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Does the quality of websites vary by location? A study of urban and rural small firms in Scotland

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  • John Sanders
  • Laura Galloway

Abstract

Documents a study of the usefulness and quality of websites of small firms in urban and rural areas in Scotland using an adapted Web Assessment Index, originally developed by Gonzalez and Palacios. Contrary to the theoretical gap between practice quality in urban and rural small firms, website quality is comparable in urban and rural small businesses. Well-designed sites are rich in content, easily accessible and have fast download speeds. Findings suggest that the WAI would be a useful tool for small firms in terms of encouraging business owners/managers to focus on the various factors that impact on the quality and effectiveness of their websites.

Suggested Citation

  • John Sanders & Laura Galloway, 2012. "Does the quality of websites vary by location? A study of urban and rural small firms in Scotland," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 27(2), pages 119-135, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:27:y:2012:i:2:p:119-135
    DOI: 10.1177/0269094211429655
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Juan R. Cuadrado-Roura & Antonio Garcia-Tabuenca, 2004. "ICT policies for SMEs and regional disparities. The Spanish case," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(1), pages 55-75, January.
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