E-commerce is the maintenance of business information, sharing of business information and conducting transactions in business through web-designed applications (Scharl, 2012). Based on figures that were obtained from the Forrester research, it is clear that the conduction of business transactions through web-designed applications is on the increase (Ariyani, Hanantjo & Purnama, 2015). Additionally, internet adoption by Small and medium-sized enterprises is very crucial to thin their business dealings generation of important information for electronic commerce. Moreover, the internet has established itself as a primary resource especially when it comes to the modern day commerce since so many businesses are developing their own web presence. In this case, a business that has developed a website can use it as a storefront for its business operations (Shaw, Blanning, Strader & Whinston, 2012). Furthermore, development costs and time needs to be taken into consideration whenever any business wants to create an e-commerce website hence, a number of implementation options need to be factored in as well. International standards have been developed in the past to help website developers with some simple guidelines that might be helpful in implementing simple e-commerce websites. In such situations, it is a requirement that the business decides the designer of the website while at the same time determining how the business will like the website to appear (Shaw et al., 2012).

Apart from IT companies, one way a business can develop a website is through in-house development. In this case, in-house development can be carried out with the assistance of a software package in the form of an e-commerce construction application kit. Besides, some web designs in e-commerce should be incorporated with graphic designs that possess databases embedded with functions to sell goods and products online very effectively. For instance, the catalog areas of the developed websites should be established in such a way that they can be arranged into product categories together with their respective searching functionality that is modeled to suit the demands of the company.

Statement of the Problem

There is an increasing consensus in the modern day research regarding the need to explain and observe the paradoxes related to e-commerce when dealing with the issue of Information System research and information assurance in a networked economy. It is such concerns that raise the need for web development and the success of smaller Information and Technology companies (Ariyani, et al., 2015) Additionally, development on its own is the backbone of e-commerce, which indicates that so many aspects revolving around it are still undergoing some changes. In other words, a decision to adopt web development design in commerce is not taken lightly most especially when it comes to SMEs. Apparently, some few factors inhibit or encourage the implementation of e-commerce depending on the current commerce situation (Shaw et al. 2012). Nevertheless, as much as some researchers have indicated that these enterprises are using e-commerce and the internet, there have been minimal systematic research works that try to explore on how such enterprises are really adopting e-commerce. Besides, some scholars such as Malić, Makitan and Petrov (2016) acknowledged that more collaboration with SME owners might try to establish a method that can be used to deal with the challenges that revolve around the adoption of e-commerce. In response to the need of more research, the purpose of this research is to explore some of the factors that can inhibit or facilitate web development in e-commerce.

Methodology

The purpose of this research revolves around the exploration of some of the factors that may act as barriers or facilitators to web development in commerce as well as comprehend how this factors impact web development implementation process in commerce. To realize this objective, an Action Research study on an SME in Galway (River Deep Mountain High-RDMH) will be very appropriate (Ariyani, Hanantjo & Purnama, 2015). In this research, RDMH will be used in the context of research because one of the research assistant was working with RDMH as from February 2013 to May 2015. RDMH is retail SME that specializes in outdoor equipment and clothing since the year 1991. It possesses approximately 20 employees. Additionally, before the implementation of this research, Galway had no working official website thus there were no electronic transactions. Since the research assistant who is apparently, their former employee has revealed that RDMH has plans of adopting e-commerce, it has made it a very suitable place to conduct this research (Shaw et al., 2012). Moreover, in order to establish customer awareness and in the process grow their business operations, the retail shop has seen e-commerce as an avenue of achieving their goal with an objective of growing their online shopping facilities within a span of two years. Therefore, the research will be conducted between October 2016 until October 2017 and it will go through three distinct Action Research process cycles as shown in the diagram below.

Figure 1: Action Research Plan Cycle (Source: web image. Retrieved from: An Action research approach to curriculum development by Authors P. Riding, S. Fowell, & P Levy (1995) Retrieved from: sttps://www.google.com/search?q=Action+research+plan+cycle&biw=1366&bih=657&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjlk-PwrI7PAhWDupQKHeCpBUMQ_AUIBigB) Historically, Action research was discovered in the 1940s and it was firs applied by Kurt Lewin. Additionally, Kurt Lewin was a renowned sociological father. In other words, as much as Action research developed into other sectors, Kurt Lewin is acknowledged as its founding father. Besides, this research approach expanded its roots into the United States and became more popular for a certain period until when politics, economics, and culture fostered its decline. Action plan concept started existing again in the late 1970s in Britain under the mentorship of Lawrence Stenhouse. In simple terms, the concept of action research was modeled around higher education academicians

Advantages of Action Research

Action research is more advantageous because the maximum interaction and collaboration of the researcher with other research respondents will give room for easy accessibility to in-depth research information (Malić et al., 2016). Additionally, Action research will see to it that the researcher is able to overcome the challenges of trying to comprehend the fuzzy, ill-structured world of complex Small and medium-sized enterprises through the application of action research since it deals with real-life challenges and the immediate issues faced by practitioners. Additionally, since the topic in this context revolves around technology, there is a high chance that it will be very significant to a very large section of the commerce industry most especially when it comes to communication assurances. In other words, the applicability of the action research approach to this issue provides a singular opportunity to gather information from those individuals in the organization facing certain challenges that can later lead to very significant research opportunities (Malić, Makitan & Petrov, 2016). As a result, the problem-solving approach will be employed in this research work to make it possible for this research to obtain funds for research work. In simple terms, AR is participative in nature, which is the implication, that the research client and the research will try as much as possible to work together effectively (Scharl, 2012). Furthermore, action research approach, in this case, will be chosen because it is more occupationally relevant and more satisfying as compared to other research approaches (Malić, Makitan & Petrov, 2016). In this case, action research will be able to eliminate the challenges that are experienced with adopting traditional research in the following ways: First, it will be able to contribute to theory. Second, action research is very applicable to integrative and unstructured issues. Third is that it possesses a wider relevance to research practitioners. .

