The methodological framework of the SeBW builds upon the methodology established for the previous e-Business W@tch. However, the methodology has been adapted to the new focus of activity, enabling the progress from monitoring "e-readiness" and "e-activity" to the evidence-based analysis of "e-impact".
The Sectoral e-Business Watch approach is based on a mix of data collection instruments, including the use of existing sources as well as primary research. Cornerstones of this approach are:
Data integration: integration of data from the Eurostat Community Survey on ICT Usage in Enterprises into sector studies, including ensuring optimal mapping between Eurostat sector configurations and SeBW sectoral concerns;
Modular CATIsurveys: a set of complementary SeBW Surveys targeted to specific gaps in evidence, using survey modules and instruments adapted to the topics of SeBW and customised to the sectors of interest;
Analytical methods: extended use of analytical statistical methods and of external data sources for studying ICT impact, for example multiple regression models, dynamic econometric models, simultaneous equation models, vector autoregressive models and causality tests, growth accounting, or panel data models;
Compound indicators: increased use of compound indicators for the presentation of ICT adoption and impact, using innovative instruments such as the ACM ("Access – Competence – Motivation") method.
Case studies: collection of about 100 case studies of e-business activity in companies, as "real life" examples of firms' experience with e-business;
International comparisons: strengthened extra-European, global dimension, including representative data collection surveys of Europe's competitors such as the USA, Japan or China;
Stakeholder activation: intensified networking with industry, including setting up and liaising with Advisory Boards for each sector study.
e-Business Surveys 2002 – 2007
Most of the data about ICT and e-business adoption presented in e-Business W@tch studies are based on representative decision-maker surveys in European enterprises, conducted with CATI method.
The first e-Business Survey was carried out in June 2002 and included more than 9,000 firms from 15 sectors, with interviews in all 15 EU Member States of 2002.
The second e-Business Survey was carried out in March and November 2003, and covered more than 10,000 firms from 10 sectors, with interviews in 25 EU Member States (those of May 2004) and Norway.
The third e-Business Survey took place in February 2005, with a scope of more than 5200 interviews with companies from 10 sectors and 7 countries.
The fourth e-Business Survey was conducted in spring 2006 and covered about 14,000 enterprises of 10 sectors from 25 EU Member States and EEA and Candidate Countries.
In 2007, four e-Business Surveys will be conducted, each with a different questionnaire adapted to the specific sectors and topics:
Manufacturing Survey: a survey on the chemical, steel and furniture industries, with about 2,500 interviews in 8 countries.
Retail & Logistics Survey with about 1,800 interviews in 8 countries.
RFID survey on the adoption of RFID in different sectors, with about 400 interviews.
A Survey on Intellectual Property in the ICT Sector, with close to 700 interviews.
All these surveys are based on CATI (computer assisted telephone interviews), with average interview lengths of 15-20 minutes per interview (8-10 minutes for the special topic surveys on RFID and IP).
Methodology Reports about the surveys and the questionnaires used can be downloaded (see table below). More detailed background information about the surveys (e.g. response rates), if required, can be obtained upon request from the Sectoral e-Business Watch (info
at ebusiness-watch dot com ).
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and '.' as 'dot'. Please change the recipient address of your message accordingly.
Thank you very much for your understanding.
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