Assessing a Theoretically-Derived E-Readiness Framework for E-Commerce in a Nigerian SME

Abstract

Purpose : To develop and test an appropriate e-readiness assessment framework for e-commerce for Nigerian SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis and synthesis of existing literature on e-commerce adoption lead to the generation of an integrated framework for e-readiness assessment in SMEs. The framework was then instantiated in a questionnaire and trialled in an SME in Nigeria (MRT Ltd.). Findings/results: Firstly the analysis of the literature shows that existing theories do not sufficiently capture the factors that are important to the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs in Nigeria. Secondly, the study findings revealed that some e-readiness factors in the trial SME such as management and process factors are suitable for e-commerce adoption but improvement needs to be made on people and technological factors in order for the organisation to be declared an e-ready organisation. Limitation: This research made use of a questionnaire and an informal interview during the trial of the framework. This needs to be expanded into a full case study approach to thoroughly evaluate the framework. Practical implications: It is possible to provide decision-makers in Nigerian SMEs with an operational framework for e-readiness e-commerce assessment: this has been successfully trialled within one such SME. Supplementary files: Peer Review, Author's Response to Peer Review

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