Action Research and the Development of Web Designs in E-Commerce

Information assurance systems seem to be a very relevant research avenue to use action research approach (Scharl, 2012). Additionally, e-commerce in the modern century is one of the major contributors to the global economy. Action research techniques are acknowledged as being very clinical and hence, may place e-commerce in an assistance role within the business company in which they are studied (Ariyani, Hanantjo & Purnama, 2015). Given the fact that the web development should be more relevant to e-commerce and communication assurance practice, then action research is the best approach of making this aspect more significant. In other words, it is able to bond practice with research hence producing research findings that are in line with organization’s objectives. Apparently, such research results are the most appropriate determinant of research importance.

Action Research Justification

Because this approach encourages a collaborative relationship between the researcher and the research respondents, it will be the most appropriate approach in developing a web design in E-commerce (Scharl, 2012). Besides, action research will as well assist in determining the deficiencies that exist in the development of a web design in commerce. Moreover, being a participatory approach of research, it will as well involve various business stakeholders who will benefit a lot from the developed website.

However, just as any other methodologies used in research, action research is at times very challenging to practice and very easy to perform atrociously. On some occasions, this type of research approach is very difficult to justify and report. In simple terms, action research should be done close to perfection so that even if the supervisors of the project do not agree about how the project research was conducted, they would have no otherwise but to accept that the researcher used adequate rationale (Ariyani, Hanantjo & Purnama, 2015). Moreover, AR requires heavy participation in the actual research situation hence as much as it offers the individuals participating in the research a chance of expanding their knowledge but at a cost of objectivity.

Literature Review on Web Development in Commerce

Introduction

The most common assumption in the modern day research is that methods, techniques, and processes that are employed in applications developments have radically changed as the concentration of applications has transformed from the ancient information systems to the modern day world wide web (Bryman & Bell, 2015). As a result, there has been need for a research that will ensure that an internet commerce development methodology that deals with the intensity and the challenges that come with the issue of online marketing. In essence, the internet and the global website have had significance implications on the operation and the nature of the modern day business operations. At the same time, the changing demands, tastes, and preferences of customers has as well played a critical role on the requirements of the approaches used in developing these systems (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Any web application in commerce should focus on business in such a way that it should be driven by the strategy of the business and not necessary the technological, implementation. Besides, the web application should as well take into consideration the external focus in the name of customers. Apparently, the rapidly changing environment of businesses establishes the need for evolutionary developments and development cycles approaches.

On a general perspective e, some scholars may argue that the issues rose as far as the internet and commerce are concerned are not new to humankind (Uzun, 2013). However, rather than classifying commerce as a new parading in development, then it is important to categorize it as a new subject in the information system discipline (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Nevertheless, based on scholarly articles that revolve around the topic of e-commerce, it is assumed that the ancient development techniques are no longer applied in the modern development framework.

Primary Features of the Web-based Development in E-commerce

The web based development application attempts to deal with the issues related to emphasizing the focus of the business, the speed of change and the external focus in terms of customers. The web based development application will be made up of the following primary features.

A Philosophy

A web based development application views e-commerce developments as initiatives put in place by an organization and in the process, it ensures that it takes into consideration the need to deal with managerial (Stringer, 2013). Organizational and strategic cultural, issues coupled with the technical details of implementation and design. In this case, it is wise for the development application to offer a subjective holistic perspective in the sense that, the e-commerce development applications can never be effective if the organizational culture and management are not conducive for the forthcoming web development change (Bryman & Bell, 2015). In simple terms, the definition of an e-commerce strategy revolves around a range of information opinions and sources (Hajli, 2013). Moreover, a web-development application takes into consideration an e-commerce environment in such a way that the political, functional boundaries and cultural nuances are merged in the process. Therefore, a web development application in e-commerce can be implemented successfully if only its context of implementation is effective and appropriate.

Scope

A web development application in e-commerce can act as development methodology as well as a business analysis. Additionally, many traditional information systems cover only those technical aspects of e-commerce systems development and in essence, they do not engage in any form of business analysis (Stringer, 2013). On the other hand, internet commerce in its own right is a business direction and in the process, it needs a comprehensive analysis of the overall business strategy. In simple terms, it takes into consideration an extensive range of factors including the conduction of SWOT analysis of the area in which the business is operating (Bryman & Bell, 2015). In other words, the changing consumer preferences and tastes are also influential in the development of the web application in commerce. Therefore, it is important for a management structure that will be capable of supporting internet commerce in an organization (Gregor & Hevner, 2013).

Technique and Tools

A web development application in commerce is believed to have a number of component phases that are able to guide the development evaluation strategy together with the application website (Stringer, 2013). In this case, all the business issues that relate to the internet database connections, Web page design, security issues, methods, and implementation tools are also taken into consideration.

