Internet and the WWW have revolutionized the world by enabling asynchronous communications, overcoming temporal barriers and geographical limitations. Websites became popular in the business world, being considered as an investment that should generate return. However, the investment evaluation in this technology is not trivial; it is difficult to ensure the synchronization of business Websites with the company strategy. Small and medium enterprises play a vital role in many of the major economies around the world, being considered by the European Commission as the backbone of the European economy and the largest potential source of employment and economic growth. In Portugal those enterprises represent almost 99%. Effectiveness of Websites has become a point of concern for practitioners and researchers. This dissertation examines the Websites of SME Excellence 2011 based on an evaluative framework based on existing literature, in order to assist SME leaders who recognize the critical importance of the Internet, but remain in doubt about the best way to implement business strategies using this technology. Knowing the successful vital points of this technology will facilitate their strategic implementation. Portuguese SMEs use of Web is still very limited, a large portion of the companies surveyed do not have Websites and a significant portion only have an institutional presence on the Web. Through its Website they feature the company, advertise their products and services and disclose the contacts. The vast majority of Websites analyzed are operated well below its potential, suggesting considerable scope for evolution. The strategic alignment of this tool is still far from being achieved, it takes a great effort by the managers of these companies for integration into the company's strategy.
Date of Award | 2012 |
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Original language | Portuguese |
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Awarding Institution | - Universidade Católica Portuguesa
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Supervisor | Nuno Filipe Melão (Supervisor) |
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- Website
- SME
- Strategy
- Models of IT maturity
A integração dos websites na estratégia das Pequenas e Médias Empresas Portuguesas: um estudo empírico
Matos Ferreira Lopes, L. A. (Student). 2012
Student thesis: Master's Thesis