E‐supply chain management: an evaluation of current web initiatives

Purpose To provide an overview of E‐supply chain management (E‐SCM) initiatives, focusing on the evolution and technological drivers of moving to the web. This paper also provides a framework and analysis of current efforts in the automotive, financial services, retail, technology, and transportation sectors. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a qualitative experimental design, case‐study approach. Companies are compared across a variety of factors affecting E‐SCM. Findings There is little evidence to support that the size of a firm's revenues correlate to the effectiveness of their E‐SCM efforts. Research limitations/implications The research uses a limited number of companies. Additionally, the web sites were evaluated only to the extent which they were made publicly available. Practical implications An overview and discussion of E‐SCM is presented. This paper also analyzes selected companies' current web initiatives in the automotive, financial services, retail, technology, and transportation sectors. Originality/value This paper uses an original framework to analyze E‐SCM initiatives. Its conclusions would be of interest to individuals with a practical and research interest in E‐SCM.