Key Concepts in E-Business
Explain why, in networked e-business, the only constant is change.
Networked e-business is premised on technology, and technology itself is dynamic. This implies that any business firm whose core operation is e-business must strive to adjust in accordance with technological changes. In networked e-business, change is the only constant since for a firm to maintain a competitive edge in the industry, it must adopt technologies to move along with the changing world (Jackson, Harris, & Eckersley, 2003). Responding to technological changes not only enables them to be more efficient but also to stay relevant in business and industry for a long time. Do you need urgent assignment help ? Reach out to us. We endeavor to assist you the best way possible.
Change is the only constant in e-business since new technologies are developed from older ones. Therefore, for any e-business firm to remain competitive, it must welcome and integrate the new development into the existing technology (Jackson, Harris, & Eckersley, 2003). If an e-business firm fails to adopt or goes slow to the latest technologies, it stands a greater risk of being overpowered by the competitors hence, thrown out of business.
Change is a constant in e-business because change is an inevitable element. Given the fact the outside world is constantly changing, it has become quite difficult or impossible for a firm in this business sector to ignore the change. The danger of missing the changes is being thrown out of business; therefore, every firm with an e-business model will always remain vigilant to tap into the newest technologies to improve their operations (Manzoor, 2010). In other words, the e-business model is a technology-driven model; thus, it requires the firms operating using this model to be agile enough to keep pace with the dynamism.
Explain how the Big Five influence the development of networked e-business.
In this e-business era, shoppers no longer care about the site, business or the seller’s life. What modern shoppers care about is themselves, and when they visit a firm’s website, they only want to find out if there is an item that may interest them. Therefore, a firm operating on the e-business model should understand the big five, which include price, selection, service, convenience and security (Derfler, 2001). Firms should understand that customers anticipate getting what they want from the firm’s website for a fair price, with more excellent service, under good selection, and in a secure manner.
Consumers who visit the website want to know if the firm sells its products at a discount, whether it wants to be a cost leader in the industry and what pricing model the firm uses. Firms operating in e-business should note that consumers do not like inconsistencies. If a firm promotes that it is a low-price leader, the prices should consistently show it (Manzoor, 2010). Moreover, if the firm’s pricing is more than the competitors’, it should show the value they have added to the product. Firms should not have hidden prices but should ensure that they are clear on why they charge that particular price.
On selection, e-business firms should stock items they claim to have so that when customers do searches on the website or search engines, they can quickly find the items they need. Firms should avoid building an impression of the items they do not have in their stocks (Jackson, Harris, & Eckersley, 2003). When trying to establish the market segments, the firm should correctly identify a unique selling position. A compelling selling position makes the shoppers feel that the firm’s store offers the best.
Under the service, the firm should focus on prioritizing the customers. Since e-business is not a face-to-face transaction, firms should strive to develop a sense of trust with the shoppers. Consumers expect good service; thus, the website must deliver the service. Convenience, on the other hand, requires that the website is designed well to enhance the customers’ experience. Customers should not struggle to find and buy what they want (Manzoor, 2010). In terms of security, the firm must ensure that the website stands out as genuine, not fake or a scam. The website should assure the clients of confidentiality.
Illustrate the BOAT Wheel model using an organization with which you are familiar.
The BOAT wheel model describes the four e-business aspects, which include the business, organization, technology and architecture. The business aspect helps in defining the business goals of e-business and goes further to explain the existence of the scenario. The organization aspect relates to the way a firm is structured and connected to attain the objectives defined in the business aspect (Wang & Zhou, 2019). The architecture aspect is all about the conceptual structure of the automated data system and helps the organization define the organization aspect (Derfler, 2001). The technology aspect describes the technology of the systems of which the structure specified in the architecture aspect operates. The BOAT wheel framework represents a cyclical approach in that when there is a trigger in any of the segments, it affects the rest of the segments (Jackson, Harris, & Eckersley, 2003). The application of the wheel model is essential for continuous development within an organization.
Amazon is the most well-known e-business company, and close observation of its operations shows that it employs the BOAT framework. Its business focuses on making products available and easily accessed by consumers through an online platform. Its business links sellers and customers across the globe. Amazon’s organization is composed of people, including managers and subordinates, who work in warehouses, online and in the supply chain. It is the organization of the operations in this company that keeps things moving (Manzoor, 2010). Amazon has an intense and complex information system architecture since its business model is e-business. The company facilitates its sales online, meaning it has a well-built information system that enables efficient operations. In technology, Amazon has leveraged its innovation with acceptable technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data science (Jackson, Harris, & Eckersley, 2003). These technologies have enabled it to handle millions of transactions efficiently and satisfactorily for customers all over the world.
Explain the relationship between e-business organization structures, functions, and processes. Make sure you discuss operations and change management.
There is a strong relationship between e-business structure, functions and processes. The basics of the structure of an e-business is that it has the front and back end. The e-business structure is simple because such firms keep the merchandise in warehouses, unlike traditional stores. Online transactions help in minimizing labour costs and transportation costs (Wang & Zhou, 2019). The functions of e-business are more or less the same as in conventional stores. The process is also the same as that of traditional res.; However, there are variations because of the online nature of transactions in e-commerce.
The structure defines both the processes and functions. Examples of e-business structures are consumer-to-consumer, business-to-consumer, consumer-to-business, and business-to-business structures. Some examples of e-business functions are marketing, human resources, operation management, procurement, and inventory management (Manzoor, 2010). E-business processes include processing orders electronically, handling customer service, supply chain management, and electronic purchasing.
The relationship between structure, functions and processes in e-business is interrelated (Wang & Zhou, 2019). The tasks and the processes rely on how the firm is structured; for instance, an e-business’s structure is tailored to enhance faster, flexible functions and processes. Good structure always leads to efficient functions and processes. As an e-business enterprise expands, it becomes complex, requiring the establishment of organizational change management (OCM), which is a framework for managing the effect of new business processes and functions (Jackson, Harris, & Eckersley, 2003). Therefore, an organization’s structure should be flexible to accommodate future changes in processes and functions. An organization that has a good structure will always experience effective operation management.
References
Jackson, P, Harris, L & Eckersley, P. (2003). E-Business Fundamentals. Psychology Press,
Derfler, F. (2001). E-business Essentials. Que.
Manzoor, A. (2010). E-commerce: An Introduction. Amir Manzoor
Wang, S& Zhou, X. (2019). New Insights into Organization Structure and Business Process: An Integrative Point of View. Vol 7,Issue 4.
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
We’ll write everything from scratch
Question 
Key Concepts in E-Business
1. In approximately 250 words, explain why, in networked e-business, the only constant is change.
2. In approximately 250 words, explain how the Big Five influence the development of networked e-business.
3. In approximately 250 words, illustrate the BOAT Wheel model using an organization with which you are familiar.
4 . In approximately 250 words, explain the relationship between e-business organization structures, functions, and processes. Make sure you discuss operations and change management.