E-commerce Activities Research Articles

The Role of Social Commerce in Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs in China: A Case Study of Taobao Villages

This paper explores the transformative impact of social commerce on rural entrepreneurship in China, with a focus on the phenomenon of Taobao Villages. These villages, characterized by their significant engagement in e-commerce activities through the Alibaba-owned platform Taobao, represent a unique integration of digital technology and rural economic development. This study examines how social commerce platforms, particularly Taobao, have facilitated rural entrepreneurship, contributed to poverty alleviation, and promoted rural revitalization in China. By employing a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data analysis and qualitative case studies, this paper aims to provide insights into the mechanisms through which social commerce empowers rural entrepreneurs, the challenges faced, and the broader implications for rural development policy in China.

E-Commerce Participation Among Urban Low-Income Group in Malaysia: Assessing the E-Commerce Infrastructure

In the digital era, e-commerce has reshaped the landscape of business transactions, offering a contemporary avenue for buying and selling goods and services globally. Malaysia, like many nations, has embraced this digital transformation, with the Malaysian government actively promoting e-commerce initiatives to foster economic growth and innovation. This study explores the availability and adequacy of infrastructure facilities supporting e-commerce activities that may influence the low-income group in urban state in Malaysia to participate in e-commerce. By gathering empirical insights from a survey targeting low-income individuals engaged in e-commerce and those who are not, the study contributes to the discourse on promoting e-commerce and fostering digital empowerment within Malaysia's low-income communities. The study endeavours to enhance economic opportunities and livelihoods of urban communities through informed policy recommendations and interventions.

Factors Influencing the Use of Mobile Social Commerce Application with UTAUT2 Extended Model

Background: Mobile social commerce is a collection of e-commerce activities accessed via mobile devices and supported by users actively engaging in commercial activities on social media. As a country with a substantial number of social media users, Indonesia has sufficient opportunities to implement mobile social commerce as application for online shopping. Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the use of mobile social commerce for online shopping, using Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). In this context, some variables were excluded, namely user behavior, price value, and moderating variables (age, gender, and experience). Additional variables considered included price saving orientation (PSO), privacy concerns (PC), social commerce construct (SCC), social support (SS), and trust (TR). Methods: Data were collected by distributing questionnaires to respondents who had used mobile social commerce for shopping, resulting in 320 collected responses. Furthermore, the collected data were analyzed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method through SmartPLS 3.3.3 application. Results: The results showed that among the 17 proposed hypotheses, 6 were rejected, while 11 were accepted. Conclusion: In conclusion, the factors influencing the use of mobile social commerce consisted of effort expectancy, habit, hedonic motivation, SCC, SS, and PC. Therefore, future studies should concentrate on exploring the continued intention of users towards mobile social commerce application. Keywords: Mobile Social Commerce, Privacy Concern, Social Construct, Social Support, UTAUT

The Influence of Live Streaming, Store Badge, and Store Rating on Brand Image and Purchasing Decisions at Treera Indonesia Stores in the Shopee Platform

With the advancement of technology and the increasing penetration of the internet, consumer behavior has undergone significant changes. According to data from Analytic Data Advertising, there has been a dramatic surge of 400% in e-commerce activities since March 2020, which correlates with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aims to analyze the influence of live streaming, store badges, and store ratings on brand image and purchasing decisions, particularly in the context of online shopping, where consumer decisions are often based on digital information and virtual interactions. The population in this study consists of consumers of Treera Indonesia store. One hundred respondents were identified using purposive sampling techniques with criteria for high shopping intensity on the Shopee platform. Hypothesis testing in this research is conducted using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) based on Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. Based on the analysis of 7 hypotheses, it was found that 6 hypotheses were accepted, and 1 hypothesis was rejected. From these findings, it is concluded that live streaming, store bagde, store ratings and brand image has a significant positive influence on purchasing decisions. Additionally, store badges and store ratings have a significant positive influence on brand image. However, live streaming does not have a significant influence on brand image.

Did the COVID-19 pandemic permanently impact e-commerce in the US market?

