E-Commerce Adoption in Chinas Service SMEs - Annotated Bibliography Example

Methodology Proposal (Business Research Methods) Table of Contents Methodological Choice Justifications 3 Research Direction 3 Critical Review ofthe Methods That Have Been Used By Researchers 4 Article 1: E-Commerce Adoption in China’s Service SMEs: A Study from Web Usability Perspective 4 Article 2: Analysis of Chinese E-Commerce Development 4 Article 3: China E-Commerce Market Analysis: Forecasting and Profiling Internet User 5 Article 4: Electronic Commerce in China: Emerging Success Stories 5 Article 5: The Application of E-Commerce Technologies in the Development of International Trade 6 Article 6: An Empirical Study on E-commerce’s effects on Economic Growth 6 Article 7: Regulations on E-Commerce Consumer Protection Rules in China and Europe Compared – Same but Different? 7 Article: 8. E-Commerce in Developing Countries: Issues and Influences 8 Article: 9. Effective E-Commerce in China Lessons from Cross-Cultural Research 8 Article: 10. China’s B2C E-Commerce Development and its Future Prospects 9 Article: 11. A Comparative Study on Consumer Right to Privacy in E-Commerce 10 Justifications of Methodological Choice 11 (2) Research Instrument 12 Questionnaire 12 Interview Questions for Managers in E-Commerce Service Providers 16 Probable Responses to the Interview Questions 17 References 19 (1) Methodological Choice Justifications Research Direction The computer technology has huge impact on the international trade throughout the world. E-commerce applications in the recent time have emerged as imperative tools for business organisations across the world. The widespread use of E-commerce application has offered numerous benefits to international trade such as building a strong network in the market and creating bondage for the development of international trade. In this context, China has also not remained untouched with effect and application of E-commerce (Rauch, 2001 E-commerce is usually associated with online transaction which is accompanied with issues such as safety certification. In this regard, many measures has been identified and implemented yet there are still numerous problems associated with E-commerce. Thus, it has become crucial to derive significant understanding regarding the current environment of E-commerce and underlying problems as well as solutions in China. In order to derive understanding regarding the aspects of E-commerce in China, it is vital to take into account certain imperative concepts such as international trade, E-commerce development and information technology (Freund & Weinhold, 2000). Correspondingly, the study will review the methods that have been used by researchers. Based on the review of the methods, the relevant methodology will be justified for the proposed research. Critical Review of the Methods That Have Been Used By Researchers Article 1: E-Commerce Adoption in China’s Service SMEs: A Study from Web Usability Perspective Wu, M. & et.al., 2007. E-Commerce Adoption in China’s Service SMEs: A Study from Web Usability Perspective. Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics, Vol.2, No. 4, pp. 1-13. The researcher in this article critically examines the issues of E-Commerce in China with reference to Small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) sector. The research methodology used by the researcher is the mixed approach. The author uses random sampling method through the usage of questionnaire to achieve reliable inferences regarding the E-commerce Issues. Moreover, in order to ensure the reliability of data collected, the various samples from the different SMEs of China are being used... At the same time, the secondary source for the information gathering was conducted through ‘Chinese Baidu’ search engine. Article 2: Analysis of Chinese E-Commerce Development Mengti, X., 2010. Analysis of Chinese E-Commerce Development. Bachelor’s Thesis of international Business Program, pp. 1-44. The article emphasizes on the importance of E-commerce in the world of Information technology and rapid growth. The methodology incorporated by the researchers is the mixed approach to analyse the development of E-commerce in China and its relevance in the growth of the economy. The search engine as a secondary source formed a major part of the methodology in order to get a relevant data regarding Ecommerce pertaining to Chinese business environment. On the other hand the primary sources included the company profile and report. Article 3: China E-Commerce Market Analysis: Forecasting and Profiling Internet User Sin, L.G. & Purnamasari, R., 2011. China E-Commerce Market Analysis: Forecasting and Profiling Internet User. International Refereed Research Journal, Vol. 2, Iss. 3, pp. 1-8. This article evaluated the growing trend of E-commerce and its transaction value. The research design referred by the researcher in the article is the qualitative approach. The author in order to forecast the use and importance of E-commerce in the future uses the time series analysis ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) model. This research design is effective in evaluating the prediction of the growing usage of internet and E- commerce in China. The methodology used by the researcher was able to forecast the given research. Article 4: Electronic Commerce in China: Emerging Success Stories Martinsons, M.G., 2001. Electronic Commerce in China: Emerging Success Stories. Information & Management, Vol.39, pp. 571–579. According to the article, E-commerce has gain importance in China in the recent years. The researcher with the use of the effective methodology gets to evaluate the various forms of E-commerce in China. The approach implemented was the mixed approach wherein the researcher interviewed people following a semi structure questionnaire. The primary