Methodology for Development of E-Commerce Systems in Small- and Medium- Sized Enterprises Cover Image

Методика за изграждане на система за електронна търговия в малки и средни предприятия
Methodology for Development of E-Commerce Systems in Small- and Medium- Sized Enterprises

Author(s): Rumen Varbanov
Subject(s): Economy
Published by: Стопанска академия »Д. А. Ценов«
Keywords: Methodology; E-Commerce Systems; SMEs

Summary/Abstract: The small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in our country lag markedly behind their EU counterparts in terms of application of modern infor-mation and communication technologies (ICT) and the Internet. They lack a clear strategy for their online presence; there is an obvious lack of methodological materials for the substantiation, development, and optimization of e-com-merce systems and systems ensuring the security of their online transactions; the theoretical knowledge of their owners and managers in the field of e-commerce is insufficient. Therefore, the Bulgarian SMEs as a whole are not fully aware of the role and importance of ICT and do not allocate sufficient resources for acquisition and maintenance. They purchase cheap computers, software, and communication solutions, which are not updated regularly. Unfortunately they do not appreciate the role of modern network solutions, online business and e-commerce, and IP communications for their business. Based on many literary sources, the author’s practical experience and own research, the study analyzes the major problems and proposes specific solutions for utilization of the Internet by the SMEs. Taking into account the specific needs and capacity of the small- and medium-sized enterprises it provides an original methodology for the development of an e-commerce system for SMEs. On the grounds of the proposed methodology the author has developed a strategy for the development and optimization of e-commerce system for SMEs, taking into account the main stages - from the goal-setting for online presence of the enterprise to the optimization of the information security system. Specific attention has been paid to one of the key problems related to e-commerce nowadays – the security of data in the Web environment. The study analyzes the major threats to e-commerce and modern security means and technologies. The author has developed an approach and methodology for the development of e-commerce security policy for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The study also investigates the need for and the advantages of e-commerce outsourcing and proposes some approaches and a methodology for IT outsourcing of e-commerce projects of SMEs.

  • Issue Year: 2010
  • Issue No: 113
  • Page Range: 39-158
  • Page Count: 99
  • Language: Bulgarian