The role of e-commerce in the competitiveness of SMEs in developing economies: evidence from Nigeria

Conference paper

Ekanem, I. and Abiade, G. 2016. The role of e-commerce in the competitiveness of SMEs in developing economies: evidence from Nigeria. AIB-SSA Conference: The 2016 Conference Academy of International Business Sub-Saharan Africa Conference. Lagos Business School, Lagos, Nigeria 17 - 19 Aug 2016 Academy of International Business Sub-Saharan Africa Chapter. pp. 67
TypeConference paper
TitleThe role of e-commerce in the competitiveness of SMEs in developing economies: evidence from Nigeria
AuthorsEkanem, I. and Abiade, G.
Abstract

The aim of this paper is to understand the role of e-commerce in increasing the competitiveness of SMEs in developing economies. The study adopts a qualitative methodology which involves in-depth, semi-structured interviews and direct observation in order to derive answers to such questions as ‘why’ the system is adopted and ‘how’ the developing economy conditions influence the system. The study suggests that the adoption of e-commerce by small businesses in developing economies enhances customer relations and satisfaction, global awareness of product and services, market expansion, reduced market costs and increased competitiveness. Other findings indicate that increasing access to the Internet and changing lifestyle enable the success of e-commerce in developing economies. The main implication of the study is that small business owners should be encouraged to adopt e-commerce in order to enhance their market expansion and global competitiveness. The study is limited to the extent that it can be generalised to a wider population of small businesses.

LanguageEnglish
ConferenceAIB-SSA Conference: The 2016 Conference Academy of International Business Sub-Saharan Africa Conference
Page range67
ISBN
Hardcover9780620698610
PublisherAcademy of International Business Sub-Saharan Africa Chapter
Publication dates
Print17 Aug 2016
Publication process dates
Deposited31 Jan 2017
Accepted17 Aug 2016
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
Copyright Statement

© The Author(s).

Web address (URL)http://www.aibssa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/AIB-SSA-2016-Conference-Proceedings.pdf
Book titleProceedings of the 2016 Conference Academy of International Business Sub-Saharan Africa Conference: "Africa’s Competitiveness in the Global Economy"
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