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.

How did the computer industry evolve into its present global structure? Why have some Asian countries succeeded more than others? Jason Dedrick and Kenneth L. Kraemer delve into these questions and emerge with an explanation of the rapid rise of the computer industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
Asia's Computer Challenge makes a systematic comparison of the historical development of the computer industries of Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan and concludes that neither a plan versus market, nor a country versus company dichotomy fully explains the diversity found among these countries. The authors identify a new force--the emergence of a global production network. Reaching beyond specific companies and countries, this book explores the strategic implications for the Asian-Pacific countries and the United states. Now East Asia is faced with a challenge; they must make the move from low margin hardware business to high margin software and information businesses, while Americans must respond by maintaining leadership in standards, design, marketing, and business innovation.

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.