The pandemic compelled many individuals, initially hesitant about online shopping, to overcome their reservations, acquire essential skills, and transition to online retail. This provided a natural experiment to assess whether the barriers to online shopping and the comfort of traditional in-store habits have hindered a broader shift to e-commerce. This paper uses the US retail data to analyze e-commerce activities before, during, and after the pandemic to determine whether the pandemic has permanently altered the pattern of the activities to determine whether the pandemic has permanently altered the pattern of the activities by utilizing structural break detection tools. Additionally, we carry out a forecasting exercise for post-pandemic based on pre-pandemic data to confirm our findings. Results suggest that while e-commerce activities surged during lockdown, they have predominantly reverted to pre-pandemic patterns. Our findings caution both investors and companies against overreaction in the face of exuberant changes in the market to avoid painful corrections afterward.

THE EU E-COMMERCE MARKET IN A PANDEMIC CONTEXT – LINKING DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND TERRITORIAL CONVERGENCE

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the European Union’s e-commerce market within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the correlation between demographic factors and the territorial convergence of e-commerce activities across EU member states. By leveraging empirical data and employing the General Linear Model – Repeated Measures (GLM-RM) to analyze temporal changes in the phenomena of interest across EU countries, the study provides a nuanced understanding of the market’s evolution during and after the pandemic. The research reveals a notable expansion in the EU’s e-commerce market value, leading to a reduction in economic disparities among member states. It highlights the role of consumer demographics in shaping online shopping behavior, with age being a pivotal factor that demonstrates significant variations. Additionally, the study delves into the differential performance of various product categories, reflecting a pattern of selective sectoral convergence. A key finding is the pandemic’s dual role as a disruptor and an accelerator for digital integration, particularly in enhancing digital inclusivity in less economically developed EU regions. This study contributes to the broader discourse on e-commerce market dynamics in times of global crises, offering valuable insights for policymakers and business strategists.

Cyber Opportunities: Fostering Women's Empowerment through E-Commerce in Afghanistan

This research undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between women's empowerment and E-commerce, with a specific focus on the unique challenges and opportunities presented in Afghanistan's post-conflict landscape. Globally, E-commerce has emerged as a transformative force, breaking down traditional barriers and providing avenues for women's active participation in economic activities. However, Afghanistan's socio-cultural context introduces nuanced challenges, including cultural norms, societal expectations, and limited access to technology. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study gathers insights from 100 Afghan women engaged in E-commerce activities. The findings reveal multifaceted challenges, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide and address cultural barriers. Despite obstacles, the study underscores the resilience of women entrepreneurs in navigating the digital landscape. Education and digital literacy emerge as pivotal factors shaping women's participation, highlighting the necessity for tailored initiatives. The research culminates in key recommendations, advocating for clear national policies, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and digital literacy programs. Support for women entrepreneurship and collaboration with international partners are emphasized to create an inclusive and supportive environment for women in the digital economy. This research serves as a foundational resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, offering actionable insights to empower Afghan women in E-commerce. By implementing the recommended strategies, Afghanistan can pave the way for sustainable development, economic growth, and the meaningful inclusion of women in the digital landscape.

Advancing regional cooperation within AfCFTA through an integrated cross-border e-commerce system

ABSTRACT The digital economy has become an essential factor in economic diversification, yet regional trade blocs lack support for putting in place legal mechanisms to facilitate cross-border e-commerce activities between their member states. This article examines the potential for cross-border e-commerce in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by identifying opportunities but also critical challenges in its Digital Trade Protocol. It also reviews the laws and regulations governing e-commerce in each signatory to the AfCFTA – including those laws related to e-transactions, data protection and privacy, consumer protection and cybercrime – taking a deep-dive into discussing the legal environment necessary to support cross-border online business activities. Based on this analysis, this article offers important insights and recommendations for policymakers, proposing an integrated cross-border e-commerce system based on a centralised shipping method. Specifically, it recommends harmonising customs procedures, improved infrastructure, and financing mechanisms.

Taxation of E-Commerce Activities and Revenue Potential in Ghana

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) businesses have become a common mode of transaction in Ghana. However, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has struggled to assess and maximise its revenue potential due to technical challenges and the complex nature of the market. The main objective of this research was therefore to identify the entities, goods and services involved in online transactions and estimate the total monetary value and revenue potential of online transactions in Ghana. To achieve this, both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were adopted. The study found that resident and non-resident entities constitute 19 per cent and 81 per cent, respectively of those entities engaged in e-commerce activities in Ghana. Further, it was found that about 20 per cent of students, 45 per cent of people in formal employment, 30 per cent of the self-employed and five per cent of the unemployed are engaged in e-commerce. In addition, it appears that groceries constitute 47.5 per cent of all goods traded online with the rest of the goods constituting 52.5 per cent. Again, as many as 31 per cent of the e-commerce businesses identified in this study had not registered with GRA. Of those registered with GRA, 45 per cent had not filed their corporate income tax (CIT) or personal income tax (PIT). Thirty-eight per cent had not filed their value added tax (VAT), 28 per cent had not filed or paid their pay-as- you-earn (PAYE) and 72.4 per cent of the businesses did not withhold taxes. The paper recommends creating a database for all e-commerce businesses, including those with resident and non-resident status. The estimated revenue potential for e-commerce transactions by resident persons across all types of tax is over GHȻ 1.39 billion.