Framework

An internet development methodology can provide a framework that can be easily be adopted in the establishment of a web development in e-commerce (Uzun, 2013). In the process, it is applicable to a wide range of situations most especially where business organizations are looking to gain net revenues based on e-commerce.

Figure 2: Issues that are factored in web development in e-commerce ( source: web images, 2016. Issues that are factored in web development in e-commerce. Retrieved from: https://www.google.com/search?q=overview+of+ICDM+(INTERNET+COMMERCE+DEVELOPMENT+METHODOLOGY)&biw=1366&bih=657&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiGoYOBiZzPAhWKv48KHVWzC6UQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=go-I45J5RFPdRM%3A)

Web Management Strategy

The internet Commerce methodology recommends that the development and implementation of a web development ion e-commerce should be done in three phases. In this case, the management and the overall development of the internet application can be viewed as an ongoing task and in the process, it can be considered as a functional component of a web application (Uzun, 2013). The first phase or rather the first tier of the web development is acknowledged as a management and meta-development perspective that offers the framework necessary for development. Additionally, the second tier involves the development of the website components. In this case, it is important to note that at each stage, the work that is done should be classified as evolutionary in order to cope with any modifications, challenges, and changes that will have to be encountered (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Moreover, the final and the third tier in the development and the management structure encompasses the implementing and developing systems and in this case, it includes the analysts, technical teams web development consultants and content specialists as shown in the figure below

Organizational web management team

Website of component production team

Analysts/ discipline specialists/programmers/ web consultants

Figure 3: web management strategy (Source: web images, 2016.web management strategy. retrieved from: https://www.google.com/search?q=overview+of+ICDM+(INTERNET+COMMERCE+DEVELOPMENT+METHODOLOGY)&biw=1366&bih=657&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiGoYOBiZzPAhWKv48KHVWzC6UQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=go-I45J5RFPdRM%3A)

Characteristics of Web Development in E-commerce

Internet has been transformed in a number of ways since its origins in terms of the business facet and the social facet. Additionally, in one hand, it can be argued that the internet has evolved into a facet to transmit information between organizations and persons and in the process; it permits socializing and communication (Bryman & Bell, 2015). On the other hand, it can be said to have benefited companies, organizations, and corporations in conduction of their business operations through the ability to carry out better and faster business activities such as promotion, buying and selling among others.

The business aspect of the internet is believed to have come into existence in the early stages of Electronic Fund Transfer around the 1960s. Together with the Electronic Data Interchange, they became the talk of the town around 1968. Nevertheless, its existence was not taken seriously until the year 1984 when the issue of the internet became popular because of the introduction of Netscape. Additionally, the issue of e-commerce started existing around the 1990’s when the practitioners and companies became are of the benefits and the potential associated with the application of the internet into business operations. As a result, the popularity of e-commerce and its application has become popular since then.

Web development in e-commerce falls in the umbrella of an extensive are that is acknowledged as the e-business (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Additionally, this concept top some people can be relatively new but on a large4 scale, it is acknowledged as the rise of the tech industry and the internet applications in general around 1995 to the year 2000. Within this time, it can be argued that so many companies were established to adopt the internet use in reaching to an extensive base of customers. Moreover, quite a number of internet-born business companies were either small or medium size enterprises or were experiencing their conception stages

E-commerce and SMEs

SMEs are generally accepted as one of the most crucial sectors in the economy since they play a crucial role in the economic growth, employment, and social cohesion as well as local and regional development (Wirtz, Piehler & Ullrich, 2013). Additionally, communication and information technologies are uniquely modifying the nature of business around the globe. In other words, innovations in technology like ICTs and e-commerce are as of recent becoming more diffuse among business operations since most barriers are reduced substantially by the advent of open standards, lower costs and more ubiquitous Internet-based technology. Moreover, the adoption of the internet is crucial to the generation of an extensive base for customers but on the contrary, a number of scholars argue that a wide number of benefits are not being realized.

Factors Determining Web Development in E-commerce

It is universally known that there are factors that inhibit or facilitate the implementation of web development in e-commerce (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Additionally, there are also some factors that can be classified as intermediaries in the sense that, they are either inhibitors or facilitators of web development in e-commerce. Some of the well-known factors based on literature reviews are as in the table below.

Factor	Reference	Inhibitor/facilitator
Organizational readiness	On a general level, this can be taken to mean the extent that accompany is willing and ready to adopt a new advancement in technology. In this case, the knowledge and skills of the technology coupled with the support of IT vendors is crucial to the readiness of a company (Bryman & Bell ,2015)..
Lack of resources and time	Most companies lack the willingness and need to implement innovations like e-commerce and information technology. In so doing, it prevents most business companies to exploit new business opportunities or exploit new resources (Wirtz, Piehler & Ullrich, 2013).	inhibitor
Lack of understanding	The lack of comprehension of the necessity and need to adopt certain technological innovation s in commerce inhibits the progress of most companies of adopting them in bridging the gap that exists within their company (Bryman & Bell ,2015)..
Organizational structure	The failure for most organizations to plan the exploitation and introduction of an advance3d technology occurs because of the limitations facilitated by the management (Wirtz, Piehler & Ullrich, 2013)	Either
Web champion	The person in charge of the implementation of the e-commerce may not necessarily be the owner of the SME (Hajli, 2013).	facilitator

Table1: Facilitators and Inhibitors of Web Development in E-Commerce

Emerging Challenges and Trends in Web Development in E-commerce

Perceived Benefits

It is argued that, the aspect of perceived benefits of web development plays a very crucial role in the adoption of e-business as its strategy. Additionally, the reviewed literatures indicated that the issue of perceived benefits is the major driving force in the adoption of e-commerce.

