INTERNET BUSINESS AND E-COMMERCE

Internet Business and E-Commerce

Internet Business and E-Commerce

Introduction

As a person with knowledge of e-commerce, the author has always brought up to his superiors the viability of strategy formation regarding the analysis of this topic and at times fails to understand the reasons or logic behind certain strategic implementations imposed on it. By delving into this project paper, the author intends to have better insights into how e-commerce is thought up, formulated and then imparted down into the subsidiaries of the company or organization. The author hopes to have an in-depth understanding as to how e-commerce enables companies and organizations to compete effectively and profitably in this era of internationalization where competition is extremely intense.

In order to reinforce the learning objectives, two key focal issues were focused upon, i.e. innovation and diversity. Innovation was discussed with regard to e-commerce where it was renowned for its developmental capabilities to constantly innovate. Diversity came under strategic thinking and formation as the author considered the diverse culture, political climate, economic surroundings, social environment, technological settings, government policies and legal systems in order to better understand the issues being discussed.

Halfsed Case Study

1. As you explored some of the links given in this case, did anything catch your eye? What looked good and what looked bad? Why did it look good or why did it look bad?

Positive Points

Halfsed Company has products that boast of a very powerful retail. This includes a reputation for value of money, convenience and a wide variety of products

Halfsed Company's main competence lies on the use of information technology (IT) to fully support its international logistics system. Therefore, Palm, Inc. can see how their individual products perform even at stores at a glance. IT also supports Halfsed Company's efficient procurement.

Halfsed Company is able to deliver good customer care, as the limited amount of work would mean plenty of time to devote to customers.

Halfsed Company can afford to change direction quickly if its management finds that the company's marketing strategy is not effective.

Halfsed Company has little deficits and overheads. Therefore the company can offer good value to customers on a consistent basis.

Negative Points:

Since Halfsed Company sells products across many sectors, the company lacks the flexibility that some of its more focused competitors possess.

Halfsed Company operates globally, but its presence is located in only relatively few countries worldwide.

The company lacks market presence or reputation.

The production costs of most consumer products have the tendency to fall because of lower manufacturing costs. Manufacturing costs fall because of outsourcing to low-cost regions around the globe. This phenomenon could lead to competition in prices, which in turn would result in the deflation of prices in various ranges. Intense price competition must definitely be considered a threat.

The latest developments in information technology which could possibly change the markets might challenge the company's ability to adapt to these changes

2. Describe some of the ways in which electronic selling might differ from that which goes on in a traditional department ...