| A qualitative case study of the IBM Microelectronics Division Opportunity Management e-business initiative was conducted to develop empirical data about how and why a company implements Internet and Web technologies and practices to mediate internal operations. Defined as e-operations, electronically supported internal business operating processes are framed and influenced by the firm's strategic and operational context. Findings show that the firm was rationally inspired to utilize e-business to improve a key operating process. E-business catalyzed changes in roles, responsibilities, collaboration methods, and organizational structure. Technology implementation difficulties appeared to be less serious than various forms of organizational resistance. Availability of and access to key operational data was the primary motivating and sustaining incentive for all constituents of this project. |
