Timeline of Initial Perceptions and Adoption of e-Business Among Quebec Forestry Sector SMEs

Abstract

The present business environment is demanding and has forced companies to use information technology (IT) to remain competitive. E-business capabilities are currently one of the most salient factors that offer competitive advantage for most firms. This paper examines the evolution of the adoption of e-business practices between 2002 and 2009 from perception to actual adoption by small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in the forestry sector in Quebec, Canada. A binary logistic regression analysis of survey data demonstrated the low rate of adoption of these technologies in this group. This research found that while firm size is the most influential factor for e-business solution adopters, location is also a vital factor. Firms in metropolitan areas adopt e-business solutions faster and in higher volume than firms do in rural areas. Thus, this paper highlights those factors that can influence the adoption of e-business practices in Quebec forestry-sector SMEs.