{"title":"New technologies in small business models: use of electric vehicles in last-mile delivery for fast-moving consumer goods","authors":"Yavuz Toraman, Mehmet Bayirli, Veland Ramadani","doi":"10.1108/jsbed-08-2023-0375","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\n<p>The share of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in e-commerce has increased, particularly after COVID-19, alongside the growing volume of e-commerce transactions. The increased number of orders necessitates the optimization of delivery operations. This situation has made using different technologies in last-mile delivery processes necessary. Currently, used electric vehicles (EVs) play a significant role in integrating these technologies into delivery operations. Adapting to new technologies emerges as a critical need for small enterprises to survive in the face of advancing technologies. In this context, the main purpose of this paper is to examine and identify attitudes of small businesses toward EVs’ usage in last-mile delivery for FMCG.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\n<p>The theoretical frameworks commonly used in studies investigating new technologies, namely the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM) have been employed. The analysis of the study was conducted using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and the Smart PLS software package.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Findings</h3>\n<p>When examining the results of the study, a significant and positive relationship was found between compatibility and enjoyment with perceived usefulness. Furthermore, a significant and positive relationship was identified between attitude toward use, perceived behavioral control and perceived usefulness. Ultimately, a strong relationship was found between intention, which is a precursor to active usage and attitude. Based on the obtained data, it can be concluded that EVs can be actively used in last-mile delivery in the future.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Originality/value</h3>\n<p>In FMCG processes in Türkiye, EVs are limitedly used in last-mile delivery operations. However, there are very few studies on the use of EVs in FMCG. Therefore, it is expected that the current research will contribute to the literature by providing information on the factors that influence the acceptance of EV usage and their implications. The TAM and TPB models were used in the current study.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":51453,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development","volume":"60 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9000,"publicationDate":"2023-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jsbed-08-2023-0375","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"BUSINESS","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
The share of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in e-commerce has increased, particularly after COVID-19, alongside the growing volume of e-commerce transactions. The increased number of orders necessitates the optimization of delivery operations. This situation has made using different technologies in last-mile delivery processes necessary. Currently, used electric vehicles (EVs) play a significant role in integrating these technologies into delivery operations. Adapting to new technologies emerges as a critical need for small enterprises to survive in the face of advancing technologies. In this context, the main purpose of this paper is to examine and identify attitudes of small businesses toward EVs’ usage in last-mile delivery for FMCG.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical frameworks commonly used in studies investigating new technologies, namely the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM) have been employed. The analysis of the study was conducted using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and the Smart PLS software package.
Findings
When examining the results of the study, a significant and positive relationship was found between compatibility and enjoyment with perceived usefulness. Furthermore, a significant and positive relationship was identified between attitude toward use, perceived behavioral control and perceived usefulness. Ultimately, a strong relationship was found between intention, which is a precursor to active usage and attitude. Based on the obtained data, it can be concluded that EVs can be actively used in last-mile delivery in the future.
Originality/value
In FMCG processes in Türkiye, EVs are limitedly used in last-mile delivery operations. However, there are very few studies on the use of EVs in FMCG. Therefore, it is expected that the current research will contribute to the literature by providing information on the factors that influence the acceptance of EV usage and their implications. The TAM and TPB models were used in the current study.
期刊介绍:
■Research in SMEs, entrepreneurship and family-run businesses ■Case studies on real-life small business experiences ■Small Business growth and successful enterprises ■Practical advice from small business advisors ■Recruitment, training and development for SMEs ■Performance measurement and business improvement ■Government initiatives and enterprise policy ■SME financing and venture capital. By encouraging debate on the key issues facing SMEs, the journal offers detailed analysis and critical assessment of current best practice, discusses the implications of latest research findings and explores opportunities to break down the barriers that restrict the growth of SMEs.