Exploring the Influence of E-Commerce on Supply Chain Management in Guyana's Retail Industry: Insights for Small and Medium Enterprises Development

This study investigates the influence of e-commerce adoption on supply chain management (SCM) within Guyana's retail sector, offering critical insights for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Ecommerce has emerged as a catalyst for enhancing supply chain efficiency, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning in local and international markets.SMEs in developing countries like Guyana often struggle with challenges such as limited digital infrastructure, financial limitations, and insufficient technical expertise.Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data from 248 SME survey responses with qualitative feedback from 11 key stakeholders, including business owners, IT specialists, and supply chain managers.The results indicate a strong positive relationship between e-commerce adoption and SCM improvements, particularly in areas like inventory accuracy, lead time reduction, and supplier collaboration.On average, SMEs that embraced e-commerce experienced an 18% increase in annual revenue and a 20% drop in operational inefficiencies.However, barriers such as limited internet access and affordability of digital tools persist, especially in rural areas.To mitigate these issues, the study recommends strategic actions, including government-backed expansion of internet infrastructure, financial incentives for digital adoption, and training programs to boost digital literacy.Collaboration with tech providers to deliver scalable e-commerce solutions is also emphasized.These strategies can enable SMEs to integrate into global supply chains, fostering national economic development.