Innovation in e-business : issues related to adoption for micro and SME organisations

Adzroe, E; Ingirige, Bingunath

Abstract

According to Kenny (2007), construction is a $1.7 trillion industry worldwide, amounting to between 5% and 7% of GDP in most countries and accounts for a significant part of the global gross capital formation a little under one-third. As noted across the globe the sector’s role in economic development is undeniable. Despite the significant contribution that the construction industy makes towards a country’s economy, the international construction industry is dominated by small businesses. Therefore, in both developed and developing countries, small businesses collectively create the major impact on the economy. As the small business impact is made collectively, it is often the case that the turnover gap between the few large firms and the smaller firms is very wide. This makes innovation in small businesses very challenging as the uptake should be significant in number to make an impact. Collaborative practice enhanced by extensive Information and Commmunication Technology (ICT) use (Fulford and Standing, 2014) is seen as a mainstay of efficiency improvements as it enables integration and automation of processes. E-business from both a method and the process point of view can influence this uptake so that the appropriate use can possibly trigger an increase that is needed in construction.

• Publication Date: May 5, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jun 5, 2018
• Book Title: Advances in Construction ICT and e-Business
• ISBN: 9781317427889
• Publisher URL: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9781317427889