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An Optimal Strategic Business Model for Small Businesses Using Online Platforms

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  • Hana Kim

    (Technology Management, Economics and Policy Program, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea)

  • Daeho Lee

    (Department of Interaction Science, Sungkyunkwan University, 25-2 Sungkyunwan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03063, Korea)

  • Min Ho Ryu

    (Graduate School of Management of Technology, Hoseo University, Asan 31499, Korea)

Abstract

As ecommerce continues to grow, small businesses are using a variety of platforms to secure potential consumers. However, it is important for small business owners to choose an efficient business model because of constraints such as technical problems. In this study, based on platform characteristics we divide online shopping platforms into different types as follows: (1) information brokerage services; (2) online malls; and (3) omni-channel platforms. The efficiency of each group is measured by stochastic frontier analysis, and the efficiency comparison between the groups is made using meta-frontier analysis. As a result of the study, it is found that the efficiency of small business owners increases as functional integration increases, satisfying utilitarian motivations. However, a platform with greater integration that has a social presence satisfying hedonic motivations improves the efficiency of all small businesses using the platform instead of just the efficiency of a marginal number of small business owners. This study, based on the dynamic capabilities viewpoint, suggests that the omni-channel platform represents the most sustainable approach for small business owners undergoing difficulties such as technological and organizational changes.

Suggested Citation

  • Hana Kim & Daeho Lee & Min Ho Ryu, 2018. "An Optimal Strategic Business Model for Small Businesses Using Online Platforms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-11, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:3:p:579-:d:133311
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Qingfeng Tian & Shuo Zhang & Huimin Yu & Guangming Cao, 2019. "Exploring the Factors Influencing Business Model Innovation Using Grounded Theory: The Case of a Chinese High-End Equipment Manufacturer," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Zuzana Svobodová & Jaroslava Rajchlová, 2020. "Strategic Behavior of E-Commerce Businesses in Online Industry of Electronics from a Customer Perspective," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-24, October.
    4. Doo-Young Park & Kanghwa Choi & Dae-Han Kang, 2020. "Measuring the Meta Efficiency and Its Determinants on Efficiency in the Korean Coffee Shop Franchise," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-20, March.

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