Will Paper Based Books Survive or will the E-media completely Replace Paper Media - Essay Example

?Will Paper Based Books Survive Or Will The E-Media Completely Replace Paper Media? Executive Summary The report mainly highlights the benefits and the impacts of Information Technology (IT) upon the industry of books. In the present days, due to the growth of IT, varied e-books can be easily accessed at any point of time. In addition, the passion of e-books can be mainly observed among the young generations of the countries as compared to others. It is predominantly due to the introduction of varied electronic gadgets such as iPad, tablet and kindle. Moreover, it also spotlights, varied benefits which it offers to its publishers, booksellers, authors and customers. In addition, the report also depicts that emergence of e-books and e-readers would replace the paper books in the future markets. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Critical Analysis of e-Books and e-Readers 5 Market Analysis of e-Books and e-Readers 5 Customer Needs and Wants from e-books and e-readers 6 Value Chain Analysis From Author To Reader 7 Conclusion and Recommendations 9 Strategic Analysis of the Future Direction of This Market 9 References 10 Bibliography 13 Introduction In this era of globalisation and industrialisation, the passion of e-books and e-readers has increased at a rapid pace. This is due to the emergence of information technology (IT) in the universities and colleges all over the world. Moreover, due to the increased passion of internet mainly among the young generation of varied countries, the craze for e-books and e-readers has improved by a large extent. The term ‘e-book’ can be referred to electronic book or digital book which can be viewed with the help of electronic media. It mainly comprises texts, images and information similar to paper books. Besides, the digital or e-books are rather more efficient and effective in utilisation. Furthermore, with the help of digital books, varied old but valuable books or journals can be utilised for the purpose of reading in order to enhance the learning and knowledge of individuals (Miller, 2009). On the other hand, paper printed books may not be available always for the customers or students, which might create an intricate situation. Thus, due to the emergence of e-media, the numbers of e-books are increasing thereby enhancing the amount of the e-readers (Deangelo, 2011). Apart from these, the passion of e-books is mainly observed in case of a particular section of individuals i.e. youth among others, which is quite noteworthy. Moreover, this strategy or concept also augmented the satisfaction and contentment of the readers as it can be accessed at any point of time. Still, paper books are recognised as one of the most efficient assets of both modern as well as previous times. The report mainly highlights the impact of e-media over the paper-books. Furthermore, it also attempts to identify the benefits and the advantages of utilisation of e-books rather than paper-books in this age of globalisation. In addition, it also spotlights varied aspects related to the increased passion for e-books among a specific section of individuals i.e. youth. The report is divided into three sections namely introduction, critical analysis of e-books and e-readers along with conclusion and recommendations. Critical Analysis of e-Books and e-Readers Market Analysis of e-Books and e-Readers A market segment is referred to the classification of a particular group of customers consisting of certain definite characteristics along with uniform demands and requirements. It also attempts to recognise certain specific qualities such as quality, price and design among others. The passion of e-books has highly increased among the young generation of varied countries namely Southern Africa and the United Kingdom (Advertising Forecast, 2011). This is due to the fact the craze of internet is increasing mainly among the young generations of the countries within the age group (10 to 35 years), which is quite beneficial and detrimental as well. The passion is increasing due to the introduction of varied electronic gadgets, portable devices or equipments such as kindle, tablet, laptop and iPad among others due to their affordable ranges (Evans, 2011). In the market of the UK, although 14 percent of the total population owns iPad and about 21 percent possesses smart 3G phones which make it easier to access the reading books as well. The market trend is also quite similar in the markets of Southern Africa as well (Kind South Africa, 2012). Along with these, the introduction of ‘tablets’ over shadowed the demand of personal computers thereby improving its market share and brand uniqueness among others (PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2010). The digital wide screen, virtual keyboard option with clear picture increased the demand of electronic devices among the younger generations which acted as one of the significant reasons for the amplification of the e-readers in the markets of the UK and Southern Africa. Hence, it can be avowed that introduction of varied modern devices such as kindle, tablet and iPad have altered the trend of the market from paper books to e-books, which is quite significant. Thus, from the above description, it can be evidently depicted that the passion of e-books is basically increasing due to the introduction of modern electronic devices, which has thereby paved the path for e-readers. Customer Needs and Wants from e-books and e-readers The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is an organised theory of information systems which is established to represent inter-connected relationship between a user’s utlisation and acceptance of a specific technology (Saade & et. al., 2007). This model helps to indicate the specific behavioral intensions of the users regarding their utilisation of certain products, which can be possible only if detailed information can be obtained and carefully analysed. TAM is a type of information system which encompasses a set of communication channels operated within an organisation in order to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the employees in utilising a particular technology (Kripanont, 2007). Along with these, it also helps to analyse two diverse factors namely ‘perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU)’ (Bertrand & Bouchard, 2008). It signifies that PU illustrates the effects of PEOU thereby influencing the feelings and attitudes of the end-users. Hence, it can be avowed that the efficiency and effectiveness of a user can improve only if he/she is willing to accept or adopt the specific technology. Thus, it mainly depends on the outlook and mind setup of the users. Hence, from the above discussion, it can be apparently depicted that preference and willingness of the customers are the most important factors that enable an individual to accept varied technological changes of the