"This study explores the effects of information and communication technology (ICT) and e-business on the retail industry. The objectives of the study are to illustrate how companies in this industry use ICT for conducting business; to assess the effects of this development for firms and for the industry as a whole and to supply implications for policy. The analysis is based on an international survey covering seven European Union (EU) Member States and the USA."--Editor.

The change from old to new technologies has fundamentally changed the relationship between the consumer and the firm. This book is at the frontier of behavioural research into how these new commercial realities are borne out in practice, examining the adoption of e-commerce by small firms and the transactional phenomenon that entails access to the Internet. In analyzing the process of e-commerce adoption and why e-commerce actors behave as they do, its coverage includes the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) by small firms; the use of ICT applications to support marketing and sales transactions; and the factors that influence consumers' online purchasing decisions.

This work includes articles addressing the social, cultural, organizational, and cognitive impacts of e-commerce technologies and advances on organizations around the world. It covers the impact of e-commerce on consumer behaviour, organizational behaviour, and development.

The advent of new technologies has been an impetus for rapid development in several industries, including the area of retail services. These recent advances push industry leaders to infuse new innovations into their various systems and processes. Successful Technological Integration for Competitive Advantage in Retail Settings examines the various effects of changing markets and subsequently how these changes cause retailers to meet consumer demand by integrating more sophisticated, advanced innovations in their daily practices. Focusing on corporate strategies, innovation management, and relevant case studies, this book is a pivotal reference source for researchers, practitioners, and developers interested in recent innovation trends within the retailing industry.

Are the Internet and e-commerce truly revolutionizing business practice? This book explodes the transformation myth by demonstrating that the Internet and e-commerce are in fact being adapted by firms to reinforce their existing relationships with customers, suppliers, and business partners. Detailed case studies of eight countries show that, rather than creating a borderless global economy, e-commerce strongly reflects existing local patterns of commerce, business, and consumer preference, and its impact therefore varies greatly by country. Paradoxically, while e-commerce is increasing the efficiency, effectiveness, and competitiveness of firms, it is also increasing the complexity of their environments as they have to deal with more business partners and also face greater competition from other firms. This incisive analysis of the diffusion and impact of e-business provides academic researchers, graduates, and MBA students with a solid basis for understanding its likely evolution.

"This book offers insights into issues, challenges, and solutions related to the successful application and management aspects of electronic business, providing a comprehensive framework for researchers and practitioners in understanding the growing demand of e-business research"--Provided by publisher.

E-Commerce has brought about many changes in organizations and has had significant impacts on the quality of life that is experienced by individuals or even indirectly as members of society. The need to have fast and efficient information on products is crucial to our socially conscious and technologically dependent society; hence, information technology has increased the intolerable burden of handling the increasing amount of information and human errors which the society is expected to contend with. The Economic and Social Impacts of E-Commerce addresses issues associated with the advent of e-commerce, and its significance within society.