information was acquired from individuals from various departments which included customer, suppliers and other service oriented people. The secondary sources were also utilized to gain an in depth understanding. The sample size was large as the information was collected from various sources for a given period of time. Article 5: The Application of E-Commerce Technologies in the Development of International Trade Burinskiene, A., 2011. The Application of E-Commerce Technologies in the Development of International Trade. Intellectual Economics, No. , Iss.19, pp. 7–22. In this article the researchers reveals the application of technology in the improvement of the international trade. The research design implemented to get proper analyses was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Moreover, the cash flow model was also applied by the researcher to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of the E- commerce technology. Both the primary and the secondary research were conducted by the researcher to achieve reliable inferences regarding the effectiveness of the E-commerce. The in-depth information was analysed through the use of the methodology and the cost benefit analyses was done through model by the researcher. Article 6: An Empirical Study on E-commerce’s effects on Economic Growth Liu, S., 2013. An Empirical Study on E-commerce’s effects on Economic Growth. International Conference on Education Technology and Management Science, pp. 81-84. The researcher in this article, exhibits importance of E- commerce and tries to evaluate its growing trend in China. The research methodology in the article used is the mixed approach. The primary research is done on the basis of the regression analysis to evaluate the importance and the time frame. The methodology is used to evaluate the growth trend of China in respect to E- commerce. The journals and the articles are also used as a part of the study to understand the trend of E-commerce and its impact on the economy of China. Article 7: Regulations on E-Commerce Consumer Protection Rules in China and Europe Compared – Same but Different? Binding, J. & Purnhagen, K., 2011. Regulations on E-Commerce Consumer Protection Rules in China and Europe Compared – Same but Different? Journal of Intellectual Property, Information Technology and E-Commerce Law, pp. 186-194. In the article the researcher use the comparative analysis method by implementing the hybrid approach. The hybrid approach is the mixture of primary and secondary research based on the comparison. The data are collected from sample size from various sectors through the use of questionnaire which are relevant to bring out the ecommerce usage. Also secondary data is used by taking into consideration various online sources which gives a clear view of the progress of the Chinese economy pertaining to the E- commerce. Article: 8. E-Commerce in Developing Countries: Issues and Influences Efendioglu, A. M. & et. al., 2004. E-Commerce In Developing Countries: Issues and Influences. Methodology. With reference to the article, it has been critically observed that the methodology section of the report have facilitated in achieving an in-depth understanding regarding the influence of infrastructural and socio-economic aspects on the Chinese E-commerce development. In order to critically assess the impact of these factors on E-commerce development in China, the methodology section of the article applied qualitative approach. According to the observation, it has been identified that the research process was conducted through a questionnaire survey by developing 20 open and close-ended questions for 252 respondents. As the primary purpose of the research was to identify the influence of culture, therefore, the methodology section has also incorporated the actual users and personnel dealing with Chinese E-commerce industry. Article: 9. Effective E-Commerce in China Lessons from Cross-Cultural Research Stroehle, F., 2008. Effective E-Commerce in China Lessons from Cross-Cultural Research. Otago Management Graduate Review, Vol. 8, pp. 65-79. According to the critical analysis of the article, it has been clearly observed an effective qualitative research was conducted in order to identify the role of cross-cultural aspects on the growing global E-commerce industry. In this context, the research process was highly focused on analysing theoretical information to identify the cultural influence on the E-commerce industry. Moreover, the qualitative learning method used in the research has been recognised to critically analyse the cross-cultural influence on Chinese E-commerce and compare it with the US and New Zealand’s business industry. The implementation of Hofstede’s cultural dimension model has been widely observed to critically identify the impact of culture on these respective E-commerce markets. Moreover, the qualitative method in the research process has also incorporated major theoretical aspects that has enabled to critically illustrate the e-commerce trend of China along with its comparison with the US and New Zealand. Article: 10. China’s B2C E-Commerce Development and its Future Prospects Guming, J., 2012. China’s B2C E-Commerce Development and its Future Prospects. Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences, pp. 1-50 The research methodology used in this article has been identified to perform an in-depth analysis regarding the various aspects associated with the current Chinese E-commerce business industry. According to the observation of the research, it has been identified that the author have critically evaluated the current trend of the E-commerce business market along with its various influencing factors that have significantly erupted numbers of problems for the organisations dealing with E-commerce. In this context, the research has been analytically defined the numbers of problems through collecting information from academic research articles along with reviewing financial and operational performance report of the E-commerce organisations. Moreover, the methodology of the research process was also focused on critically assessing academic journals along with electronic sources in order to identify different types of problems within the E-commerce industry of China. Article: 11. A Comparative Study on Consumer Right to Privacy in E-Commerce Guo, M., 2012. A Comparative Study on Consumer Right to Privacy in E-Commerce. Modern Economy, Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 402-407. The methodology used in this article has been observed to critically analyse the rights of the online consumers through conducting a relevant qualitative approach. The qualitative framework of the research was highly focused on demonstrating a comparative analysis regarding the legislation and standards of the US, the European Union and Japan with the E-commerce regulatory policies of China. The comparative analysis of the research reflected range of legal policies and regulations associated with the consumer rights, legal protection and right to privacy of the E-commerce clients. The qualitative approach of the research has also been identified to fruitfully analyse and compare the E-commerce legal framework of China with respect to the E-commerce legislation of the US, EU and Japan. In this context, the research has been accumulated range of relevant information regarding E-commerce legislation and policies through collecting range of data from the secondary sources including country’s major legal systems along with relevant online trading regulations of different countries. Justifications of Methodological Choice Based on the critical reflection drawn from the analysis of the methodological approaches used in the above articles certain relevant justifications have been evaluated. The mixed research approach used in the articles has great relevance to the proposed research. In the above articles Wu & et.al. (2007); Mengti (2010); Martinsons (2001); Burinskiene (2011); Liu (2013); Binding & Purnhagen (2011), had made extensive use of mixed research approach in their research pertaining to aspects of E-Commerce in China. The use of mixed research approach which is the combination of both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are the most suitable research approach. In this regard, it can be firmly stated that the use of mixed research approach for evaluating the problem and solutions pertaining to E-commerce in China will facilitate in addressing both forms of data including quantitative as well as qualitative. Moreover, the mixed research approach will enable to acquire understanding regarding quantitative benefits and barriers of E-commerce along with the intangible (qualitative) factors such as human perceptions towards E-commerce. The understanding of both quantitative and qualitative variables regarding E-commerce in China will eventually facilitate in drawing the most appropriate solutions for the problem identified. Moreover, use of primary and secondary source of data collection through quantitative method in the form of questionnaire survey and qualitative method including interview will also ensure compiling large data which are often very crucial for achieving unbiased research outcome. Thus, the survey questionnaire directed to randomly selected customers will be conducted while the interview will be conducted to mangers dealing with E-commerce industry (Johnson & et. al., 2007). It can be argued that other research approaches such as quantitative and qualitative are also relevant for the proposed research study but have certain limitation associated with each research approach. In this regard one of the most important drawbacks of using these methods can be associated with the limited assessment of the data. Correspondingly, the use of quantitative research will omit the importance of qualitative data while the application of qualitative research approach will neglect the importance of quantitative data. Such negligence will accompanied with biasness of the research study which will reduce the reliability and validity of the proposed research. Moreover, Qualitative research is often considered suitable for research associated social science (Tewksbury, 2009) (2) Research Instrument Questionnaire The potential respondents of the questionnaire survey will be the customers from different age groups in the emerging Chinese E-commerce industry. The selection of this particular segment of respondents for the survey would enable to identify the current trend in along with performance of the E-commerce service providers in Chinese online business market. Moreover, the survey process would also facilitate to determine relevant findings through analysing different types of problems faced by the customers during the process of purchasing goods online. In order to critically identify the changing trend and problems in the Chinese E-commerce business industry, the following key questions would be incorporated in the survey research. Part A: Personal Information i. Please specify your age group 18 to 25 26 to 35 36 to 50 51 or above ii. Please specify your educational qualification Secondary Level Higher Secondary Level Graduate Post-Graduate Level iii. Please specify your yearly income Below US$ 30,000 US$ 31,000 to US$ 50,000 US$ 51,000 to US$ 70,000 US$ 71,000 to US$ 100,000 Above US$ 100,000 Part B: E-Commerce Experience i. How often you purchase goods online? Never Once in a month Twice in a month More than Twice in a month Others (Please specify) ii. Did you participated, or made any purchase on the Internet during last Holiday? Yes No iii. What types of products you generally purchase through internet? Electronics Books