South Africa appears to lag behind the international community in transacting online (B2C) e-retailers with only certain industries performing very well online. The evidence of lack of online spending was experienced by the author when creating an online retail travel company www.travesphere.co.za. Initial research conducted indicated that the problem could perhaps lie in the credibility of the website and hence the poor enquiry level and turnover amounts. This forms the basis of the study. An electronic survey was conducted amongst internet users with a sample of 383 respondents who completed the survey in full. The survey was constructed utilising questions adapted from previous studies in international markets and from own questions adapted for a South African Market to test the credibility in an e-retailer from a South African perspective. Regression analysis was utilised to analyse the results. The major findings of the research project were that the South African consumers appear to be very naïve when transacting online and give a lot of credence to content placed on a website by webmasters. Consumers believe that the appearance of a website makes it appear trustworthy. Thus a massive potential fraud threat exists due to consumers’ lack of concern over personal details and protection of credit card details. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

The commercialisation of the Internet raises many interesting economic questions of whether and how the whole economy will be changed. This thesis investigates the effect of cheaper technical distribution and better access to information systems and networks on information markets. Because investments are information sensitive, the market for financial information is used as an example and illustration of a market for information. A comparative static equilibrium analysis based on the Hotelling-model is given. Different information providers offer information that can differ in price and quality. The model also accounts for externalities, which are pivotal for many different information markets. (author's abstract)

The following study about the economic performance of the Johannesburg’s small Internet service providers investigates the economic performance of the small Internet providers against the backdrop of regulatory conditions. The study departs from the view point that reports about previous studies have not given particular attention to the economic performance of the small Internet service providers and other impacting factors. The study employed the qualitative research approach with an aim of obtaining deeper understanding and internal view as reiterated by the respondents. The analysis presented follows a guide by Neuman (2006) which departs from the premises of themes or concepts. The results of this study provide a perspective of respondents and the conclusions drawn by the researcher. The study ends by providing suggestions and recommendations for future studies. Suggestions and recommendations provided at the end have been prompted by the results and experiences encountered during the study. / M.A. (Communication Science)

The following study about the economic performance of the Johannesburg’s small Internet service providers investigates the economic performance of the small Internet providers against the backdrop of regulatory conditions. The study departs from the view point that reports about previous studies have not given particular attention to the economic performance of the small Internet service providers and other impacting factors. The study employed the qualitative research approach with an aim of obtaining deeper understanding and internal view as reiterated by the respondents. The analysis presented follows a guide by Neuman (2006) which departs from the premises of themes or concepts. The results of this study provide a perspective of respondents and the conclusions drawn by the researcher. The study ends by providing suggestions and recommendations for future studies. Suggestions and recommendations provided at the end have been prompted by the results and experiences encountered during the study. / M.A. (Communication Science)