The internet : implications for business practices in the forest products industry

Rene, . and Vlosky R., . and Fontenot, . and Blalock L., . (2000) The internet : implications for business practices in the forest products industry. [Proceedings Paper]

eBusiness is the application of Internet-based technologies for conducting business eBusiness offers revolutionary tools for business development and management. Through the Internet many barriers that were once roadblocks to new markets resources and competitive positioning can be reduced or even eliminated. In addition the Internet levels the playing field by allowing small companies to be as visible and accessible as the largest companies. Although businesses vary greatly along with their depth of participation on the Internet their goals are often the same: to find new customers new sources of profit and new ways of doing business in a global marketplace. Technology while important is not the limiting factor in eBusiness. What is difficult is managing the changes in business strategies and internal corporate processes that must take place for a company to take advantage of eBusiness. eBusiness was studied in the context of the forest products industry in the United States and Canada. One thousand solid wood products and 300 pulp and paper companies were surveyed. The sample frames included the top 100 companies by production volume in each sector solid wood products pulp and paper. The remaining companies sampled were randomly selected from the population.Overall respondents were asked to discuss their current or planned eBusiness strategies and the impacts that have on dealings with customers and suppliers. Specifically the study objectives were to: examine the current and future uses of eBusiness in the industry and to identify how the forest products industry is investing in and leveraging eBusiness. Mail questionnaires were used to conduct the study. A list of questions was generated for the survey instrument drawing from constructs and measures developed by the researcher in previous studies or adapted from other sources. The survey was reviewed and revised by the researcher a pre-testing sample of five companies and the research client. An iterative process resulted in the final instrument. Results indicate that 40 percent of respondent companies are conducting some type of eBusiness. Implementation of eBusiness by respondents has taken place in the recent past. Nearly ninety percent of respondents developed eBusiness in the past three years. Earlier implementation before 1996 was done by larger companies typically lead adopters of technology. The primary reason respondents implemented eBusiness was as part of an overall corporate strategy mean of 3.5 on a 5-point Likert scale of agreement. These technologies are well-planned activities that are meshed into the corporate fabric as opposed to being independent or integrated. Second and the only other reason ranked above neutral 3.0 on the 5-point scale was the goal of retaining customers. Respondents registered a number of general concerns they have about conducting eBusiness with concern about security of information ranking highest. Companies seek products processes and technologies that add value to their offerings in an effort to become or remain competitive in the marketplace. Firms that consistently deliver superior benefits are highly valued by business partners. This also helps to establish develop and maintain strong relationships. eBusiness is one means for developing such a competitive advantage.

Full text available from:

Abstract

eBusiness is the application of Internet-based technologies for conducting business eBusiness offers revolutionary tools for business development and management. Through the Internet many barriers that were once roadblocks to new markets resources and competitive positioning can be reduced or even eliminated. In addition the Internet levels the playing field by allowing small companies to be as visible and accessible as the largest companies. Although businesses vary greatly along with their depth of participation on the Internet their goals are often the same: to find new customers new sources of profit and new ways of doing business in a global marketplace. Technology while important is not the limiting factor in eBusiness. What is difficult is managing the changes in business strategies and internal corporate processes that must take place for a company to take advantage of eBusiness. eBusiness was studied in the context of the forest products industry in the United States and Canada. One thousand solid wood products and 300 pulp and paper companies were surveyed. The sample frames included the top 100 companies by production volume in each sector solid wood products pulp and paper. The remaining companies sampled were randomly selected from the population.Overall respondents were asked to discuss their current or planned eBusiness strategies and the impacts that have on dealings with customers and suppliers. Specifically the study objectives were to: examine the current and future uses of eBusiness in the industry and to identify how the forest products industry is investing in and leveraging eBusiness. Mail questionnaires were used to conduct the study. A list of questions was generated for the survey instrument drawing from constructs and measures developed by the researcher in previous studies or adapted from other sources. The survey was reviewed and revised by the researcher a pre-testing sample of five companies and the research client. An iterative process resulted in the final instrument. Results indicate that 40 percent of respondent companies are conducting some type of eBusiness. Implementation of eBusiness by respondents has taken place in the recent past. Nearly ninety percent of respondents developed eBusiness in the past three years. Earlier implementation before 1996 was done by larger companies typically lead adopters of technology. The primary reason respondents implemented eBusiness was as part of an overall corporate strategy mean of 3.5 on a 5-point Likert scale of agreement. These technologies are well-planned activities that are meshed into the corporate fabric as opposed to being independent or integrated. Second and the only other reason ranked above neutral 3.0 on the 5-point scale was the goal of retaining customers. Respondents registered a number of general concerns they have about conducting eBusiness with concern about security of information ranking highest. Companies seek products processes and technologies that add value to their offerings in an effort to become or remain competitive in the marketplace. Firms that consistently deliver superior benefits are highly valued by business partners. This also helps to establish develop and maintain strong relationships. eBusiness is one means for developing such a competitive advantage.

[error in script]

Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Summary only En
AGROVOC Term:	INTERNET
AGROVOC Term:	ENTERPRISES
AGROVOC Term:	FOREST PRODUCTS
AGROVOC Term:	TECHNOLOGY
AGROVOC Term:	INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
AGROVOC Term:	ECONOMIC COMPETITION
AGROVOC Term:	USA
AGROVOC Term:	CANADA
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/16530

Actions (login required)

View Item