Management Information Systems IP Two - Essay Example

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS IP TWO Management Information Systems IP Two Affiliation Project Overview E-commerce is the process of carrying out business activities using the Internet. At the present, the majority of business organizations are adopting this latest technology trend in order to survive in this ever-increasing business world (Laudon & Laudon, 2005; Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005). ALL-IN-ONE is a super store which has been running its business using traditional ways but seeing the increasing importance of e-commerce in today’s business world the top management of ALL-IN-ONE has decided to implement an e-commerce system.

This platform will allow the business to attract new customers and communicate with them effectively. What Internet business model would be appropriate for the company to follow in creating a Web site and why? A business model is a way which is adopted by an e-commerce business to generate income using the Internet. In other words, a business model model refers a variety of revenue streams that a business can set up and how each can help earn money (Savarese, 2006; Obringer, 2010). Figure1. Role of a Business Model [source: http://www.quickmba.com/entre/business-model/] An e-commerce business can follow one of the several business models in order to generate income.

Normally, there are three kinds of business models. First business model is known as business-to-consumer (B2C), which is a latest e-commerce trend that allows business organizations to communicate with their potential customers. In fact, this is a well-organized marketing platform for a lot of business organizations because it is the only aspect they need to improve in order to promote their business. Hence, this innovative platform allows business organizations to catch the attention of a large number of people to their e-commerce web sites.

There is another important business model that is known as business-to-business (B2B), which helps business organizations to communicate or collaborate with other organizations with the intention of establishing supply chain connections or attract new business partners towards their business. In fact, it is surely a very useful way of communicating and working with other firms because well-established business organizations definitely take advantage of a wide variety of tools and technologies for their business associates for delivering a variety of necessary resources (Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005; Summers, Gardiner, Lamb, hair, & Mcdaniel, 2003; Kotler & Armstrong, 2001; Laudon & Laudon, 2005).

Moreover, there is another latest business model that is known as business-to-administration (B2A). This modern business model allows firms to work with government organizations and industries through the public sector groups which consist of a number of business operations, such as patent registration, tax returns and other significant transactions and deals with the certified authority of that specific area where corporations are situated or registered. In addition, this business model does not only provide the opportunity to set up and maintain the relationship between private sectors and the public to enhance relationship but as well offers an easy way to conduct important deals that are done between the two sectors (Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005; Summers, Gardiner, Lamb, hair, & Mcdaniel, 2003; Kotler & Armstrong, 2001; Laudon & Laudon, 2005).

In view of the fact that business of ALL-IN-ONE will use this platform to deal with their customers so this platform will follow B2C business model. This business platform will be used to perform transactions with the customers. 2. In what ways can the company benefit from a Web site? What functions should it perform for the company (i.e., marketing, sales, customer support, internal communications, etc.)? A website plays a significant role in developing a company’s image in front of its audience.

It is one of the easiest ways to directly communicate with customers. This web site will offer the business a number of advantages. The first advantage is that through this web site business can attract a large number of people. The web site can be visited by people from anywhere. This web site will automate business activities and services with the intention of improving business performance. This web site will establish a new web based information sharing platform for business information and data.

This new technology will offer a higher and improved data and information sharing speed. This will present a rapid response system for customer inquiries through the rapid delivery of the messages. Some of the important advantages of web site are: Automating the process of business transactions Offering corporate wide business communication Online capability for the business staff communication Allowing employees to register for company sponsored sales initiatives with resulting benefits, e.g.

rewards; Business customers will be able to place orders and pay online This website works as a marketing platform as it will provide information regarding business and operations. Facility of online chat, which will improve customer support 3. In what other ways might the company use the Internet for its own benefit? Digital and web-based data distribution and communication Allow employees to register for company sponsored classes and programs Business reliability of data communication Fast tracking of business orders at e-commerce store Effective delivery of services to customers Enhanced delivery of products information and details Offering online access to employee benefits including salary/expense claims, leave entitlements, etc.

To communicate with customers and stakeholders such as business partners As a marketing platform to provide business’s promotional and marketing material 4. Prepare functional specifications for the company's use of the Web and the Internet. Include links to and from other sites in your design. Given below are some of the functional requirements: The customer should be able to search for the desired product from a list of products The customer should be able to place an order online The customer should be able to track their order This platform shall allow customers to communicate with staff members The platform should be easy to use and should be developed by keeping in mind usability principles.

The platform shall provide improved business communication The platform shall provide better customer interaction The platform shall offer effective service delivery The platform shall allow effective management of business transactions 5. Prepare a list of technological specifications for implementation (i.e., what hardware and software are necessary to support your design)? Hardware Specification Network Router Database Server Network Servers Cables for connecting to the Internet Staff workstations Internet Connection Web Hosting Server Software Requirements Business Database PHP tool Documentation Software such as MS Word and Excel System Software for security UML Software such as Enterprise Architect References Kotler, P.

, & Armstrong, G. (2001). Principles of Marketing. New York: Prentice Hall. Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2005). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, 9th edition. New York: Prentice Hall. Obringer, L. A. (2010). How Business Plans Work. Retrieved January 26, 2013, from HowStuffWorks, Inc.: http://money.howstuffworks.com/business-plans14.htm Savarese, C. (2006, September 3). A business model is not a revenue model. Retrieved January 26, 2013, from Veer West, LLC: http://www.veerwest.com/blog/strategy/a-business-model-is-not-a-revenue-model Summers, J.

, Gardiner, M., Lamb, C. W., hair, J. F., & Mcdaniel, C. (2003). Essentials of Marketing . Australia: Thomosn. Turban, E., Leidner, D., McLean, E., & Wetherbe, J. (2005). Information Technology for Management: Transforming Organizations in the Digital Economy. New York: Wiley.