Vol. 58 n°1-2, January-February 2003
Electronic Commerce
Guest editor : Frantz Rowe*
* University of Nantes (France)
Enabling tools for e-commerce
Chantal MORLEY*, Bruno DEFUDE*, Franck BUTELLE**, Daniel LANG*
* GET/INT - 9, rue Charles Fourier 91011 Evry Cedex, France.
** LIPN, UMR 7030, Université Paris 13.
Abstract: Electronic commerce (EC) is a combination of practices, strategies, processes, applications and technologies, enabling business transactions. This paper focuses on software and technologies for EC. In the first part, the different categories of applications for EC are reviewed. A fully integrated solution does not seem to be the major trend. However, the "best of breed" approach implies an integration problem. The second part of the paper includes modeling languages and EC applications core technologies. The UML appears to be used at different levels in the development of an EC solution. Web technologies are continually evolving: XML could be the language of the future for information exchanges between heterogeneous applications. The third part deals with component and application integration. In spite of converging standards for languages as well as for models, system interoperability is a major problem, when informations are to be shared and processes to be jointed. Two major
trends can be identified : Web services and EDI approaches.
Key words: Electronic trade, Economic transaction, Computer application, Assisted management, Integrated management, Sales, Supply, Internet, Software package, Modelling, Unified Modelling Language, Object Modelling technique, World Wide Web, Hyper Text Markup Language, Extensible Markup Language, System architecture.
Analyzing the m-business landscape
Giovanni CAMPONOVO*, Yves PIGNEUR*
* École des HEC, Université de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne (Suisse)
Abstract: The m-business landscape never stops to change and the impacts on the mobile market are constant as players reposition themselves on the market according to the new opportunities and threats brought by rapid technological developments. This paper provides a conceptual tool to better understand this player arena and its objective is threefold. The first one is to analyze the role of the key actors using ontology for defining and assessing their business models. The second objective is to analyze and visualize the interaction of actors with each other from a value system perspective. The final objective is to evaluate and represent the dependencies of the actors, their strategies and their convergence or divergence on different issues by using an approach borrowed from policy making.
Key words: Electronic trade, Mobile radiocommunication, Economic market, Economic analysis, Modelling, Firm stratégie.
When the secured payments by card on the internet lead to a competition between banks and network operators
David BOUNIE*
* GET/Télécom Paris, 46 rue Barrault, 75634 Paris Cedex 13
Abstract: In this article, we wonder about the exit of the competition between two secured protocols of payments by card conceived, on the one hand, by the banks and, on the other hand, by the network operators. We show that the non-banking secured protocol takes the lead in the market of the secured payments by card on Internet. We conclude to the loss of the banking control on the payment procedures by card on Internet to the benefits of the network operators.
Key words: Electronic trade, Secure electronic transaction, Internet, Credit card, Bank institution, Telecommunication operator, Taxonomy, Securization, Comparative study, Competition, Mathematical modelling, Numerical simulation.
Internet and enterprise performance: a study of the industrial organization of 104 smes in Loire-Atlantique (France)
Emmanuel MONOD*
* Maître de conférences, CRGNA-LAGON, Université de Nantes, Faculté des Sciences Économiques et de Gestion, BP 52 231, 44 322 Nantes Cedex 03
Abstract: What is the influence between Internet and the enterprise performance? This study presents the relationship between the Internet applications (web, business intelligence, e-commerce, internal communication, cross-companies cooperation) and growth and profit of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). If a direct "impact" is tested, an indirect relationship is nevertheless submitted to a test through intermediary variables i.e. industrial organization according to Pavitt (1984) and the structure. The study of 104 SMEs in Loire-Atlantique (France) did not find any direct "impact" of Internet applications on enterprise performance. On the other hand, an indirect influence was found, especially through the specific use of Internet by SMEs belonging to "mass production", "specialized supplier" and "high tech" industries.
Key words : Internet, Industrial organization, Enterprise organization, Small and medium enterprise, Information technology, Questionnaire, Statistical study.
CRM in the European Large-Scale Retail Trade: Evidence and Perspectives
Claire CHARBIT*, Valérie FERNANDEZ*
* GET/Télécom Paris - 46, rue Barrault 75634 Paris cedex 13 France.
Abstract: This article sets forth the main findings of an empirical study carried out among the main actors in the sector of large-scale retailing in Europe, as regards their respective practical experience in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) as well as the opportunities offered by the Internet technologies in this field. The evidence collected is checked against the problems expounded in the literature hinging on the following four main questions:
- the existence of national orientations that are taking shape in terms of the uses of CRM
- the reality of the training processes of companies leading to e-CRM as well as the acquisition of the technical and organisational maturity necessary to master these tools
- the variety of those uses and the issue of multichannelling
- the relative benefits of market relationship linked to the development of CRM procedures
Thus this study offers an overview of emerging trends in CRM peculiar to this sector.
