Int. Journal of Business Science and Applied Management / Business-and-Management.com
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BOOK REVIEW
In this book Feng Li provides a timely review of the “state of e-business” at the beginning of the
21st Century. At a time when we are still coming to grips with the reality of what e-business means not
only to organizations but also individuals, communities and services Feng Li’s contribution creates a
comprehensive starting point for both academics and scholars of e-business. By providing a clear
grounding of the reality of e-business transactions within both the organisational environment and the
community at large, we can begin to understand how internet technologies are influencing business
processes.
What is an ever-changing and turbulent world of information technology requires a firm grip and
understanding of what this means to the many stakeholders involved in the e-business transaction. Feng
Li’s definition of e-business (which he regards as a wide and encompassing entity) is both intriguing
and thought-provoking and sets the scene for the ensuing discussions, scenarios and cases throughout
the remainder of the book. Both the use of real-world examples and relevant and timely newspaper and
magazine references makes the material accessible to both the novice and experienced scholar in many
cognisant fields from e-business and information systems to management and commerce.
Part I provides a clear overview of the background within which e-business operates, applying the
concept to three distinct but interrelated areas. First, the information economy in which we operate and
the underlying themes within this, helping the reader to understand the interactions and connections
between increased network connectivity, the rapid pace of technological change and investment, and
our increasing reliance on information. The adage “Information is Power” grows continually in its
relevance. Following this the ten rules of the network economy open our eyes to the myths and realities
of the environment in which we operate. This section is consolidated by recognising what this means to
the business world – how e-business actually takes place and the implications therein. I particularly
liked the range of assignment options which were given throughout this section, which will enable any
scholar to select and review an enticing topic.
Part II reflects upon the important role of strategy in the workplace, and recognises that business
strategy has had to adapt and change to embrace the technological culture. Herein lays the paradox:
although web-based systems require a strategic plan, the emergent result is often disruptive to the
environment in which they operate. This section identifies many of the key disrupters of modern
business practices, and recontextualises strategy as a process. It finishes by evaluating key models of e-
business. These reflect the latest thinking in the field, by authors such as Timmers, Rappa, Afuah,
Tucci and Osterwalder, and with the help of Feng Li’s critical review the reader can use these models
to interpret and understand the complexity of e-business.
The book finishes, in part III, by focussing on the growing field of Information and
Communication Technologies (ICTs), the infrastructure within which e-business has been able to
operate and grow. The first three chapters focus upon internal processes which enable organisations to
use e-business systems to make an impact upon efficiency, while the final chapter extends this to the
external environment. The role of ICTs in organizational change is explored through the use of positive
examples of ICT’s influence on the change process, for example, brining functional information closer
together, while being aware of the political and cultural changes necessary to facilitate these
efficiencies. ICT’s role in innovation, and specifically Business Process Reengineering, is reviewed.
Finally, internal processes relating to the role of teleworkers and virtual teams are explored,
demonstrating not only the business benefits but also the advantages to the employee, while
simultaneously being aware of such issues as alienation. From a communications background, I would
like to have seen further review of the “soft” skills needed to complement the alienation potential
within e-business processes, but this should not take away from the comprehensive nature of the book.
The assignments and discussions points contained throughout are consolidated by the appendices
which provide three comprehensive examples of assignments which could be set for students. These
draw upon many aspects of the work covered in the book and, in my opinion, would enable scholars to
demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of e-business. These obviously come from a dedicated
educator.
From the reader point of view I found this book straight-forward to understand and felt that a wide
range of issues relating to the impact of internet technologies on business were scoped out and made
relevant to many business-related fields. This book would be ideal for the post-graduate market, as well
as academics and practitioners, providing a high level of academic and business relevance. From the
clearly identified wide-ranging impact of technology, facets of the book would also be relevant on
communications, strategy, change and other business modules, as well as engineering and sociology.
