The Use of the Internet in the E-Commerce Activity - Annotated Bibliography Example

Annotated Bibliography Abdulla, M. (2009, March 23). The influence of internet on modern business. Retrieved from http www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/ the-influence-of-internet-on-modern-business-829891.html In the article, Abdulla contends that the Internet provides both small and large businesses equal opportunity toward global competitiveness, which includes strategies for marketing, strategic planning, customer support, and employee relations. Abdulla also suggests that internet usage increases marketing opportunities and international sales, particularly in the introduction of online order and delivery systems. However, although online marketing benefits modern businesses, there are still companies that fail to exploit the profitability of conducting business online. Abdulla states that this is evident in the number of bankruptcy reports from online companies. Accordingly, Abdulla concludes that developing the online skills of employees in business if they should attempt to thrive amidst the stiff competition in the online market. Barkley, D. L., Markley, D. M., & Lamie, R. D. (2007). E-Commerce as a business strategy: Lessons learned from case studies of rural and small town businesses. (UCED Working paper). Clemson University, South Carolina. This article focuses on the usage of internet of small businesses in rural areas. The research respondents include 25 rural businesses and 3 small business service providers with an average number of less than 200 workers. The firms are evaluated relative to the extent of their E-commerce usage. Further, the research covers the benefits, drawbacks, and overall implication of E-commerce in small businesses, such as the profitability of using the internet in establishing B2B and B2C relations. The research also outlines the potential points to improve E-commerce business process; this includes the capacity for growth, change, and innovation. Consequently, the research also suggests that, in using E-commerce, it is better to maintain the company’s niche, partner with appropriate business providers, and design and maintain profitable websites. Bryant, J. B. (n.d.). What are the benefits of the internet to business? Chron. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefits-internet-business-316.html Bradley’s article discusses the benefits of using the Internet to improve business operations. The discussion relies on the theoretical concept of internet use as a business strategy although it does not relate the strategy to a specific company. Specifically, the article suggests that effective Internet usage opens businesses toward faster communication, global competitiveness, and profitability due to decreased expenses. For instance, using the Internet as an information superhighway allows businesses to leverage information toward profitability, while integrating internet features in business operations strengthens global audience of businesses. The most significant of these benefits is the cost saving opportunity because of the lower expense compared to face-to-face transactions. Specifically, using the internet saves time, money, and effort while in the long run, the reduction of expenses through internet usage increases the savings and profit rate. Cain, G., & Jones, J. (2008). Employment law: The dangers of social networking sites. NZ Marketing Magazine 27(10), 59. The article discusses the use of social networking sites among dissatisfied employees, especially in posting negative comments about their employers on social networking sites. The authors of the article contend that the possibility of uncontrolled spread of derogatory comments in social networks may affect the overall performance of the business. On this note, Cain and Jones suggest that it is better for employers to conform to standards concerning the use of social networking sites during working hours. It is also better to clarify the employer’s code of conduct with newly-hired and old employees concerning the use of social networks. Dasgupta, D. (2012, September 11). Big and small in retail-FDI in retail trade need not threaten the small trader in India. The Telegraph. Retrieved from http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120911/ jsp/opinion/story_15949048.jsp#.UQ_z1x1Ijug Dasgupta’s article presents the question on whether the introduction of a large scale retail establishment in India may crush the thriving profitability of small businesses, such as peddler’s stores in the streets. For instance, Dasgupta presents the prospective implication of FDI on the market reach of peddler’s stores, particularly in its appeal to mass market. Although FDIs are perceived to crush small traders, there are also studies supporting the possible, mutual coexistence between the two business entities. This is because of the abundance of diverse market groups that could still overwhelm the supply of both FDI and small traders. Thus, Dasgupta suggests that both entities may exist hand-in-hand in India without crushing each other in the process. Dickey, I. J., & Lewis, W. F. (2010). The evolution (revolution) of social media and social networking as a necessary topic in the marketing curriculum: A case for integrating social media into marketing class. 2010 SMA Proceedings: Advances in marketing; Going green-Best marketing practices for a global world. Mobile, AL: Society for Marketing Advances. This article discusses the viability of introducing social media studies, particularly in relation to marketing, in the curriculum. Specifically, Dickey and Lewis contend that including social media studies in the curriculum as it helps students get to know the most influential and profitable feature of the Internet. This is also because contemporary customers have become fonder of online businesses while it is also evident that they use social networking sites as one of the factors affecting customer’s purchasing behaviors. This article also suggests specific ways on how to integrate social media studies in the marketing curriculum effectively. Eschen, E. (2005 May). E-commerce-Reasons to sell online. Retrieved from http://www.monstersmallbusiness.com/ecommerce-strategy/article-reasons.asp Eschen’s article cites the specific benefits of setting an online store. Specifically, these benefits include financial gains due to reduced production costs, globalized audience, popularity of the trend, and the increased growth opportunities. Eschen’s insights are based on the newly conducted surveys by Yahoo! and Harris Interactive on the profitability and overall performance of online stores. Eschen suggests that the findings of the study sum up to the fact that the Internet becomes an inevitable part of life, and it is beneficial to leverage it. Overall, Eschen concludes that although establishing online stores has its risks, the opportunities and benefits that go along with it are still worth the risk. Hartman, D. (n.d.). Negative impact of the internet on Business. