Information security and privacy concerns in 4IR : the moderating role of trust in B2C e-commerce

Abstract: The development of B2C e-commerce success depends on establishing trust and satisfaction of e-services which contributes to the long-term B2C e-commerce customer loyalty. Prior research has examined the key attributes hampering the e-commerce success and making it difficult to maintain customer loyalty. The new types of technology devices introduced are not only vulnerable to internet risks but also slower the growth of B2C e-commerce. Prior studies have proposed and empirically tested B2C e-commerce frameworks guided by the objectives of establishing trusting, satisfied, and loyal customers in many countries. The empirical data presenting these key success factors of B2C e-commerce in an emerging African countries is mainly limited. The purpose here originates on documenting the effects of information security and privacy concerns on customer trust as a moderator of the effect of satisfaction on B2C e-commerce customer loyalty. The study sinks to the depth of prior studies to construct a conceptual research model which hypothesises the relationships between the B2C e-commerce factors and their antecedents. A survey collected primary data using a self-administered structured questionnaire targeting B2C e-commerce customers in Gauteng province of South Africa. Results show that information security is a strong predictor of customer trust and a weak predictor of their satisfaction. It was found that B2C e-commerce customer loyalty is strongly determined by satisfaction and weakly determined by trust in South Africa. Trust significantly moderates the effect of satisfaction on B2C e-commerce customer loyalty. The limitations of the study, implications, and the proposed future research directions are discussed

A Comparative Study on Factors Shaping Buying Behaviour on B2B and B2C E-Commerce Platforms in India

The retail landscape in India has undergone a stark metamorphosis over the years. Traditional “Brick and Mortar” style retailing is facing staunch competition from the rapid emergence of e-commerce platforms. Having aligned themselves to ever evolving consumer sensibilities, these robust platforms are revolutionizing the Indian retail industry like never before. Our research revealed that while the ease/method of payment and a value driven return policy take precedence in B2C markets, various bulk purchase options are given due importance in B2B e-commerce markets. Moreover, on-time delivery is a common critical factor/parameter common to both markets. In a nutshell, e-commerce appears to be the future with regards to both B2B and B2C markets. However, the onus is on the e-commerce platforms to offer a holistic retail experience whilst carving a niche for themselves in an increasingly cluttered market. Keywords: Brick and Mortar, Competition, Consumer Sensibilities, e-commerce, India, Retai

Business-To-Consumer E-Commerce In Japan: Implications For Marketers

The purpose of this study was to determine Japanese consumers’ B2C e-commerce purchases, their attitudes toward e-commerce, and the attributes that affect their Internet patronage among Japanese e-commerce businesses. Findings from a survey among 112 Japanese respondents indicated that most had made online purchases in the past and intended to use e-commerce in the future. Respondents reported that convenience was the primary advantage of e-commerce, while security issues were the major disadvantages and affected Internet patronage among Japanese e-commerce businesses.  Implications suggested that Japanese companies should improve convenience and security factors to attract consumers and increase their sales via e-commerce

Improving the Authentication Mechanism of Business to Consumer (B2C) Platform in a Cloud Computing Environment: Preliminary Findings

The reliance of e-commerce infrastructure on cloud computing environment has undoubtedly increased the security challenges in web-based e-commerce portals. This has necessitated the need for a built-in security feature, essentially to improve the authentication mechanism, during the execution of its dependent transactions. Comparative analysis of the existing works and studies on XML-based authentication and non-XML signaturebased security mechanisms for authentication in Business to Consumer (B2C) e-commerce showed the advantage of using XML-based authentication, and its inherent weaknesses and limitations. It is against this background that this study, based on review and meta-analysis of previous works, proposes an improved XML digital signature with RSA algorithm, as a novel algorithmic framework that improves the authentication strength of XML digital signature in the B2C e-commerce in a cloud-based environment. Our future works include testing and validation, and simulation, of the proposed authentication framework in Cisco’s XML Management Interface with inbuilt feature of NETCONF. The evaluation will be done in conformity to international standard and guideline –such as W3C and NIST

Security and Trustworthiness as Drivers of E-shop Competitiveness (Opinions of Young Customers)