Leveraging E-Commerce and Entrepreneurship Pathway among Unemployed Graduates in Rivers State Nigeria.

This paper examined the impact of leveraging on e-commerce as a pathway to entrepreneurship among unemployed graduates in Rivers state Nigeria. The objectives of the study were as follows; to examine the relationship between e-tailing and venture opportunity identification, to ascertain the relationship between e-tailing and new venture lunch, to examine the relationship between e-hailing and venture opportunity identification, ascertain the relationship between e-hailing and new venture lunch. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from graduates who engage in e-commerce activities. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. The study population were 700, Taro Yamani was used to determine a sample size of 400 from three LGA (Obio-Akpo, Ikwerre and Port Harcourt) in Rivers state Nigeria. The copies of questionnaires returned were 370, afterwards Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used for the determining validation and the reliability of the instrument at 0.75. Exploratory research design was adopted for the study. SPSS Version 20.0 was used to analyze the retrieved questionnaires. From the analyses, the study found out that leveraging on e-commerce has significantly impacted on entrepreneurship pathway among unemployed graduates in Rivers state Nigeria. The study recommended that unemployed graduates in Rivers state should stop waiting for white collar jobs instead they should consider becoming entrepreneurs by leveraging on e-commerce opportunities such as e-tailing and e-hailing, it is essential for unemployed graduates to acquire the required digital skills to enable them take advantage of these opportunities posed by e-commerce also, both Federal and State government should endeavor to establish youth development training centers that will help train unemployed graduates on ICT and entrepreneurial skills.

Analysis of the impact of e-commerce on rural quality development and its spatial spillover effects

Abstract This study addresses the challenge of variable selection in partially linear additive spatial autoregressive models through a novel approach that leverages orthogonal projection based on the QR decomposition technique. This method ensures the validity and compatibility of examining the influence of e-commerce on rural high-quality development while minimizing bias in spatial spillover benefits analysis. By constructing a comprehensive evaluation index system, the research applies a partially linear weighted spatial autoregressive model with orthogonal projection to assess e-commerce’s impact on rural development. Analysis of baseline regression for selected villages, supplemented by heterogeneity tests, threshold effects, and spatial analyses, reveals a significant relationship: a one-unit increase in e-commerce activity corresponds to a 0.0038 unit increase in high-quality rural development. This growth comprises both a direct effect of 0.0011 units and a spillover effect of 0.0027 units, highlighting e-commerce’s pivotal role in promoting rural prosperity and its beneficial spillover to adjacent areas.

IDEAL LOCATION SELECTION FOR CONTACTLESS PARCEL PICK-UP POINTS

The post-Covid era has witnessed the adoption of various new habits in our daily lives, particularly in relation to the ubiquitous e-commerce platforms that have become essential for urban populations. The surge in e-commerce activities and the intensified volume in delivery of packages during the pandemic sparked innovative ideas. This study explores one such creative concept: parcel pick-up points. We conducted a pioneering research endeavor to determine the optimal locations for these pick-up points in Istanbul, Turkey. Our methodology employed a novel hybrid approach, combining the Spherical Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The evaluation of criteria importance was facilitated by a literature review and experienced high-level managers in the cargo industry, who determined the criteria weights using the Spherical Fuzzy AHP method. Subsequently, the TOPSIS method was employed to identify the most ideal locations, leading to the selection of Kadikoy, Umraniye, and Atasehir. This study provides valuable insights into the selection of the optimal locations for parcel pick-up points in Istanbul, Turkey, which can inform policymakers, e-commerce companies, and logistics stakeholders. The proposed hybrid approach demonstrates the integration of modern smart technologies with fuzzy decision-making techniques, offering a robust framework for decision support in the field of e-commerce logistics. Future research can further explore the implementation and effectiveness of these pick-up points to enhance the efficiency and convenience of last-mile deliveries in urban areas.

