A Knowledge-Based Framework for Measuring Organizational Readiness for the Adoption of B2B Integration Systems

Abstract

Organizational readiness has long been identified as a critical success factor for the adoption of inter-organizational systems. This article presents a knowledge-based methodology for constructing readiness assessment instruments for B2B integration solutions and examines its validation by conducting structural equation modeling analysis with input data from wholesale trading firms in Greece. Strong emphasis is given to the usability and appropriateness of the produced indicators and the relevant gap in literature is addressed. The B2Bi success factors that are presented and the final set of their underlying indicators can provide a starting point for conducting organizational readiness evaluations for the successful adoption of multi-enterprise integration solutions. Our methodology and findings can assist enterprises and public bodies to utilize, share, and enrich a knowledge base about B2Bi organizational readiness, throughout their evolution as part of the Knowledge Society.

Keywords:

• B2B integration
• inter-organizational systems
• adoption
• capability model
• organizational readiness
• indicators

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work has been funded by the project PENED 2003. The project is cofinanced 75% of public expenditure through EC - European Social Fund, 25% of public expenditure through Ministry of Development - General Secretariat of Research and Technology and through private sector, under measure 8.3 of OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME “COMPETITIVENESS” in the 3rd Community Support Programme. Special thanks to Sileia Kantarou.