Introducing B2i2C: an M-commerce model for SMEs

SMEs represent a major part of the world economy, however they face major challenges in breaking into electronic commerce and specifically mobile commerce. This paper studies the transition to m-commerce in the context of SMEs in the UK and Kuwait. By conducting a review of the top downloaded applications from four application stores and reflecting on the most successful breakthroughs, the authors identify a business model for SMEs. This model is introduced as B2i2C. In this model, intermediaries businesses provide value and opportunities for SMEs as well as allowing consumers to better compare and customize products or services. This outcome suggests that the presence of an intermediary is not just a specific case for a specific region; it could be a generalized world wide beyond the UK and Kuwait

Generic Business Process Model for SMEs in M-Commerce Based on Talabat’s Case Study

SMEs face a variety of challenges in their attempts to keep up with the cyber revolution, even though SMEs are a major part of the world economy. In a previous publication, the authors established that ‘B2C’ model does not accurately represent or support SMEs in M-Commerce. Instead, the authors reviewed SMEs and SME supporting apps from mobile app marketplaces and suggested a model called ‘B2i2C’. In this model, the ‘i’, in the form of intermediary business entity are playing a vital role in SMEs breakthrough into M-Commerce. Following on, this paper reviews business processes to generate a generic model adaptable to a variety of SME related products and services. This paper presents the case study of Talabat, one of the most successful GCC e-business models that supports SMEs to have come out from Kuwait. The information collected from online resources, student placements and feedback from operation managers attempt to emulate the business process model for a variety of ‘B2i2C’ business models. The generic model is then tested against three different scenarios to identify the level of similarity. The results demonstrate a high degree of adaptability of the model and a major opportunity to explore in the area of SME supporting app in M-Commerce

Fusão em trânsito no comércio de varejo: uma perspectiva de micronegócio

This paper suggests links between postponement, mass customization and rapid fulfilment in the light of merge-in-transit retailing (MIT). The paper asserts that the value offered by MIT implementation can be exploited only if these operational strategies are well understood. An extension of this concept is explored to critically consider whether MIT is a feasible strategy in the context of micro-businesses (MBs). MBs are usually treated as if they were big corporations that mainly follow economic-based drivers. However, the owners of MBs operate based on additional motivations such as family orientation, heritage, lifestyle, and prestige. So far, limited work has been published on MIT and strategies for operational support in the context of MBs. This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the logistics of internet retailing, making its impact promising. Its orientation towards MBs provides an original review of a sector that is often neglected. Managers and those in charge of the design and operations of logistics systems supporting internet retailing may find this paper of interest, since the four linked concepts have not previously been discussed together. The paper may be of particular interest to MB owners

Merge-in-transit retailing: a micro-business perspective

This paper suggests links between Postponement, Mass Customization and Rapid Fulfilment in the light of Merge-In-Transit Retailing (MiT). The paper discusses that the value offered by MiT implementations can only be exploited if these operational strategies are well-understood. An extension of this concept is explored to critically weight whether MiT is a feasible strategy in the context of Micro-Businesses (MBs). MBs are usually treated as if they were big corporations that mainly follow economic-based drivers. However, MBs’ owners operate according to additional motivations such as family-orientation, heritage, life style or prestige. So far limited work has been published on MiT and their operational supporting strategies in the context of MBs. The paper contributes in the deeper understanding the logistics under the Internet Retailing therefore his impact is promising. Its orientation towards MBs provides an original review to a sector that is usually neglected. Managers and people in charge in the design and operations of logistics systems supporting internet retailing can find this paper of interest as the four linked concepts have not been yet discussed together. The paper can be of particular interest for MBs’ owners

Industry 4.0 for SMEs

This open access book explores the concept of Industry 4.0, which presents a considerable challenge for the production and service sectors. While digitization initiatives are usually integrated into the central corporate strategy of larger companies, smaller firms often have problems putting Industry 4.0 paradigms into practice. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) possess neither the human nor financial resources to systematically investigate the potential and risks of introducing Industry 4.0. Addressing this obstacle, the international team of authors focuses on the development of smart manufacturing concepts, logistics solutions and managerial models specifically for SMEs. Aiming to provide methodological frameworks and pilot solutions for SMEs during their digital transformation, this innovative and timely book will be of great use to scholars researching technology management, digitization and small business, as well as practitioners within manufacturing companies

Industry 4.0 for SMEs

This open access book explores the concept of Industry 4.0, which presents a considerable challenge for the production and service sectors. While digitization initiatives are usually integrated into the central corporate strategy of larger companies, smaller firms often have problems putting Industry 4.0 paradigms into practice. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) possess neither the human nor financial resources to systematically investigate the potential and risks of introducing Industry 4.0. Addressing this obstacle, the international team of authors focuses on the development of smart manufacturing concepts, logistics solutions and managerial models specifically for SMEs. Aiming to provide methodological frameworks and pilot solutions for SMEs during their digital transformation, this innovative and timely book will be of great use to scholars researching technology management, digitization and small business, as well as practitioners within manufacturing companies

IT Plays Important Roles in Dell’S Supply Chain Management

Information technology (IT) is an important aspect of the electronic supply chain management (SCM). Advances in information technology, particularly in the Internet, enables companies to share information within and inter-organizations. The Internet and its three important types of networks: Intranet, Extranet, and Web allow organization to transfer digital data instantly and with high fidelity at nearly zero marginal cost. Information sharing is a vital aspect of coordination amongst parties in a supply chain. Information sharing can increase supply chain efficiency by reducing inventories and smoothing production. In Addition, e-commerce can enhance selling online and help better understand customers. E-SCM efficiency is highly important as today’s competition is no longer between companies, but between supply chains. This paper examined how IT - the Internet, Intranet, Extranet, Web technology affects, transforms and streamlines Dell’s SCM. Research results showed IT played important roles in enhancing, transforming, and streamlining Dell’s SCM for success. Keywords: IT, Internet technology, Web technology, e-Commerce, SC