FinTech and Pakistan’s Banking Industry: An Exploratory Study

Technological development in the financial sector has influenced different segments of consumers differently. In the last decade, like other industries, driven by technological adaptation, the banking industry has also undergone regulatory changes and has, therefore, influenced how consumers interact with traditional financial services. FinTech has contributed to some of this transformation. Numerous new startups are already transforming the financial technology sector by creating cutting-edge financial services and products for consumers. This study provides a better understanding of the current position and FinTech implementation strategy in Pakistan's commercial banking sector. It also investigates the barriers to adopting Fintech and its impact on the banking sector. Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with the assistant manager, operations manager, and bank branch manager as part of the qualitative study. These interviews provided insights into the current situation of the banking industry to Fintech. The factors reported in this study are Challenges and Barriers to the adoption of Fintech. Factors are Lack of Budget, Lack of Rules and Regulations, Cybercrimes, and Hacking. Requirements for the adoption of Fintech factors are E-commerce activities, SBP Role, Training, and Advanced ICT Infrastructure. The impact of Fintech on Pakistan's banking sector is efficiency, innovation, competitiveness, and customer service. The study contributes to the knowledge of practice-related stakeholders, offering valuable insights into Fintech and its effects on the banking industry in Pakistan. The study thus offers valuable insights for policy managers who are engaged with promoting Fintech in Pakistan's banking sector to offer better services to customers and upgrade industry practices.

The Use of Collaborative Robots as an Internal Logistics Solution and the Effect of These Robots on Increased Operational Efficiency

It is noteworthy that operational transactions demonstrated a corresponding increase with the burgeoning e-commerce activity during the COVID19 pandemic period. The unanticipated nature of the pandemic event has revealed the limitations of many companies in coping with the surging online demands. These limitations manifest as delays in order fulfillment, inaccuracies and discrepancies in delivered orders, resulting in substantial reductions in both customer and personnel satisfaction, internal disruptions within the organizations, and an inadequacy in the workforce. To mitigate these challenges, several companies have embarked on the utilization of Collaborative Robots. 
 The present study aims to set out the specific parameters and the extent to which operational efficiency within the organization is enhanced through the adoption of Collaborative Robots.

A SWOT Analysis of Turkish e-commerce activities in post COVID-19 era

This paper presents a SWOT Analysis to state Turkish E-Commerce activities' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the post-COVID-19 era. By examining the internal and external factors, the study aims to provide valuable insights for the whole actor, such as stakeholders, policymakers and businesses in the e-commerce ecosystem. As Türkiye has an important position among global actors, this study examines the key factors navigating the evolving landscape of e-commerce in Türkiye, both academically and practically. The analysis sheds light on strategic considerations associated with the market orientation approach to enhance the sector's resilience and assess the emerging opportunities in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Exploring the Sustainable Development of E-commerce Ecosystems in the Perspective of Green Health

Abstract The development of e-commerce breaks through the restrictions of traditional commerce in time and geography and enables people to carry out e-commerce activities conveniently, quickly and securely anytime and anywhere. This paper takes the Internet as a competition and communication platform, forms an e-commerce ecosystem through collaboration and resource sharing, and provides the evolution path of the e-commerce ecosystem. In the paper, the evolutionary game theory is cited, the game strategy is expressed through Nash equilibrium, and the three-way competitive evolutionary game model of the e-commerce ecosystem population is established with the revenue function as the optimization objective, presenting the evolution process from individual behavior to group behavior to adopt the strategy. To verify the application of the three-way evolutionary game model presented in this paper in the sustainable development of e-commerce ecosystems, an evolutionary game analysis was performed. The results show that: under the same degree of random disturbance, the fluctuation amplitude of the leader population is between 0.01 and 0.02, and the key population is most affected by random disturbance, and its fluctuation range is able to reach 0.05 to 0.95. In 2013, after the invasion of Tmall, its market share rapidly reached 49.35% from 1.49%, and Jingdong dropped to 19.11% after it, and the B2C e-commerce ecosystem changed significantly. Participating parties in the e-commerce ecosystem under the perspective of green health need to choose the right time to cooperate so as to promote the stable and sustainable development of the e-commerce ecosystem.

