24 x 7 @ Full Speed: Accelerated Time to Market

“It’s only a web site. What could be so difficult about that?” This quote is from the cafeteria of a start-up business funded by a North American retailer, after the disastrous ‘Black Friday’ of 2000, during which its web site experienced systemic failure. This case describes the dynamics, complexities and consequences of fast tracking an e-Business strategy with a small startup. This consumer electronics retailer created one of the most visited retail websites, from concept to operation in six months. Market analysts were predicting a major increase in online sales whilst consumers were adopting the Internet at a rate faster than any previous technology. Meeting the multi-channel demands of the dynamic and competitive environment required operational balance, stability, innovative flexibility, organizational fit, and the alignment of resource capabilities with technology. This case challenges the reader to comment on how a large company positioned itself and integrated the necessary competencies to compete successfully in this developing market by fostering an SME