E-commerce Strategy

As in any new venture, the initial step in producing good returns is establishing goals. Additionally, once a business has established its goals, then the next potential step is setting the business plans. In such a case, conducting a SWOT analysis is very influential in assessing the company’s weaknesses, strengths, opportunities, and threats of the current business environment. Moreover, it is important for the company to review its entire operations and not just segments of its day-to-day operations (Bryman & Bell, 2015).

After the conduction of the SWOT analysis, it is important for the company to evaluate and find out whether the web development fits into the company’s overall vision (Bryman & Bell, 2015). As a result, it will ensure that business objectives for the current annual year in which the company established objectives for customers, sales, new systems, profits, customers, and new staff. Apparently, after the company objectives have been set up, it is then the right time to conduct a web development consultant. Moreover, other relevant tools that can ensure that the web development in your business is effectively implemented based on the need and demand is PEST, MOST and Porters Five Forces analysis.

E-commerce Law

Besides having a good business strategy, it is crucial to have a fundamental comprehension of e-commerce law. In this case, those individuals who sell online most especially those who engage in global business face various financial and legal considerations as far as the security, copyright and privacy is concerned (Wirtz et al.,2013). The Federal Trade Commission controls most e-commerce activities. In this case, all the activities revolving around online advertising, consumer privacy, commercial emails and business staffs privacy (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Apparently, business retain and collect personal information that is sensitive about their clients and in the process, the company is subject to stearate and federal privacy laws based on the type of data they request from their clients (Bryman & Bell ,2015). Furthermore, across many states, there are various laws that govern online advertising and in an effort of controlling and protecting the privacy of consumers and help, the country in ensuring truthful buying and selling practices online.

Requirements Analysis Techniques of the Web Development Application

There are information collection techniques that especially relevant to the web applications definition of requirements. Additionally, these techniques are important for projects where a tendency of innovation can substantially improve the system success by ensuring that it offers a competitive edge for the business. In this case, by employing communication, techniques can enhance the definition of the logical requirements that are needed for web development in e-commerce. For instance, the two group communication methods employed in the ICDM-Internet Commerce Development Methodology are the Group Requirements Sessions and brainstorming. Apparently, brainstorming is employed in the definition of alternative ways of applying internet commerce in e-commerce and GRS is used in ensuring that detailed requirements in a very fast manner with the inclusion of suppliers, customers and internal staff. On the other hand, prototypes can be put in place to help in defining the needs and requirements. Particularly, the detailed information and data transaction requirements and marketing systems can on a business scale be trialed with clients. Furthermore, the prototypes employed in this web development will be employed largely when it comes to design phase of development.

Functional Requirements

The methods used in the design phase of a web development application in e-commerce depend on the functionality and the type of system. In this regard, three known web systems can be developed in an e-commerce setting (Bryman & Bell, 2015). The types of web systems include; basic interactive systems, document publishing systems and complex transactions systems. Apparently, it is not always a requirement that web projects that are meant to transform an organization need to be embedded with complex transaction systems. In simple terms, any useful information that is effectively and clearly presented coupled with simple database interactivity is acknowledged to possess the potential to ensure that the business works effectively.

Design Phase

As much as this section has not been explored in so many literature reviews, it can be argues that this aspect involves designing the web development network infrastructure, developing security controls and developing the business website (Wirtz, Piehler & Ullrich, 2013). In the process, the design of the web development in e-commerce should take into consideration some of the following factors: the desired Image, promotion, usability, and evaluation with customers.

Implementation and evolution phases of the web development application

The web development implementation is closely associated with meta-development strategies. Additionally, it is not easy to implement and design a web application in one project lifecycle unless the web site involved in ecommerce is small. In other words, a web development application goes through an evolution phase and rarely do they have an established project completion. In this case, the continual evolution of the web application in e-commerce should be managed and controlled by the web development management team of the business company. Apparently, the web management team should comprise of senior administrators from each functional department of the organization (Bryman & Bell, 2015). In simple terms, it is their responsibility to take control and ensure that the implementation of the web development strategy in e-commerce and any associated changes in the direction of the organization strategy is done based on the objectives of the company. Besides, they should as well establish policies on the individuals who can add to the established web development applications, the design guidelines and the content in the web development.

Comparison of Web Development Applications in E-commerce with other Web Developments

To show the importance to f web development sin e-commerce, some literature reviews have compared its application to other web development methodologies. Additionally, philosophy, tools key techniques, features and the focus of the web development application as the comparison frameworks. Web development in e-commerce is accepted as the only business strategy model that emphasizes on the business analysis and strategy. Moreover, the concentration is equally on conducive organizational culture and developed management structure coupled with web applications development. On the contrary, the other web development applications do not deal with the significance of evolutionary development directly since they take a more ancient approach to development. Therefore, on an e-commerce point of view, it is necessary that web development applications encompass ways of realizing a customer-centered approach and outside output in the design, requirements, and evaluation stages. Hence, only web developments in e-commerce deals with such matters effectively.

