Abstract
M.Sc. (Computer Science)
As the world enters the new millennium, we are experiencing one of the most
important changes since the industrial revolution - the move to an Internet-based
society. Traditional business channels are moving to a new platform of interaction
that is called Electronic Business (EB).
Electronic Business is becoming a significant business tool, provided that businesses
understand the benefits, the application areas and impacts of EB, and can apply
these concepts optimally. The problem with many businesses, especially SMMEs
(Small Medium and Micro Enterprises), is that they are ignorant to many EB-related
concepts, how EB can assist their business needs, and how to apply EB into their
business components. Various solutions for EB exist in the industry, which are very
comprehensive and complex. However, with the constant wave of mergers,
acquisitions and new IT-companies forming, as well as the myriad of new solutions
being developed, many businesses are not sure which solution would suit their
business best, and which solution provider would be the best to approach. What
businesses need is an understanding of EB and guidelines on how to start becoming
EB focused.
The principle aim of the Enterprise-Wide Electronic Business (EWEB) Framework
developed is to form the bridge between a traditional business and an electronic
business. This is achieved by defining many EB-related concepts and providing
guidelines on how to streamline business processes with technology in moving to an
EB platform.
The EWEB Framework targets this from three perspectives. Firstly, the EWEB
Framework follows a top-down approach to EB, targeting business processes across
the enterprise as well as business issues from strategic, architectural and
infrastructural levels. This allows EWEB to be applicable to all types of business
processes and businesses needs. Secondly, the EWEB Framework also consists of
business processes that are common across all industries. This allows EWEB to be
applicable to all types of businesses...