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/ about_5336367_negative-impact-internet-business.html Hartman’s article outlines the underlying drawbacks in using Internet in business operations, particularly in relation to traditional and online shopping stalls. For instance, Hartman cites that internet usage does not necessarily promise financial gains; instead, venturing both in traditional and online businesses creates budget cuts and generates challenges in balancing resources for traditional and online services. Additionally, the availability of the internet attracts more competitors, which requires more effort in developing product differentiation strategies. The digital age also renders a fast rate of product outdates; this results to hastened resource exploitation as companies attempt to cope and sustain the changing market demands. Security also becomes a problem as more sites become prone to malicious internet users. Lastly, Hartman states that Internet usage in companies also harms workforce productivity as the likelihood of surfing non-work-related tasks increase. Jaques, R. (2009, August 25). IT strategy: Anti social-data loss prevention must take centre stage. Financial Director. Retrieved from http://www.financialdirector.co.uk/financial-director/ opinion/1744462/it-strategy-anti-social-loss-prevention-centre-stage Jaques’ article also deals with the features of Web 2.0, especially the usage of social networking sites. Specifically, Jaques contends that using social networking sites during working hours reduces employee’s productivity, increases the likelihood of information hacking, and causes dependence on social networks as avenue of expression. Accordingly, Jaques reports on the viability of adopting an anti-social behavior in companies that rely on their IT for their operations. Jaques also reports that such an IT strategy reduces sharing of personal information that can put both the company and employees to risk. Poon, S., & Swatman, P. M. C. (1997). Determinants of small business internet usage: A multi-method investigation of perceived benefits. 10the International Electronic Commerce Conference. Slovenia: Moderna Organizacija, 465-483. This article discusses how the integration of the internet changes the overall performance of the business, particularly in determining prospective growth, action points, and conflict resolution strategies. The information in this article is taken from field surveys on small business and interviews with owners. Using the results of their surveys, the authors of the article cite the actual reasons of the increasing competitive advantage of those businesses adopting internet features in their business operations. Thus, this article also gives rise to the identification of the specific characteristics that define today’s globally competitive businesses. Singh, M. (n.d.). A primer on developing an e-business strategy. Retrieved from http://www.commerce.state.il.us/ NR/rdonlyres/3608158F-181F-44A8-BC66-353CA27088ED/0/eCommerce.pdf This paper is a seminal work on e-commerce. The paper outlines the differences between e-business and e-commerce, the necessary aspects of consider in conducting business online, and the preparations needed in establishing a personal online business. Singh also introduces the fundamentals of designing the features of e-business and the commonly used strategies that could help implement the design. Further, Singh also introduces the role of effective customer relationship strategies in strengthening e-business and the basic ways to conduct financial transactions online. Stephen, A. T., & Galak, J. (2009). The complementary roles of traditional and social media in driving marketing performance. (INSEAD Faculty and Research working paper). INSEAD, France. In their research, Stephen and Galak suggest that both social media and traditional media perform different, but equally important role in advancing overall performance. For instance, the research focuses on the profitability of using both traditional and social media in advancing the scope, reach, and social presence of a company. The research discovered that using both media in promoting the company generates more positive results than using either of traditional or social media. For instance, using both media allows companies to reach out to diverse audiences and increase its marketing and financial performance. This includes the opportunity to tap diverse market groups while using the two media, which advances a company’s public presence. Conclusively, the research contributes in the discussion on the competition and sustainability of both traditional and social media. “The net imperative.” (1999, June 24). The Economist. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/node/215657 This article outlines the influence of the Internet on the lives of people, not just in their social lives, but also on how contemporary businesses work. For instance, the rise of online shopping stores and schools proves the transformative influence of the internet while the rapid rate of information transfer benefits internet users worldwide. Business-wise, the internet has made business operations more productive and capable of extensive yet cost-efficient expansion because of the less cost that internet advertising offers. The internet has also made business-to-business partnerships easier through social networking sites. However, internet usage is beneficial; it also has drawbacks, which include the likelihood of uncontrolled content, such as pornography, misleading information, and abusive and hostile comments in social networking sites. Thus, the article offers a thought-provoking question on the benefits and drawbacks of using the Internet, particularly in business. Thompson, T. (2012, December 12). What is outsourcing? Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-outsourcing.htm In this article, Thompson discusses the definition of outsourcing, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of outsourcing. Outsourcing refers to a business strategy wherein companies hire professionals from other locations. This strategy is known for its cost saving effects, particularly in hiring low cost labor from other countries. Outsourcing is also a useful strategy in establishing country-specific offices. However, although outsourcing is financially beneficial, the perceived drawbacks of outsourcing are the loss of direct client communication and uncontrolled spread of confidential information. Vitez, O. (n.d.) The effects of the Internet on modern businesses & corporations. Chron. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/ effect-internet-modern-businesses-corporations-896.html Vitez’s article discusses how the internet affects business, as well as the common misconceptions concerning the actual impact of E-commerce on contemporary companies and corporations. Vitez states that the usability and profitability of e-commerce is undeniable and that it has grown popular in business over the years. Businesses may also benefit from the added features of the internet while internet functions benefit overall operations. However, Vitez also warns entrepreneurs against relying too much on internet. While the internet creates more opportunities, it is also necessary to remain vigilant and innovative due to the increasing competition in the ecommerce industry. “WEb 2.0 Recruiting.” (n.d.) Retrieved from http://search.nasrecruitment.com/ search?q=cache:qeFYxstZYtIJ:www.nasrecruitment.com/docs/white_papers/NAS-Web-2.0-Recruiting.pdf+web+2.0+recruiting&access=p&output=xml_no_dtd&site=default_collection&ie=UTF-8&client=default_frontend&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&oe=UTF-8 This whitepaper explains the essential aspect of Web 2.0 technologies, particularly in its use in the hiring process. Specifically, the features of Web 2.0 help employees keep track of internet savvy employees and applicants; this also helps hiring managers create profiles of their preferred employees to join their workforce. This technology is especially useful in attracting Generation Y job applicants. The information in this white paper comes from records and surveys of companies using Web 2.0 features and services, particularly in companies relying on online interactions with their clients and employees in the operations. Read More