	Web developments in E-commerce	Howcrofft and Carroll 2000	Fournier, R 1998
philosophy	subjectivist	Structured/objectivist	objectivist
Scope	Organizational change, business analysis, design implementation and analysis	Analysis and implementation	Analysis to implementation
Key tools and techniques	SWOT,BPR group requirements, team composition, management structure, design guidelines, user involvement framework	Web site design, objectives analysis	Joint facilitated solutions, technical architecture design
Methodology focus	Web development application, organizational infrastructure	Web application	Information infrastructure
External /internal emphasis	external	Internal	internal
Systems development view	evolutionary	Project view	Project view

Table 2: Comparison of Web Development in E-Commerce with Other Web Applications

Evaluation of the Web Development Applications and Techniques

The effectiveness of a web development application in e-commerce can be measured and determined in a number of ways. Additionally, it can be measured based on the rationale, requirements, or the need to determine whether the issues in question have been met through the employment of the web development approach. One advantage of employing these criteria revolves around the fact that the system developers can conduct it and in end, this exercise is inexpensive and it takes very little time to carry out. Another potential method of evaluating web development application is through focus groups. Based on literature reviews, many focus groups have indicated the fact that web development application in e-commerce has an advantage of collecting data from a number of people hence increasing the chances of reaching out to so many customers.

Limitations of Web Developments in E-commerce

Internet employment in e-commerce like many applications possesses weaknesses and merits (Wirtz, Piehler & Ullrich, 2013). In this case, as much as much as cultural consideration is one of the main factors to consider before the implementation of a web development, it was noted that more comprehensive details need to be embedded in web development applications in e-commerce especially as far as culture is concerned. In other words, establishment of an innovative organizational culture is a very challenging task most especially given the fact that web development in every company is at a different initiation point (Wirtz, Piehler & Ullrich, 2013). On general terms, it can be argued that, perhaps unrealistic preferences and expectation are made on web development applications in e-commerce but in real sense, it tries to indicate the acknowledged given by scholars and business practitioners to the internet implementation in commerce and the challenges faced in the process.

A recurring issue as far as web development in e-commerce is concerned is offering sufficiently flexible internet application guidelines and in the process offering support for company specific factors. Additionally, most corporations use e-commerce mainly for business-to-business transactions. However, as much as the web developments offer some information in this regard, it can be termed as limited. Besides, for small business companies, much of the web development application methodology would be outsourced.

Proposal

The main purpose of this research paper is to explore the methodology of a web development in e-commerce. Additionally, the focus of this research will revolve around an Internet Commerce Development Methodology that will act as the reference point for the establishment of a web development in commerce. In essence, an action research is important in this regard because of the realization of business organization that most of the business transactions in the modern world are conducted online and so many customers and suppliers prefer carrying out their transactions online (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Besides, they have also realized that the traditional information systems do not offer data assessment options. In this case, therefore, this proposal also seeks to establish some of the tools that can be embedded in the web development design so as it may make it easier to manage and assess data.AS a result, this action research on web development in commerce will be made up of four iteration as discussed below.

Iteration 1: Statement of the Problem/Topic of Discussion

The topic under discussion in this research “web development in commerce” will be defined and discussed in brief. Additionally, the reasons why the study needed to be conducted will; also be stated. In simple terms, in so doing, the action research will gain some momentum and direction hence in the process; a timeline of research will also be postulated.

Iteration 2: Determination of Study Objectives

The objectives of research in which the action research will be based will be determined in this section. Additionally, the plan of action will be described in detail tom ensure that the research will have a framework to base on. In this case, the objectives of research will act as the baseline of the research study and the plan of action will be the backbone of the necessary steps that will be followed in the research.

Iteration 3: Research Methodology and Data Analysis

In this action research study, this iteration will revolve around gathering and collection of relevant data to the topic under study and most especially on the problem of research using the research objectives as the baseline (Bryman & Bell, 2015). After the collection of the data, they will as well be analyzed under this iteration using a number of statistical methods and tools. Apparently, the methods of data collection, tools of research analysis and evaluation will be determined based on the nature of the action research.

Iteration 4: The Research Findings, Results, Reporting and Recommendations for Future Research

The final iteration in this research will be Iteration. In this category, the discussed of the data that was collected and analyzed will be conducted. Additionally, the findings of this research will be explored and analyzed in a report format. In this case, discuss content synthesis findings will also in order to identify some of the research gaps that were evident in this action research.AS a result, suggestions on the future research works will be made based on the limitations of this action research. The visual representation of all the iteration stages is as shown below

Figure 4:: visual representation of the iteration step. (Source: web images, 2016.visual representation of the iteration step. Retrieved from: https://www.google.com/search?q=overview+of+ICDM+(INTERNET+COMMERCE+DEVELOPMENT+METHODOLOGY)&biw=1366&bih=657&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiGoYOBiZzPAhWKv48KHVWzC6UQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=go-I45J5RFPdRM%3A)

Iteration 1: Statement of the Problem/ Discussion Topic

Plan

One of the most significant phases of action research revolve around outlining the things that needs to be carried out, when they will be conducted, and the procedure on how they will be done. Additionally, a plan can be acknowledged as a set of procedural activities involved in a project or a process of any particular kind. In other words, the ultimate arrangement of the sequence of events starting from the first activity to be carried out to the last project activity is what makes up a plan. One of the significance of the plan in any projects revolves around the fact that it is very crucial in aiding the research topic and the definition of the statement of the problem. In essence, the planning stage in this case will be very helpful in establishing a sequence of activities that will help in defining the problem of the statement or rather the concept of web development in e-commerce. Therefore, the set of activities that need to be planned in order to realize the objective of web development in e-commerce include the following:

· The timeline required to carry out each web development activity.

