Thesis Abstract

Abstract
E-commerce has revolutionized the way businesses operate, providing opportunities for growth and expansion, particularly for small businesses. This thesis explores the impact of e-commerce on small business performance through a case study approach. The study aims to investigate how the adoption of e-commerce strategies influences various aspects of small business performance and to identify the key factors that contribute to success in the digital marketplace. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key areas related to e-commerce and small business performance, including the benefits of e-commerce adoption, challenges faced by small businesses, and successful e-commerce strategies. Chapter Three details the research methodology employed in this study, including research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. The chapter also discusses the selection criteria for the case study businesses and the rationale behind the chosen approach. In Chapter Four, the findings of the case study analysis are presented and discussed in detail. The chapter explores the impact of e-commerce on small business performance based on the experiences and outcomes of the selected case study businesses. Key themes and patterns emerging from the data are identified and analyzed to provide insights into the factors influencing the success of e-commerce implementation in small businesses. Chapter Five offers a conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research. The study contributes to the existing literature by offering a detailed analysis of how e-commerce can enhance small business performance and providing practical insights for small business owners looking to leverage digital technologies for growth and success. Overall, this thesis sheds light on the potential benefits and challenges of e-commerce adoption for small businesses and offers valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers interested in understanding the impact of digital technologies on business performance in the contemporary marketplace.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Analyzing the Impact of E-commerce on Small Business Performance: A Case Study Approach" aims to investigate the influence of e-commerce on the performance of small businesses. In recent years, the rise of e-commerce has transformed the way businesses operate, providing new opportunities for growth and reaching a wider customer base. However, for small businesses, navigating the e-commerce landscape can be challenging due to limited resources and expertise. This research seeks to explore how small businesses can leverage e-commerce effectively to enhance their performance. The study will employ a case study approach, focusing on a select group of small businesses that have implemented e-commerce strategies. By conducting in-depth interviews, surveys, and data analysis, the research will examine the specific e-commerce practices adopted by these businesses and their impact on various performance indicators such as revenue growth, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency. Key elements of the research will include an analysis of the background and significance of e-commerce in the context of small businesses, identification of common challenges faced by small businesses in adopting e-commerce, exploration of the objectives and limitations of the study, and clarification of the scope and structure of the research. The literature review will provide a comprehensive overview of existing studies on e-commerce and small business performance, highlighting gaps in the current literature that this research aims to address. The research methodology will outline the approach taken to collect and analyze data, including the selection criteria for case study participants, data collection methods, and statistical techniques used for analysis. The findings chapter will present the results of the study, including insights into the e-commerce strategies that have proven most effective for small businesses and the key factors influencing performance outcomes. Through this research, we aim to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on e-commerce and small business performance, providing practical recommendations for small business owners looking to optimize their e-commerce initiatives. By understanding the impact of e-commerce on small business performance, businesses can make informed decisions to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.