The sources of e-business competitive advantages between travel agencies and online travel service firms in China
by Zhen Zhu, Jing Zhao
International Journal of Information Systems and Change Management (IJISCM), Vol. 5, No. 2, 2011

Abstract: Knowledge about the most important sources of e-business competitive advantages in the travel industry would help to focus efforts in both academic and practical areas. This study develops a framework based on the resource-based view (RBV) to identify the sources of e-business competitive advantages and compare the differences of competitive advantages between travel agencies and online travel service firms. A Delphi study and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method were conducted, using 38 top managers from the top-ranking travel firms in China. The results indicate that the main differences in the sources of competitive advantages between travel agencies and online travel service firms are strategic initiatives and e-business capabilities. Theoretically, these findings contribute to the RBV by extending its application to examine the e-business competitive advantages in the travel industry. Practically, the findings provide insights for both the managers and the policy-makers in the travel industry.

Online publication date: Sat, 29-Nov-2014

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