Title: Adoption of e-commerce in Small and Medium Enterprises: with special reference to the Sri Lanka-based apparel industry

Authors: M.J.F. Fazeela Ahsan, Siriyama Kanthi Herath

Addresses: Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. ' Department of Accounting, School of Business, Clark Atlanta University, James P. Brawley Drive at Fair Street, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA

Abstract: Although e-commerce could offer a variety of benefits to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), it is said that most SMEs in the apparel sector in Sri Lanka are slow to adopt e-commerce technologies. The objective of this study is to find out whether the SMEs in the apparel industry are adopting e-commerce and to identify the factors that contribute towards adoption. This research will not only provide key indications to the policy makers of the country but also assist SMEs to develop their businesses by identifying the potential of adopting e-commerce to be competitive in the industry.

Keywords: electronic commerce; e-commerce; small and medium enterprises; SMEs; Sri Lanka; apparel industry; clothing industry; garment industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2006.010355

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2006 Vol.3 No.6, pp.579 - 598

Published online: 16 Jul 2006 *

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