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A Virtual Community: A Strategic Initiative and Competitive Advantage for Small Businesses Engaged in E-Commerce

A Virtual Community: A Strategic Initiative and Competitive Advantage for Small Businesses Engaged in E-Commerce
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Author(s): C. A. Dykman (University of St. Thomas, USA)
Copyright: 2004
Pages: 4
Source title: Innovations Through Information Technology
Source Editor(s): Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, D.B.A. (Information Resources Management Association, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59140-261-9.ch209
ISBN13: 9781616921255
EISBN13: 9781466665347

Abstract

E-Commerce small businesses have an opportunity to build “sticky” relationships with their customers through effective management of information systems focused on building a virtual community in support of their business activities. This paper describes the required MIS building blocks for a customer-centric online community. Online communication processes, information architectures, and network infrastructures needed to build a successful virtual community are discussed. Finally, there is evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of information system (IS) products and services that are currently available for building a virtual community including several all-in-one web-based solutions.

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