· The objectives and goals of the topic of research

· Determination of the field of research

· Expected results of the project

· Determination of the reliability and validity of the topic of research

· The necessary steps that will be followed

· The required resources and information sources regarding the research topics

In order to complete all the above-mentioned activities for this iteration, a timeframe of 12 hours was deemed enough in order to realize the outcome of the iteration. Additionally, the main area of concern revolved around the individuals that will be in charge of the web development program and what is needed to realize the objective of research topic.

Action

An action is acknowledged as the actual implementation or rather performance of the procedural activities that were identified during the planning stage. In other words, the actual materialization, implementation, or actualization of the identified activities is carried out during this phase. In other words, in this research, the research topic revolves around the web development in e-commerce. Some of the resources that were identified as relevant the research topic were stated as books, online sources, and journals that revolves around the topic of research. One of the ultimate objectives of this iteration was the statement of the problem or rather definition of the research topic. Therefore, the resources that were chosen were employed in the actualization of the research topic in terms of its definition using already existing literature reviews.

The action plan activities were as follows:

· Web development in e-commerce was identified as the topic of research

· Data collection resources were reviewed and the relevant information about web development in e-commerce was gathered and analyzed.

· The reference subject in this research was established as E-commerce

· All the data regarding E-commerce and the internet were collected from the identified journals, books, and online sources. In other words, this information was the foundation line for the concept of web development in e-commerce.

· A number of other web development applications that can be used in e-commerce were also identified.

In order to realize the overall objective of this research, these activities were very crucial. Additionally, the actualization of these activities took into consideration the necessary changes and modifications that may be made in the course of the project. For instance, cutting in on the identified concepts and methodologies depending on the nature of research direction was one key consideration in for the future.

Observe

In an action plan research, observation can as well be acknowledged as the learning phase since it focuses on gaining an insight on the previous issues developed in the former stages. Additionally, it focuses on determining whether the right procedure or the right things are being done. For instance, the observation stage tries as much as possible to establish whether the expected outcomes are being realized, the deviations from the expected outcome or if everything was explored in the action phase. In other words, its sole focus is learning and studying the procedures employed.

One of the most critical observation that were made revolved around the fact that the resources employed in exploration of the research topic were indeed sufficient for the whole action stage. Additionally, the main reason of performing the action phase iteration was realized and the statement of the problem was precisely identified. Furthermore, the concepts, methodologies, and web development applications in e-commerce were necessary in addressing the research topic. During the first phase of research, it can be said that the research work did not encounter any challenges since each every outcome was according to the expected research outcome.

Detailed monitoring, observation and recording ensures that the researcher to assess the implications of the research intervention or action phase and in the process facilitate the effectiveness of the proposed research changes. If any areas need change, then all the individuals involved in research should keep a journal where additional information and other research insights are kept regularly to guarantee the effectiveness of the project.

Reflect

One of the integral elements of an action research is a reflection. Additionally, the project innovations can be refined as the activity proceeds if the individuals taking part in the research meets up regularly. In other words, it is important to critically reflect on everything that has happened in the course of the observation phase and the action phase. For instance, it is important to analyze how effective were the changes made in the project? What were some of the challenges involved in the project? How can the project be improved?

One primary element that needed to be reflected upon revolved around the numerous challenges the researchers experienced .Additionally, it was established that information revolving around e-commerce and the internet was hard to come by because of the scattered nature of data in the resources that were chosen. In other words, the researchers had to gather information from so many sources, use different key search words. Moreover, another critical area as far as the resources were concerned was the fact that the concept of web development in e-commerce was presented using different notions and perspectives hence so much time was used to chosen the relevant information. Therefore, benchmarking practices were very influential in determining the effectiveness of the action research in developing the best web application in e-commerce.

Iteration 2: Study Objectives and Action Plan

Plan

Iteration 2 of research focuses on the objectives of the action research coupled with the action of research. Additionally, the planning phase encompasses the process of determining on how to carry out all the things that needs to be researched and the course of action. In other words, the action plan research entails laying down the things that needs to be researched. Additionally, this includes deciding on the reference company and the topic that is most suitable for the reference company. Moreover, the sequence of activities that the project needs to go through in determining the best step in terms of the course of action from the many available alternatives is also taken into consideration during the planning phase.

Action

The action phase is acknowledged as the stage where the actual performance of the project activities that were laid and identified during the planning phases. In essence, during this action phase, relevant literatures to the identified topic of research were reviewed to obtain an insight into the concept of web development in e-commerce as applied in practice and in theory. In so doing, the researcher was able to establish a starting point for this research and in the process, obtain an appropriate course of action relevant to the identified applications. Apparently, the objectives of research were identified as follows:

· Establish what the term web development in e-commerce implies

· Offer definition to the identified concepts of research coupled with other research terminologies.

· Gather primary data revolving around web development in e-commerce from the reference company to gain first hand applicability of the internet and e-commerce.

