A Dynamic Model of E-Readiness for SMEs to Enter the E-Commerce Domain

Today, business and information technology are two integral parts, as it seems impossible to distinguish between the two in organizations. Information systems are new management tools that help organizations achieve their business goals. Therefore, communities and organizations, provided that they are able to develop knowledge in the field of information and communication technologies can hope for their development. To this end, organizations are planning to enter different digital arenas and evaluation of e-readiness for measuring their level of success is of particular importance. Determining the ability to accept, use and apply ICT and its related applications within and outside organizations is one of the issues that is important for organizations. In this research, we tried to present dimensions and components of the e-readiness to accept the e-commerce by investigating the existing models and considering the strengths and weaknesses of either of them. For this purpose, firstly, the proposed models for evaluating the e-readiness have been examined. Then, applying the multi-disciplinary method, a new classification of dimensions and components is presented. To determine the components, the Delphi panel has been developed and finalized by the experts and economists of the e-commerce field in four stages. Finally, the model developed for the small and medium sized industries of the industrial city of Shamsabad, Tehran, has been simulated through dynamic analysis. Key words: E-Readiness Assessment, E-Commerce, Dynamic Simulation, Small and Medium Sized Industries.