and magazines Computer devices and accessories Clothing Household products Services (insurance, reservation, tickets, legal etc.) Other items Part C: Problems Associated with E-Commerce Service i. Did you face any problem while shopping online Yes No ii. What types of problem did you face in online shopping? Complex registration Failure delivery of ordered product/service Incorrect delivery of product/service Complex payment options Order cancellation process Others (Please specify) iii. What financial problem did you experience in online shopping Misuse of financial information Inappropriate pricing of product/service No refund after cancellation of products Others None iv. What quality related issues did you face when purchasing products online? Delay in delivery Faulty or damage product delivery Inferior quality of product/service Inappropriate product Others (Please Specify) Please mark your response regarding the following statements Statements Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree E-commerce provides better shopping experience to me I found multiple option for payment of product/service in online shopping E-commerce provides me variety of products/services E-commerce deliver my products/service on time Provide relevant suggestion(s) to improve the current technological aspects of the e-commerce companies. Interview Questions for Managers in E-Commerce Service Providers The following set of interview questions for the managers from different E-commerce service providers would further enable to gain adequate insights in terms of identifying relevant findings of the research. i. How has your organisation able to identify the changing trend of the customers in E-commerce business? ii. What types of issues did your organisation face while implementing E-commerce based transactions with the customers? iii. What measures did your organisation take to deal with security related concerns while delivering online shopping facilities to the customers? iv. How have you ensured complete security of customer information to enhance the online transaction? v. What are the potential strategic measures did your organisation take to address technology related issues that faced by the online customers? Probable Responses to the Interview Questions With reference to the aforesaid interview questions, various types of responses from the managers of the E-commerce service providers can be assumed. In relation to the first question of the interview process, the probable response of the managers might focus on the continuous development of the E-commerce facilities in accordance with the changing purchasing trend of the customers. In the context of second question, the managers might respond issues associated with customer online registration process, delivery options and payment related concerns. Concerning, the third question the managers might provide strategic measures taken by the organisation to deal with various types of security related concerns. The fourth question would render adequate information regarding the advanced security measures of the organisation to its online customers while delivering online shopping experience. Correspondingly the last question of the interview process would further facilitate to gain relevant information regarding the required technology related to strategic measures that can provide an E-commerce service provider to increase security of its online customers. References Binding, J. & Purnhagen, K., 2011. Regulations on E-Commerce Consumer Protection Rules in China and Europe Compared – Same but Different? Journal of Intellectual Property, Information Technology and E-Commerce Law, pp. 186-194. Burinskiene, A., 2011. The Application of E-Commerce Technologies in the Development of International Trade. Intellectual Economics, No. , Iss.19, pp. 7–22. Efendioglu, A. M. &et. al., 2004. E-Commerce In Developing Countries: Issues and Influences. Methodology. Freund, C. & Weinhold, D., 2000. On The Effect Of The Internet On International Trade. International Finance Discussion Papers, No. 693, pp. 2-42. Guming, J., 2012. China’s B2C E-Commerce Development and its Future Prospects. Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Science, pp. 1-50. Guo, M., 2012. A Comparative Study on Consumer Right to Privacy in E-Commerce. Modern Economy, Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 402-407. Johnson, R. B. & et. al., 2007. Toward a Definition of Mixed Methods Research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 112-113. Liu, S., 2013. An Empirical Study on E-commerce’s effects on Economic Growth. International Conference on Education Technology and Management Science, pp. 81-84. Mengti, X., 2010. Analysis Of Chinese E-Commerce Development. Bachelor’s Thesis of international Business Program, pp. 1-44. Martinsons, M.G., 2001. Electronic Commerce in China: Emerging Success Stories. Information & Management, Vol.39, pp. 571–579. Rauch, J.E., 2001. Business and Social Networks in International Trade. Journal of Economic Literature Vol. 39, pp. 1177–1203. Sin, L.G. & Purnamasari, R., 2011. China E-Commerce Market Analysis: Forecasting and Profiling Internet User. International Refereed Research Journal, Vol. 2, Iss. 3, pp. 1-8. Stroehle, F., 2008. Effective E-Commerce in China Lessons from Cross-Cultural Research. Otago Management Graduate Review, Vol. 8, pp. 65-79. Tewksbury, R., 2009. Qualitative versus Quantitative Methods: Understanding Why Qualitative Methods are Superior for Criminology and Criminal Justice. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Criminology, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 38-58. Wu, M. & et.al., 2007. E-Commerce Adoption in China’s Service SMEs: A Study from Web Usability Perspective. Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics, Vol.2, No. 4, pp. 1-13. Read More