The research course of action was as well identified and the activities that needed to be factored in included:

· Review of relevant literature regarding the concept of web development in e-commerce

· Data collection on web development implications in e-commerce and related subjects

· Conduct field research on some of the web development methodologies in e-commerce that are already existing

· Gather, compile, and analyze the data that was collected to enable further compiling of the report on the topic of research.

· Identify, establish, and analyze research gaps that will be important in carrying out future research.

Observe

One of the most influential lessons that can be learned from this iteration phase is the fact that the iteration phase carried some baseline as far as the research is concerned. In this case, this can be attributed to the fact that all the other project iteration phases relied on the results of this iteration phase. Additionally, the actions in the other action research iterations will be modeled to meet the requirements and activities identified during this iteration phase. Moreover, the action phase modified some of the activities as far as the things that were required. Furthermore, in the research topic determination, relevant literature was reviewed to establish some of the ways in which web development in e-commerce has manifested itself in previous research works and the repetitive action that needs to be established in line with the project objectives. Nevertheless, the iteration phase 2 as compared to iteration phase 1 can be said to be more narrow and straight to the point whereas the other iteration phase was broad and involved so many activities.

Reflect

By looking back at the activities identified in this iteration phase, it can be asserted that the objectives mentioned in each iteration phase are the primary determinants of the direction and the success of this research. In this case, while the second iteration may have achieved a high mark in terms of rating, its main challenge emanated from its planning phase since the iteration itself was a research plan. As a result, less emphasize was accorded to the planning phase as opposed to the action phase which received greater attention.

Iteration 3: Collection of Data and Analysis

Plan

This iteration phase entails the actual data collection process coupled with the consequent data analysis process. Additionally, the planning phase in this iteration stage is believed to have so much activities that it needs to consider and it is made up of the following activities.

· Determination of the type of data that needs to be collected

· Determination of the data collection methods, tools, and instruments of research that will be employed in the data collection process and data analysis

· Budgeting of the costs and expenses that will be incurred in the analysis and collection of data

· Determine the period in which data will be collected coupled with establishment of a timeline for other project activities

· The data collection location

The data that was to be collected in the planning phases was both primary and secondary data. In this case, secondary data was retrieve d from already existing literature, scholarly articles, and previous research works about the topic of research. Besides, primary data as far as web development in e-commerce is concerned was to be collected from the field in some of the industries that have already applied a web development methodology application in their online business. Apparently, the data that was collected was meant to assist in deriving and explaining the concept of web development in e-commerce.

Action

This stage involves the real actualization of what is postulated in the planning phase. In this case, a field research work and literature reviews revolving around web development in e-commerce was conducted using a number of key search words. In this case, the main iteration purpose was to collect information on the concept of web development in e-commerce hence the review of literature and fieldwork research based on the definitions, explanations, and examples of web development in e-commerce. The aim of the field research that was conducted was to identify some of the already existing web development in e-commerce applications. To realize these objectives, semi-structured interviews were conducted and questionnaires were issued to some of the workers that were found across the surveyed companies. The internet was also used to Google more inform on the concept of web development in e-commerce. In the analysis section, the questionnaire and interview responses were scrutinized and important points from the activity noted for further analysis. Furthermore, the analysis section also focused in getting Reponses to the following questions:

· What is the meaning of the concept web development in e-commerce?

· -What are some of the implications of web development in e-commerce?

· What are the already existing web development applications in e-commerce? What are its advantages and shortcomings to business operations?

Observation

After the completion of activities mentioned in this iteration phase, it was mentioned that the concept of web development in e-commerce is a wide scope. In fact, based on the fact that this iteration phase focused on the explanation, definition and applicability of the concept of web development in E-commerce hence it can be said that this research was more elementary and general since it exploited so many resources just to establish an explanation of web development in e-commerce. Moreover, the research activities went according the planning phase sequence without being tempered with in any manner. In other words, as an action research trying to explore a new technological concept in e-commerce, the review of relevant literatures about the topic of research can be said to be important in justifying the data that was collected in the research and in so doing, it can be said to have justified the requirements of an action research. However, the data regarding the definition, explanation and the application of the web development in e-commerce was adequate and the objective questions were explored efficiently.

Reflect

This iteration phase entailed most of the work that had to be done in this action research. In this case, it can be acknowledged as the core iteration of this project as far as the real actualization of plan of action and research objectives. Additionally, the actions in this research are configured based on the research need and uncertainties encountered during the planning phase. Additionally, the planning phase in this iteration phase establishes the future actions and the way forward but one challenge it faces is the fact that the future is always uncertain. Moreover, one of the most notable uncertainties revolved around the kind of responses that the workers of various organizations will give about the concept of web development in e-commerce. However, in this action research, it was assumed that the research would obtain the right kind of data that will help it move forward in its analysis procedure. Therefore, the bottom line is that, despite the fact that there were a few shortcomings in the course of this iteration phase, it can as well be deemed a success based on the research outcomes.

Figure 5: System model of action research. Retrieved from: An Action research approach to curriculum development by Authors P. Riding, S. Fowell, & P Levy (1995) Retrieved from: sttps://www.google.com/search?q=Action+research+plan+cycle&biw=1366&bih=657&source=lnms

Iteration 4: Findings, Reporting and Further Research

Plan

This iteration phase was the last phase of the research iterations and included presentation of data findings, report drafting, and recommendations for further research woks. In this case, the planning phase involved an outline of how all things will be carried out in the research. In fact, the primary plan in this iteration phase is to gather all the data, compile the data findings in a report format, and in the process, and suggest future research works. In essence, the research findings that will be presented will revolve around the concept of web development in e-commerce as well as other related significant concepts.

