Adebanjo, Dotun ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4845-9411, Kehoe, Dennis, Galligan, Peter and Mahoney, Fred (2006) Overcoming the barriers to e-cluster development in a low product complexity business sector. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 26 (8). pp. 924-939. ISSN 0144-3577 (doi:10.1108/01443570610678675)

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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issues that impact negatively on e-cluster development in a low product complexity industry and identification of key factors to overcome the barriers.

Design/methodology/approach – Structured interviews were used to identify perceived value and user expectations from e-clusters. Workshops involving assessment of a prototype e-cluster validated user expectations. A mapping study and best practice review provided a basis for e-cluster application development and assessing potential industry uptake.

Findings – Interest and perceived value of e-clusters varied according to size of organisation with smaller organisations primarily interested in e-connectivity to retailers and e-business development. Organisations of all sizes, however, indicated a willingness to learn from each other and partner although level of e-connectivity was average and overall level of sophistication was low.

Practical implications – Industrial review and acceptance of a prototype e-cluster that would enable organisations manage several critical aspects of their operations from a single interface.

Originality/value – The paper provides new understanding of key issues that impact the operational benefits of e-clusters and, in particular, factors that would underpin the success of e-cluster success in a competitive, insular, low product complexity industry. This presents an informed basis for e-cluster managers and members to successfully manage their initiative.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	[1] Citation: Dotun Adebanjo, Dennis Kehoe, Peter Galligan, Fred Mahoney, (2006) "Overcoming the barriers to e-cluster development in a low product complexity business sector", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 26 Iss: 8, pp.924 - 939. Link to final published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01443570610678675. [2] This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here (http://gala.gre.ac.uk/10711). Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	cluster analysis, food industry, United Kingdom
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HF Commerce
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Business > Department of Systems Management & Strategy
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	14 Oct 2016 09:25
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/10711

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