If Used Correctly, E-Commerce Can Offer An Organization Powe
If Used Correctly E Commerce Can Offer An Organization Powerful Sust
If used correctly, e-commerce can offer an organization powerful, sustained competitive advantage. In this assignment, you will consider the different models of e-commerce and what types of technologies and steps they use. Write a paper in which you address the following prompts: Describe how a product or service would move through the business-to-consumer e-commerce cycle. Illustrate how a product or service would move through the business-to-business e-commerce cycle (use a B2B model of your choice). Analyze how mobile- and voice-based technologies could be used in each of the above e-commerce cycles.
Assignment should be three to four pages in length. For citation guidelines, please refer to the table in the APA Style section of the syllabus. Save your document with a file name that includes your name, course code, section number, and title. (For example: JaneSmith ISM Week 8.docx) If you are not using Microsoft Word, save your document with the .rtf file extension (Rich Text Format). Submit this document to the Week 8: Individual Work basket in the Dropbox.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Electronic commerce (e-commerce) has revolutionized the way businesses operate by enabling transactions over digital platforms. When implemented correctly, e-commerce provides organizations with a competitive advantage through increased reach, efficiency, and customer engagement. This paper explores the movement of a product or service through both Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) e-commerce cycles, with particular focus on technological steps involved. Additionally, the integration of mobile and voice-based technologies into these cycles is examined for their potential to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
Business-to-Consumer (B2C) E-Commerce Cycle
The B2C e-commerce cycle begins with customer awareness, typically driven by digital marketing efforts such as social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and paid advertisements. Once a customer recognizes a need for a product or service, they visit the company’s online storefront or marketplace platform. The process of selecting, customizing (if applicable), and adding the product to the shopping cart follows. At this stage, a secure checkout process is essential, involving payment processing systems that support credit cards, online wallets, or other digital payment methods.
After the purchase, the order is transmitted through an order management system (OMS) to the warehouse or supplier for fulfillment. The shipment process involves logistics partners or third-party delivery services, which update the customer with tracking information. Once the product is delivered, the customer may provide feedback or reviews, influencing future purchase decisions and marketing efforts. The post-sale phase includes customer support and potentially loyalty programs to foster repeat business.
Business-to-Business (B2B) E-Commerce Cycle
In the B2B e-commerce model, transactions are typically larger and involve procurement, supply chain management, and relationship building. For example, a manufacturing company purchasing raw materials from suppliers follows a procurement cycle. The process begins with the buyer identifying needs and searching for suppliers through online catalogs or marketplaces such as Alibaba or industry-specific platforms.
The buyer then requests quotes, negotiates terms, and issues purchase orders electronically. The supplier’s order management system processes this request, confirms stock availability, and confirms pricing. The subsequent steps involve order fulfillment, invoicing, and payment processing, often integrated with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The logistics and delivery stages ensure the physical transfer of goods, while documentation such as invoices, bills of lading, and customs declarations are exchanged digitally to streamline operations. Long-term relationships are maintained through portal-based account management and automated reordering systems.
Mobile and Voice Technologies in E-Commerce Cycles
Mobile technologies have transformed e-commerce by enabling consumers and businesses to engage in transactions via smartphones and tablets. In B2C scenarios, mobile apps and responsive websites facilitate browsing, purchasing, and customer service, providing convenience and immediacy. For example, mobile push notifications can alert customers about promotions or order status updates, increasing engagement and sales.
Voice-based technologies, such as virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple's Siri, add another layer of convenience. In B2C, consumers can reorder products, get product recommendations, or ask questions about their orders through voice commands, reducing friction in the purchase process. Similarly, in B2B, voice technology can assist procurement officers in searching catalogs, checking inventory, or placing orders hands-free, improving operational efficiency.
Integrating these technologies into e-commerce cycles enhances user experience, accelerates decision-making, and expands accessibility. Mobile and voice technologies also enable real-time data collection and analytics, providing valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences, thereby informing targeted marketing campaigns and personalized services.
Conclusion
Correct implementation of e-commerce models significantly enhances organizational competitiveness. The B2C cycle emphasizes quick, customer-focused transactions facilitated by seamless technology, while B2B processes focus on efficiency, scale, and long-term relationships. Mobile and voice-based innovations further augment these cycles by offering convenience, immediacy, and personalized engagement. As technology continues to evolve, organizations poised to adapt these tools will likely sustain competitive advantages, better meet market demands, and foster enduring customer loyalty.
References
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