Although the overall share of B2C e-commerce on the total retail turnover in the Czech Republic is low, e-shopping still indicates quite impressive year-to-year growth rates. Though very popular - especially in certain customer segments, such as young people - there are serious problems and challenges observed in this domain. Problems and challenges such as security and trustworthiness issues are often discussed and scrutinized. Thus, it is very important for both e-retailers and researchers to find out which factors drive e-shops’ competitiveness. In the introductory part, this paper presents useful and clear definitions to enlighten and clarify the topic. The description of Czech B2C e-commerce market follows, and it emphasizes the issues of ethics, security and trustworthiness and problems customers often face. Results of empirical research focused on issues on security and trustworthiness in relation to e-shop competitiveness are then presented and discussed. Suggestions for future research form the final part of the article

E-Business Models In The Travel Industry

Drawing on recently published data, this report examines some of the trends in travel e-commerce. Using a case study approach, the author examines in detail some of the e-business models impacting on the travel industry both in the Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) markets. Although B2C leisure transactions currently account for just 1% of the value of global travel, there is real potential for future growth. However to be successful both new entrants and existing players will need to ensure their e-business model adds value for the customer, otherwise their position in the value chain will be threatened. The most immediate potential for growth and profitability lies in the B2B market, particularly in the development of vertical portals or community extranets. These are virtual spaces enabling travel buyers and suppliers to trade online. The integration of legacy systems with Internet Protocol (IP) technology is taking place across a range of travel sectors and will provide the platform on which a wide range of e-business applications can be developed. This development will lead to the ultimate catalyst for travel e-business -- the convergence of data (internet), voice (telephone) and video (television)

Proceedings of the Conference on Emerging Economic Issues in a Globalizing World

A great deal of efficiency and productivity increase has been achieved in the production process through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in recent years. These developments have created remarkable opportunities for the small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) whose advertising and marketing budgets are relatively limited. A comprehensive survey and interviews are carried out with a sample of SMEs in OSTIM and Sincan Industrial Districts in Ankara in order to find out the present use of e-commerce in the SMEs, its perceived advantages, potential problems and the future expectations. The ordered logit models are estimated to investigate the factors affecting the use of e-commerce in the firms, potential advantages of e-commerce use and the main obstacles in implementing the ICTs. The results reveal that the firms are aware of the fact that e-commerce would increase the speed of business, lower the cost of production, give competitive advantage, enable to reach the customers easily and expand the markets and that B2B and B2C e-commerce and the use of ICTs are more common in relatively bigger firms (in terms of capital, sales revenue and employment). The main reasons why the SMEs are not able to use ICTs are found as the lack of information and specialized personnel, security and legal framework.SMEs, Turkey, Ankara, e-commerce

RFID chips: Future technology on everyone’s lips

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is considered a technology of the future, but RFID chips have long established themselves in our everyday lives. RFID systems combine the physical world of a product with the virtual world of digital data. Projects based on RFID far transcend simply replacing the bar code, and in fact represent a new all-encompassing structural concept. The RFID market is faced with the conflicting demands for cheap solutions on the one hand and guaranteed high-level security, which is predicated on additional investment, on the other. The retail trade is playing a decisive part in the broad-based roll-out of RFID projects. Beyond deployment in the retail market, though, RFID will soon be considered an indispensable part of the entire value chain in all sectors of the economy.information- and communication technology; ICT; e-business; e-commerce; B2C-e-commerce; internet; retail; supply chain management; tag

Planning and management of E-commerce Website : Guide for startup B2C E-commerce companies

The purpose of this thesis is to help startup B2C E-commerce companies to plan and manage e-commerce website. This thesis is intended to equip current and future e-commerce managers or entrepreneurs with some basic knowledge and practical skills to help them navigate their organisations towards e-business. It does not have any specific commissioner. Thesis will contain most aspects when plan and manage e-commerce website for startups

Rethinking the strategy of Amazon.com

The strategic challenge facing Amazon.com is that it is not able to convincethe investment community that it is able to generate profits in the long run. The doubtof investors is well grounded. This paper argues that Amazon should make a strategicshift to operate as a provider of technical services and business consulting in the areaof business-to-consumer e-commerce. At the same time it should reduce the range ofthe items sold on-line to, say, books and CDs, and treat this part of its business as akind of research and development activity. Its avant garde status as e-commerceinnovator and its track record in customer satisfaction have tremendous market valueand can serve as an 'open sesame' to enter the huge market of e-commerce consulting.Its continuing survival and (hopefully) future profitability hold deeper implications forother dot.com companies and B2C e-commerce