market. Thus, in order to cope with global alterations and demands, mainly the young generations of a country attempt to adopt varied modern technologies. This is because mainly the young generations have the ability and the outlook to accept different changes and patterns in order to ease their workload (Porter & Donthu, 2006). Globalisation has enhanced the utilisation of IT which increased the passion of internet and other social media among the younger generations. As a result, the craze for varied digital devices such as tablet, laptop and iPad has increased thereby amplifying the demand of e-books. It also increased the enthusiasm of the readers towards reading books or magazines through electronic media. On the one hand, it is beneficial whereas also it has certain negative factors as well. This is beneficial as the individuals can be served or can read varied books or magazines at any feasible time but system failure or disruption in connectivity might create disturbance in the situation. Thus, IT helps to satisfy customer needs and demands but alongside, it might cause certain disturbances. Value Chain Analysis From Author To Reader E-books are an efficient medium for transmission of ideas, facts, information and expertise. It offers varied benefits to the publishers, book sellers, authors and consumers. The advantages which a publisher derives from e-books are described in a concise way. Due to the publication of e-books, the consumption of paper is reduced to a high extent which helps to save money. Along with this, it also helps to save space as it utilises electronic memory for storage which is rather beneficial for the publisher. In addition, e-books can be easily updated and modified as compared to paper books. It does not require the process of second print, which again saves money and paper.  Moreover, publishing e-book is a hassle-free process as it requires a writer and software as compared to others (Joint Information Systems Committee, 2003). Apart from publishers, it also offers certain advantages to booksellers as well. These are described as follows. The distribution of e-books can be done through online websites rather than with varied physical agents. Thus, as it is transmitted online so it again saves the cost of hiring various agents. Moreover, e-books can reach to large number of distributors in a single span of time, which is rather noteworthy (Media.Wiley, 2006).  In addition, e-books are also advantageous for the authors as it offers the opportunity to edit at any point of time. After editing, the author can update the new version of the e-book again. Moreover, the author can also use multimedia in case of varied images or metaphors. E-books also provide the opportunity to the author to change the style and the front of the book at free of cost. Apart from these, it is also beneficial for the consumers. The consumers can read the books free of cost and can also purchase the books at a quite cheaper price. These books can be accessed at any preferred time. E-books are also quite interactive as compared to paper books (Media.Wiley, 2006). Hence, it can be depicted that e-books can be very easily transmitted to the consumers from the authors in a very cost effective way. Thus, it incorporates additional value to the supply chain thereby enhancing its path of growth. Therefore, due to the above mentioned points, e-books are more preferred than paper books. Conclusion and Recommendations Strategic Analysis of the Future Direction of This Market Conclusively, it can be affirmed that introduction of IT has enhanced the passion of e-books as well as e-readers. Thus, the concept of e-books should be improved in order to ease certain difficulties associated with purchase and distribution of the books. Furthermore, it would also help to reduce global warming as the reduction of the number of paper-books would lead to decline of the need to use trees for those paper books. It would also help to reduce carbon footprints, which is rather very important. Moreover, due to the increased popularity of IT, the trend for e-books is rapidly increasing which would in turn to be the future trend of the market thereby reducing paper books. However, the value and importance of paper-books cannot be undermined for mass population and the use of such paper-books cannot be eliminated completely. References Advertising Forecast, 2011. Magnaglobal. Print. [Online] Available at: http://www.neoadvertising.com/ch/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2011-MAGNAGLOBAL-Advertising-Forecast-Abbreviated.pdf [Accessed March, 16, 2012]. Bertrand, M. & Bouchard, S., 2008. Applying The Technology Acceptance Model To VR With People Who Are Favorable To Its Use. Journal of Cyber Therapy & Rehabilitation, Vol.1, Issue.2. Deangelo, L., 2011. E-Readers: Different Kinds, the Newest in. Webster's Digital Services. Evans, S., 2011. Portable Devices. A Growing Reliance on Portable Devices. [Online] Available at: http://www.harrisinteractive.com/vault/HI_UK_Corp-%20Portable-Device-Research.pdf [Accessed March, 16, 2012]. Joint Information Systems Committee, 2003. Promoting the Uptake Of E-Books In Higher and Further Education. Promoting ebooks report. [Online] Available at: http://www.jisc.ac.uk/uploaded_documents/PromotingeBooksReportB.pdf [Accessed March, 16, 2012]. Kind South Africa, 2012. Want a Kindle Fire or Kindle Touch in South Africa? News. [Online] Available at: http://www.kindsouthafrica.com/ [Accessed March, 16, 2012]. Kripanont, N., 2007. Examining A Technology Acceptance Model Of Internet Usage By Academics Within Thai Business Schools. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). [Online] Available at: http://wallaby.vu.edu.au/adt-VVUT/uploads/approved/adt-VVUT20070911.152902/public/01front.pdf [Accessed March, 16, 2012]. Media.Wiley, 2006. E-Commerce for Booksellers. A Simple Guide. [Online] Available at: http://media.wiley.com/assets/1039/75/e4books_guide.pdf [Accessed March, 16, 2012]. Miller, W., 2009. Adapting To E-Books. Routledge. PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2010. Turning the Page the Future Of EBooks. Electronic Reading Devices. [Online] Available at: http://Www.Pwc.Com/En_GX/Gx/Entertainment-Media/Pdf/Ebooks-Trends-Developments.Pdf [Accessed March, 16, 2012]. Porter, C. E. & Donthu, N., 2006. Using The Technology Acceptance Model To Explain How Attitudes Determine Internet Usage: The Role Of Perceived Access Barriers And Demographics. Journal of Business Research, Vol. 59, pp. 999–1007. Saade, R. G. & et. al., 2007. Viability of the “Technology Acceptance Model” in Multimedia Learning Environments: A Comparative Study. Interdisciplinary Journal of Knowledge and Learning Objects Vol.3. Bibliography Chuttur, M., No Date. Overview of the Technology Acceptance Model: Origins, Developments and Future Directions. Working Papers on Information Systems. [Online] Available at: http://sprouts.aisnet.org/785/1/TAMReview.pdf [Accessed March, 16, 2012]. Read More