A Balanced Analysis Approach to Strategic Electronic Commerce Decisions: A Framework of the Evaluation Method

Abstract

This chapter presents a comprehensive model for optimal electronic commerce strategy and extends the relatively novel Analytic Network Process (ANP) approach to solving quantitative and qualitative complex decisions in electronic commerce strategy. A systematic framework for the identification, classification and evaluation of electronic commerce (e-commerce) strategy using the Internet as an information, communication, distribution, or transaction channel that is interdependent with generic business strategies is proposed. The proposed methodology could help researchers and practitioners understand the relation between the benefits organizations seek from an information technology and the strategies they attempt to accomplish with the technology. As companies all over the world come out of restructuring, downsizing and business process re-engineering, many are realizing that in order to achieve a competitive edge they must formulate and implement strategies based on innovation and development of e-commerce. This chapter identifies and analyzes the methodology for synergistic integration of business and Internet domain strategies.