Action

This phase entails the actual presentation of the data that is refined from the previous iteration phases. Additionally, the objectives of research in this iteration phase were to discuss and define the details of the web development in e-commerce and the definitions and explanations were derived from the activities of iteration 3. Some of the action plan refined data encompassed some of the following activities:

· Web development in e-commerce is those internet application services that help online business to conduct their business transactions more effectively.

· The field work research offered a comprehensive view on the fact that the web development in e-commerce applications employed in most organizations ensure that the issues of networking, database maintenance, database management and IT infrastructure security is dealt with effectively.

Further research action was also established and this resulted from the fact that the initial iteration phases did not take into consideration the potential services and benefits that can be accrued from web development in e-commerce. In the process, there was a growing doubt about the applicability of the web development companies across organizations as afar as the organization sizes are concerned. In simple terms, based on the literature review findings, it was also acknowledged that the concept of content customization was also evident as far as the web development in e-commerce is concerned.

Observe

This research phase revolved around looking at some of the preceding iteration phases and in so doing, there were some potential notable observations. One sure thing is the fact that this iteration phase main objective was to offer the final solution for the entire action research process and in the process, present the research findings and suggest some potential areas that can be improved to make future research works more successful. In this case, it can be said that the action research objectives were realized owing to the fact that some of the challenges that were identified will be considered in the planning and the conduction of the next phase of the action research. Nevertheless, this is the last research iteration but bearing in mind that this research will also lay a foundation for further research works, it is important to offer observation analysis.

Reflect

Taking into consideration the planning phase activities coupled with the action plan outcomes, it can be said that this iteration phase went according to plan. In so doing, the overall objectives were realized. However, in any research works most especially an action research, there is always an opportunity of exploring research gaps in a manner that makes the research study a continuous learning process.

Figure 6: Action Research Iteration Stages. Retrieved from: An Action research approach to curriculum development by Authors P. Riding, S. Fowell, & P Levy (1995) Retrieved from: sttps://www.google.com/search?q=Action+research+plan+cycle&biw=1366&bih=657&source=lnms

Summary of Learning

It is universally acknowledged that technology related research applications has been previously conducted in almost every information and technology disciplines and related disciplines for over a decade now. In this case, the web development in e-commerce action research can be said to be a technology related research on the web application technologies in e-commerce. From the research, there were a number of areas for learning that I believe that were very important. Additionally, right from the research topic, literature reviews and the nature of action research, there were various learning points. In this case, I was able to learn the following aspects about an action research:

· Action research is a participatory type of research that implies that the interdependencies between the respondents and the research respondent are very important.

· Action research looks to the future in the sense that it associates closely with the planning process.

· Action research takes into consideration the situational happenings meaning that the person in charge of the research needs to comprehend that most relationship between people, events and things that in the end can be taken as a function of the situation

IT was also clear from the research that web development in e-commerce entails a number of Information and Technology related conglomeration. In so doing, it can be said that web development is crucial in online transactions, updating customer profiles and ensuring the security of the buyers and sellers. Customer relationship management can as well be conducted by the web development application in e-commerce as well as some several banking and retail services.

Research Conclusion

Based on the research iteration phases, it can be noted that the main objective of this research will be how the web development in E-commerce can improve online business transactions and how it can help an organization to realize positive net revenues not only through its overall business transaction performance but also through its social demographic elements. Owing to this fact, it can be noted that the most effective research technique will be an action research process since being an internship member; it will be possible for me to participate in the documentation of the research. In this research, the four iterations employed in the research process moved the researcher closer towards the research objective as soon as each iteration was completed. In this case, through determination of the topic of research, statements of the objectives, data collection and analysis and reporting and presentation of findings were the main guiding principles of the researcher in this research. It is through this iteration phases that the concept of web development in E-commerce was explored and explained effectively in terms of definition, and its applicability in E-commerce.

References

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Kats, Y. H. (2014). Enabling intelligent agents and the semantic web for E-commerce. International Journal of Computing, 2(3), 153-159.Retrieved from:http://www.computingonline.net/index.php/computing/article/view/246

Malić, M., Makitan, V., & Petrov, I. (2016). Change control in the project of web application development in an E-commerce environment. Retrieved from: http://eprints.fikt.edu.mk/152/

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Shaw, M., Blanning, R., Strader, T., & Whinston, A. (Eds.). (2012). Handbook on electronic commerce. Springer Science & Business Media. Retrieved from:https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=L0NuCQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=web+development+on+commerce&ots=hl6ZLdGYzg&sig=9z-975Agai5IZO9NX6qVEzWAbyI&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=web%20development%20on%20commerce&f=false

Stringer, E. T. (2013). Action research. Sage Publications.

Uzun, A. (2013). A novel e-commerce web portal: a student led co-creation case within an SME and a University of Applied Sciences.

Wirtz, B. W., Piehler, R., & Ullrich, S. (2013). Determinants of social media website attractiveness. Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, 14(1), 11. Research

Action research

Iteration 1: Study topic/problem

Iteration 4: Findings, further research

Iteration 3: Data collection, analysis

Iteration 2: Objectives/action plan