Special Issue - The Strategic Impact of Information Technology Deployment, Part IV

We are very pleased to introduce this series of special issues of Strategic Change, which gathers together some of the latest research in information technology deployment. To date, much of the literature in the field focuses upon the challenges that are faced by organizations. Comparatively little investigates and
reports upon instances of successful implementation. This special issue aims to address that gap and contribute toward improving the success rate of information systems deployment. Our thanks go out to all those who have contributed articles, to those that have reviewed them and guided their development, and the entire
editorial team that have made this possible.

This first issue leads with two articles that explore the adoption of information technologies within SMEs that continue to play a vital role in healthy economies. Hamed, Elbeltagi, Jones, and El-Gohary explore B2B e-commerce adoption in the USA and enquire how its deployment relates to gaining and sustaining competitive
advantages. Their study provides important lessons for owners, managers, and other company stakeholders. Thomas, Miller, and Simmons’ examination confirms the widespread adoption of information communication technologies and notes the increasing use of Web-based systems to grow business. They highlight
that the availability of broadband connectivity is an issue in some areas but, through the use of Web platforms, organizations may be able to compete more cost-effectively with other regions.