Key words: Trade distribution, Clientele, Firm management, Europe, Internet.
New economy and e-commerce: beyond measure?
Alain RALLET*
* ADIS, Faculté Jean Monnet, Université de Paris Sud, 92331 Sceaux Cedex France Email: alain.rallet@jm.u-psud.fr
Abstract: What actual weight do new economy and e-commerce have in the economies of developed countries ? Most of the measures suggested come from consultant firms and reflect their representations of these phenomea (which vary greatly) more than reality. Moreover, new economy and e-commerce are badly-defined notions and consequently very difficult to measure. The paper reconsiders the definition of each one of these phenomena and analyzes the efforts carried out by the National Institutes of Statistics to measure them. It argues that the New Economy or more exactly the Digital Economy presents two sides. The first can be described as the sectors producing Information and Communication Technologies (equipment and services). The weight of these sectors is evaluated in terms of employment, added value, R&D expenditures... The second side is more difficult to measure because the impact of ICTs on all economic activities is involved. The paper shows that the generalized diffusion of ICTs is making increasingly difficult to isolate a specific phenomenon named Digital Economy. E-commerce is often reduced to on line sale, i.e. the addition of a new channel to mail order sale. However on line sale which has stagnated at 1 % of retail trade is far from exhausting all the transformations induced by the ICTs in commercial activities. It is better to speak about electronization of trade: all types of trade, and not only mail order sale, are affected by the diffusion of ICTs. In these conditions, it is becoming less and less relevant to base the measurement of e-commerce on the fact it is an activity distinct from the traditional retail trade.
Key words: Electronic trade, Information technology, Economic sector, Economic analysis, Econometrics, Computing transaction.
Impact of B2C on marketing-mix items
Sophie MORIN-DELERM*
* Maître de Conférences à la Faculté Jean Monnet de l'Université Paris XI-Orsay - 54, Boulevard Desgranges - 92331 Sceaux Cedex, France
Abstract: The purpose of this literary review, built on scientific and professional papers, is to establish a synthesis of the multiform consequences of electronic commerce on marketing-mix. The study is based on a matrix approach : each component of the mix is described through two dimensions : a temporal dimension and an actors approach. The temporal dimension stresses the new caracteristics existing since the use of electronic commerce. The actors approach underlines the influence of the marketing mix items new caracteristics on consumers, manufacturers, intermediaries, and advertising space sellers. The impact of B2C on marketing-mix items is nowadays thin but clearly outlined. For example, product personalization, interactivity, easier transactions, yield management...
Key words : Electronic trade, Marketing, Internet, Business communication, Trade distribution, Price.
From Minitel to Internet: risk perception and transition for on-line banking
Mohamed BENDANA*, Frantz ROWE* **
* LAGON-CRGNA, Maison des Sciences de l'Homme - Faculté des Sciences Économiques et de Gestion - Université de Nantes (1 et 2) Chemin de la Censive du Tertre BP 52231, 44322 Nantes Cedex 3 France
** GET/Télécom Paris, 46 rue Barrault 75634 Paris Cedex 13 France
Abstract: Based on media richness theory and on the technology acceptance model, this article shows that, in general, Internet is perceived as superior to the minitel. It analyzes the perception of two populations, that of on line customers using Internet and the minitel for banking purposes and that of on line customers using both médias but only Internet for banking purposes. Risk perception related to monetary transactions appears as an essential characteristic for distinguishing these two populations since for the former, on this criterian minitel is still superior to the Internet.
Key words: Bank institution, Internet, Vidéotex, Risk, Questionnaire, Statistical study, User.
Shopping on the internet and then what? The tests of logistics and service relations in electronic commercial interactions
Emmanuel KESSOUS*
* France Télécom R&D - Laboratoire UCE - 38-40, rue du général Leclerc 92794 Issy-les-Moulineaux cedex 9 France.
Abstract: Logistics are the ultimate test for successful online transactions. The delivery of goods is key to services on the Internet. Depending on the conditions of delivery and the way they are implemented, a surfer will make a positive or a negative assessment on the quality of service of a company. The article demonstrates this idea, amid examples from two types of goods: high tech products and food items. The first category of goods follows a market-oriented model whereas the second category of goods follows an industrial model. The second part of the article is dedicated to analyzing the deployment of these models through a series of tests aimed at determining the quality of logistics. These tests deal with modes of access to customers, with companies' stocking policies and, last but not least, with the organization of warehouses and the packaging of goods.
