability of Creative-Based SMEs

Abstract

This study analyzes the theoretical and practical effects of Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use on Attitude Toward Using and Behavioral Intention to use the web-based pricing application Mersyprice, based on the Technology Acceptance Model theory. Mersyprice is a web-based application to support strategic pricing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the creative sector. Data was collected through an online Focus Group Discussion (FGD) using Zoom to introduce the use of Mersyprice in supporting strategic pricing for creative SMEs. Participants then completed a questionnaire using a Google form. Data analysis was carried out in 2 stages. The first stage, to answer theoretical objectives, Structural Equation Modeling was used. While the second stage, to answer practical purposes, the Analytical Hierarchy Process was used. The firststage of analysis showed that Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use have a significant impact on Behavioral Intention to use the Mersyprice application via Attitude Toward Using it. Respondents considered that the "Ease of Use" variable was more important. The second stage of analysis revealed that 47% of creative SMEs intend to use Mersyprice, while 35% are considering using it. It can be concluded that Mersyprice is useful in supporting strategic pricing by creative sector of SMEs. For future research it is important to develop the Mersyprice in a more user friendly so that it can be used more widely.