Abstract
This chapter informs SME (small and medium enterprise) owners, developers, consultants, and academics with the reasons, means, and possibilities afforded by 21st century technology in helping SMEs to improve their operational efficiencies and discover more effective marketing strategies for their products and services. With the rapid development and broad-based integration of web-based technologies across domains of communication, marketing, e-Commerce, and training, SMEs can benefit greatly by using these inexpensive tools to their advantage. SMEs typically underutilize opportunities to enhance their efficiencies by using more complex e-Business systems, and in so doing under develop the talents of their workforce for innovation and success. This underutilization is not just because of ignorance of technological capabilities, but also from a lack of exposure to leadership and HR development training. Knowing the need to learn must be a strong foundation before technological development can ensue. This chapter provides a synthesis of research and literature across several related, but seldomly connected fields - including, organizational theory, leadership, adult development and learning, 21st century learning, distance learning and human resource management. In developing this chapter, the authors are attempting to communicate the need for SMEs to both develop leadership and technological program developments to implement the changes needed to compete in a marketplace that reflects rapid change and imperfect information.
TopIntroduction
With the great proliferation and social adoption of web-based communication tools, e-Commerce platforms, and distance learning, SMEs are in a prime position to broaden their scope of service, increase scalability, cultivate innovation, and add to their profit margin. However, as the literature reveals, most SMEs do not know how to utilize e-Business platforms, nor are they aware of the various forms of education available to become proficient in this media. This chapter defines the current dimensions of what e-Business is, what it offers SMEs, and strategies for evaluation and possible implementation. Moreover, the chapter documents current issues and trends regarding how SMEs are, or are not, using the e-Business potential, and what the obstacles are for learning and implementing these changes. In addition, the discussion includes a review of salient limitations and risks which SMEs may review as they weigh these substantial strategic organizational opportunities. The chapter concludes with an overview of the macro level of the opportunities and recommendations for action.
In addressing options and strategies to encourage SME adoption of e-Business technology, we will build upon the literature of human resource development, business management, organizational theory, leadership, adult development, adult learning, 21st century learning and distance learning. Specifically, the chapter defines a business epistemology for the proper mix of e-knowledge and vision that are relevant for SMEs who are developing an e-Business platform. The chapter focus culminates in proposed solutions to encourage SMEs to embrace e-change, and a call for future directed research in this business challenge. The chapter begins by clarifying e-Business types and their definitions which are essential to the focus of the discussion.