Keys words: Electronic trade, Trade distribution, Consumer goods, Logistics, Socioeconomics, Quality of service, Transport
Legal developments for dealing with electronic commerce
Isabelle de LAMBERTERIE*
*Directrice de recherche au CNRS-CECOJI - Centre de recherche sur la Coopération juridique internationale - Antenne Parisienne 27 rue Paul Bert 94207 Ivry-sur-Seine France
Abstract: Given the advent of electronic commerce, the law has been seen as possibly fettering the freedom of trade that Internet allows. Some experts worry about a legal vacuum, whereas others are recommending specific techniques while arguing for increased security. All branches of the law have to cope with this new phenomenon, even though some are more concerned than others. To develop the electronic marketplace, confidence must be built up between all parties and toward third parties. The freedom to make contracts and the protection of the weaker parties to a contract must come under consideration. At present, electronic transactions mainly involve information, data and intellectual creations. The circulation of these « objects » must fall under laws about intellectual property or the right to privacy. Calls for increased legal security are linked to demands for technical security - the interdependence between these two has spurred new legal developments about the admissibility of evidence. Where are these developments in the law occurring ? Mainly in Brussels but also in international organizations. European directives (the major ones among them) are now being transposed in national law. This opportunity, beyond the strict application of directives, provides French public authorities with the chance to appeal to all parties to work out broader views about what is at stake in regulating the Information Society.
Key words : Electronic trade, Law, Legal aspect, Internet, European Union, Contracting, Contract law, Private life protection
Electronic commerce and the international trade regulatory framework
Philippe BARBET*
* Université de Paris 13 et CEPN-CNRS - 99, avenue J.B.Clément - 93430 Villetaneuse - France
Abstract: The international diffusion of Electronic Commerce raises new questions on international trade regulations and this article presents the more important ones. We show in the part II that the importance of the international Electronic Commerce is currently relatively low but its growth potential is significant. Moreover, the existence of so called "digital goods" obliges to redefine the traditional nomenclatures and in particular the difference between goods and services which is the basis of international trade negotiations in the context of liberalization. In the part III, we analyse the consequences of the trend leading to exempt Electronic Commerce from custom duties and the creation of the "duty free Cyberspace". In the part IV, we show that the development of Electronic Commerce has potentially major consequences on direct and indirect taxation rules.
Key words : Electronic trade, International trade, Customs duty, International institution, Taxes, Indirect taxation, Direct taxation.
Web-Based Interorganizational Information Systems for Logistics Outsourcing
Mokhtar AMAMI*, Jack BRIMBERG*
* Professors, Department of Business Administration, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON, Canada
Abstract : This article examines how web-based interorganizational information systems (IOS) can efficiently support coordination mechanisms between outsourcer and third party logistics (3PL). First, we review the literature on coordination mechanisms and IOS. Second, we report on the methodology used for gathering information on outsourcers and 3PLs. Third, armed with limited but quality data, we identified two fundamental dimensions: 3PL involvement and IOS impacts on logistics outsourcing decisions. By combining the two dimensions, we propose a conceptual framework that highlights four main categories of IOS that we characterize as neutral IOS, supply chain IOS, strategic IOS and dynamic IOS. After characterizing and analyzing each category, we discuss how these web based IOSs support outsourcers and 3PL along the supply chain. Finally, the article discusses the framework's relevancy and its limits.
Key words: Information system, Outsourcing, Internet, Firm cooperation, Supply, Case study, Questionnaire.
The EDI success evaluation in the SME: an integrated model
Serge BAILE*
* Centre de Recherche en Gestion de l'IAE, Université de Toulouse, 1, place Anatole France 31042 Toulouse Cedex, France
Abstract: EDI is by far the Information Technology (IT) that has aroused, these last ten years, many interesting works in the field of the SME organizational development. The absence of federative conceptual framework is probably behind the great diversity of results, especially in the area of the prediction of its adoption and the evaluation of its success. These observations are behind a five years field research carried by an objective of EDI success evaluation by end users. This article contributes to validate an "abductive" approach. To be made, it summarizes and classifies theoretical foundations of an analysis of this IT impacts, and formulate an evaluation model using a system approach. Each of the three levels of the studied system (processing factor keys of success, quality of the EDI acceptance process, and success or internal performance) fact thus the object of premises allowing to confront observations of the four field enterprises to the conceptual framework and concepts identified in the review of the literature. Results of this approach using an appropriate qualitative methodology on cases of enterprises users of EDI have allowed to validate the structure of the model and to refine the constructs of the different variables, that, so as to commit ulterior empirical works destined for validate the aimed explanatory of the model.
Key Words : Small medium enterprise, Electronic document interchange, Modeling, Performance evaluation, Integration, Enterprise organization, Theoretical study, Case study, Conceptual analysis.