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Supporting e-business research with web crawler methodology

Author

Listed:
  • András Nemeslaki

    (Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary)

  • Károly Pocsarovszky

    (Economic Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary)

Abstract

In economic and social sciences it is crucial to test theoretical models against large and reliable databases. The general research challenge is to build up a well-structured database that suits the given research question well and that is cost efficient at the same time. In this paper we focus on crawler programs that proved to be an effective tool for data base building in very different problem settings. We present three structurally different research models where crawler programs can be applied successfully: exploration, classification and time series analysis. In the case of exploration we present findings about the Hungarian web agency industry where no previous statistical data was available about their operations. For classification we show how the top visited Hungarian web domains can be divided into predefined categories of e-business models. In the third research we used a crawler to gather the values of specific pre-defined records containing ticket prices of low cost airlines from one single site. Based on the experiences we highlight some conceptual conclusions and opportunities for crawler based research in e-business.

Suggested Citation

  • András Nemeslaki & Károly Pocsarovszky, 2012. "Supporting e-business research with web crawler methodology," Society and Economy, Akadémiai Kiadó, Hungary, vol. 34(1), pages 13-28, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:aka:soceco:v:34:y:2012:i:1:p:13-28
    Note: The paper was supported by the following grant: TÁMOP 4.2.1.B-09/1/KMR-2010-0005.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    e-business research; web search; web crawler; Hungarian web;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C8 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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