A classification and selection model of e-marketplaces for better alignment of supply chains

Purpose – To provide a contingent framework for the classification and selection of e‐marketplaces has been developed.Design/methodology/approach – The framework is developed from a review of relevant literature and examined through conducting case studies, two of which are reported in the paper.Findings – A number of e‐business classification models are proposed. The key model dimensions considered are the nature of the products/services to be traded, the ownership/formation of the marketplace and the level of functionality/relationships exhibited by the trading exchange. The strategic role of an e‐marketplace is also identified as being dynamic in nature over the product/market lifecycle and the ongoing development of information systems and technologies.Research limitations/implications – The paper considers the power, relationship and behavioural aspects associated with the formation of e‐marketplaces but this is not the specific focus of the work undertaken.Practical implications – The cases demonstr...