An Approach to eTransform Enterprises in Developing Countries

Abstract

Developing countries differ form their affluent counterparts, the “developed”, in numerous ways. Infrastructure, cultural, social and regulatory differences are among the main factors. These differences or barriers tend to widen the digital divide. They stand in the way of the developing countries trying to achieve their goals towards a global economy by embracing eTechnologies The feeble and many unsuccessful attempts to re-cycle the methodologies used by the developed countries, have left the developing high and dry. In formulating strategies for e-transformation of developing countries, the barriers specific to countries with lower GDPs have to be taken into serious consideration. In this paper, an eTransformation model that is being successfully used with SMEs in Australia is being modified appropriately, proposed and applied as the approach for eTransformation for developing countries using a case study approach. The 7E’s in eTransformation is a model developed by researchers at the University of Western Sydney. It is currently being used successfully with a group of companies in Western Sydney. The model incorporates new business thinking, business models in the new e-economy and addresses issues such as analysing the external environment in eTransforming, re-engineering business, business-IT alignment, and change management issues. A company in the ceramic manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka – is being used as the case study for eTransformation.