Examining urban delivery service user profiles and determinants of drone delivery adoption in Ghana considering usage before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

The demand for urban delivery services (UDS) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been growing due to the spike in e-commerce activities. This phenomenon has led to the search for more innovative UDS modes, such as drones, as they provide fast, safer, and eco-friendly services. Although researchers have examined the perceptions regarding the adoption of drone delivery, there are many unknowns about the intentions to use this futuristic delivery mode. By employing survey data obtained through an online survey conducted in Ghana, this study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the current UDS user profiles and investigate their intentions to adopt drone deliveries in the future, considering the lived experiences of traditional UDS usage pre/post the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding UDS user profiling, the study applied an advanced unsupervised machine learning method known as cluster correspondence analysis to simultaneously identify critical clusters in the data as well as key factor associations for each group. The findings demonstrated that most people in Ghana who seldom used the traditional UDS usually experienced poor service levels. Females living in the capital of Ghana who are frequent users of UDS mainly experienced acceptable service levels. Using an ordered probit regression model, the study identified that variables such as males, people who desired contactless UDS, and frequent UDS users at work or school during the COVID-19 pandemic were more inclined to embrace drone deliveries when introduced. Conversely, individuals who frequently used UDS services at home, those living in large cities, and those with lower income levels expressed reluctance toward drone delivery services. This study augments the urban logistics literature in LMICs by offering insightful suggestions in the areas of education, enhanced marketing strategies, and delivery optimization, which are instrumental for informing policy decisions. Government-related transportation bodies, private logistics firms, and trade unions can collaborate and adopt the recommendations provided to improve urban delivery services and to pave the way for integrating drone delivery services in the near future.

The Practical Effectiveness of the Singapore Mediation Convention on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights in China's Cross-Border E-commerce and Lessons Learned

Objective: This study aims to thoroughly assess the impact of the Singapore Mediation Convention (SMC) on intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement within China's e-commerce industry. The focus is on key indicators: dispute frequency, resolution efficiency, and stakeholder trust. Using Python and libraries like pandas, numpy, and seaborn, a quantitative analysis is conducted on twelve monthly observations, comparing pre and post-SMC implementation to quantify observed changes.
 
 Methods: For this research, a robust quantitative framework is deployed, leveraging Python and essential libraries. The approach involves a comparative analysis of data collected before and after SMC implementation. The twelve-month sample size ensures comprehensive representation. This method enables a nuanced understanding of SMC's impact on dispute frequency, resolution efficiency, and stakeholder trust.
 
 Results: Findings show a noticeable reduction in disputes and shorter resolution times post-SMC implementation, indicating positive impacts. Stakeholder trust has significantly risen, reflecting increased confidence in the industry. These quantitative outcomes collectively affirm the SMC's efficacy in fostering a secure and trustworthy environment for IPR enforcement in China's e-commerce landscape.
 
 Conclusion: In conclusion, this study underscores the positive influence of the Singapore Mediation Convention on IPR enforcement in China's e-commerce. Reduced disputes, improved resolution efficiency, and heightened stakeholder trust showcase the SMC's instrumental role. Beyond addressing IPR challenges, these findings emphasize the broader impact of mediation conventions in cultivating an environment conducive to thriving e-commerce activities.

The Impact of Online Sales on Corporate Financing Constraints

China's online sales platforms have surged in the past 15 years, meeting the needs of the majority of consumers and leading economic growth, while also affecting many e-commerce enterprises in terms of investment and financing mechanisms. The ratio of e-commerce online sales to main business income as alternative data contains corporate investment and financing information, and KZ index is finally selected to describe the financing constraints after comparative validation. Using online sales data from Chinese A-share listed companies and some financial data of enterprises in 2016-2022, this paper conducts regression analysis on KZ index and empirically finds that the increase in the online sales ratio is strongly negatively correlated with the degree of funding constraints faced by businesses. With a high degree of participation in e-commerce activities, enterprises will have less financing pressure. This finding brings some inspiration for enterprise operation and financing decisions. Enterprises can reduce the degree of financing constraints by increasing the online sales ratio, so as to better obtain external financing and improve the growth and development of enterprises.

Analysis of Shopping Activities in E-Commerce among Students and College Students

This research aims to analyze e-commerce shopping activities among students and college students, as well as to find out what factors influence e-commerce shopping activities. This research shows what platforms are most chosen by students and college students. This research also shows that e-commerce has benefits for students and college students to find a variety of goods at affordable prices, easier transactions, more energy saving, and ease of comparing prices with other online shops (olshop) businesses.