A fuzzy MADM approach for identifying & prioritizing the factors affecting implementation of e-business in SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a major role in national economy. E-Business processes provide many opportunities for these companies to compete in regional and international markets. This study seeks to analyze the factors affecting e-business implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises. For this purpose, 10 factors and 61 indices were identified based on the literature review. Then, relative of importance of each factor was determined using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) followed by recognition of the most important indices using Fuzzy TOPSIS. Analysis showed that indicators such as; existence of Internet address, Upgraded communications systems, Management of physical and financial resources, Preparation for production, level and size of production, customer’s support systems, Customs duties, Transportation system, Development of credit cards & Organizational culture are among the most important indices.