Electronic Management Exam

E-business strategy is the approach that combines internal and external electronic communications to support and influence corporate strategy. This strategy involves utilizing electronic communication channels to enhance business processes, improve customer relationships, and gain a competitive advantage in the market. By leveraging technology and digital platforms, organizations can align their overall business objectives with their electronic communication strategies, ultimately driving growth and success.

All of the options listed (Sequential marketing strategy model, E-business strategy framework, and Parallel corporate strategy model) represent structures that provide a logical framework to follow. Each of these processes offers a systematic approach or framework for decision-making and planning within their respective domains.

Efficiency refers to the ability to perform a process in the most optimal and effective way, either by making it faster or by reducing the resources required. Therefore, when you make a process faster or reduce the number of resources needed to perform that process, it directly relates to improving efficiency. The other options, accurate, modular, and dramatic, do not specifically address the concept of improving a process by making it faster or reducing resources.

The presence of greater opportunities is not an indication of a weak e-business strategy. A weak e-business strategy would typically be characterized by limited integration, inappropriate direction of the strategy, and resource wastage. However, the existence of greater opportunities suggests that the e-business strategy is potentially strong and has the potential for growth and success.

SLEPT is an acronym used in business analysis to consider various external factors that can impact a business. It stands for Social, Legal, Economic, Political, and Technological factors. Tertiary factors, which are not mentioned in the acronym, do not have a place in SLEPT. Tertiary factors are not commonly considered in business analysis, as they are not as significant or directly impactful as the other factors mentioned in SLEPT.

Procurement is a broader term than purchasing as it encompasses the entire process of acquiring goods, services, and works, including activities such as sourcing, negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management. Purchasing, on the other hand, refers specifically to the act of buying goods or services. Therefore, procurement includes purchasing but also includes additional activities, making it a more comprehensive term.

The false statement in this question is "Customer focus group development." While customer focus groups can be a valuable tool in market research and gathering customer insights, it is not one of the main operational processes involved in developing an e-marketing strategy. The three main operational processes are customer conversion, customer acquisition, and customer retention and growth.

Procurement and purchasing are related terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. The statement "Procurement has a broader meaning than purchasing" suggests that procurement encompasses a wider scope of activities than purchasing. While purchasing refers specifically to the process of acquiring goods or services, procurement includes not only purchasing but also activities such as sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships. Therefore, the statement highlights that procurement is a more comprehensive term that encompasses various stages and functions beyond just the act of buying.

The correct answer is "All of the above" because all the options listed (spikes causing websites to fail at peak times, internet hackers penetrating company security, contravention of customer privacy) are potential risks and barriers for e-business. These issues can negatively impact the functionality and security of e-business operations, leading to financial losses, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust. Therefore, it is important for businesses to be aware of and address these risks and barriers to ensure the smooth and secure functioning of their e-business activities.

Diff: 2 Page Ref: 104

E-marketing is the correct answer because it refers to the use of electronic communications technology to achieve marketing objectives. This includes strategies such as online advertising, email marketing, social media marketing, and search engine optimization. E-marketing allows businesses to reach a wider audience, increase brand awareness, and drive sales through digital channels.

Significant cost increases is not a business benefit of an extranet. An extranet is a private network that allows authorized users to access specific information or services from outside the organization. It is designed to facilitate communication, collaboration, and information sharing with external stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, and partners. The main benefits of an extranet include greater order processing and product distribution, information sharing in a secure environment, and improved customer service. However, significant cost increases are not a benefit but rather a disadvantage, as they would negatively impact the organization's financial performance.

E-marketing refers specifically to the use of electronic platforms and technologies for marketing purposes. It focuses on promoting and selling products or services through online channels such as websites, social media, and email marketing. On the other hand, e-business encompasses a broader range of activities that involve the use of electronic systems and technologies to conduct various business processes, including marketing, sales, customer service, and operations. Therefore, e-marketing is considered a subset of e-business, as it is a specific component or aspect of the overall electronic business operations.

E-Business is not something that any company can easily adopt. It requires significant investment in technology infrastructure, training, and resources to implement and maintain e-business operations. Additionally, companies need to have a clear understanding of their target market and develop effective online marketing strategies to succeed in the competitive e-business environment. Therefore, it is not true that any company can easily adopt e-business.

Diff: 2 Page Ref: 70

All of the options mentioned - e-business transport or network layer, e-business content and data layer, and e-business services applications layer - can be considered as part of an e-business infrastructure. A good technology infrastructure is essential for ensuring a quality user experience in e-business, and all these layers play a crucial role in facilitating the smooth functioning of e-business operations. The transport or network layer is responsible for ensuring efficient communication and data transfer, the content and data layer stores and manages the content and data required for e-business activities, and the services applications layer includes the various applications and services that enable e-business transactions and interactions.

The maintenance phase of an e-commerce site involves researching the end users experience to understand their needs and preferences. It also includes patch releases to correct minor problems that may arise on the site. Additionally, significant releases are made to address major problems or introduce enhancements to improve the site's functionality. Furthermore, monitoring the site for errors is an essential part of the maintenance phase to ensure its smooth operation. Therefore, all of the mentioned activities are involved in the maintenance phase of an e-commerce site.

The correct answer is "A plan to achieve the marketing objectives of the e-business strategy." This is because the e-marketing plan is specifically focused on achieving the marketing objectives of the e-business strategy. It outlines the specific tactics and strategies that will be used to promote and sell products or services online, and aligns with the overall goals and objectives of the e-business strategy.

The marketing intranet does not directly contribute to lengthening product life cycles. It is primarily focused on distributing information, reducing costs, and improving customer service. Lengthening product life cycles is typically achieved through product development strategies, market research, and effective marketing campaigns.

Diff: 3 Page Ref: 69

A strategy process model is a framework that provides a logical sequence to follow in order to ensure the inclusion of all key activities in the development of an e-business strategy. This model helps in organizing and prioritizing the various steps and tasks involved in the strategic development process, ensuring that all necessary activities are considered and implemented effectively. It provides a systematic approach to strategic planning and helps in aligning the e-business strategy with the overall goals and objectives of the organization.

A situation analysis that involves reviewing the online marketplace and internal situation is referred to as an Internet SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, and this analysis helps a company understand its position in the online marketplace by identifying its internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats. By conducting an Internet SWOT analysis, a company can gain insights into its competitive advantage, potential risks, and areas for improvement in the online environment.

The adoption factor related to security is "Perceptions and technologies that govern security." This factor refers to the perception of users regarding the safety and protection of their personal information and data when using the Internet. It also includes the technologies and measures implemented to ensure security, such as encryption, firewalls, and authentication protocols. The perception and trust in these security measures play a crucial role in the adoption and usage of the Internet.

If an e-business strategy is not clearly defined, it can have negative consequences for an organization. Without a clear strategy, the organization may struggle to effectively integrate e-business at a technical level, resulting in inefficiencies and difficulties in implementing online operations. Additionally, without a clear direction of e-business strategy, the organization may miss out on greater opportunities that could arise from evaluating and capitalizing on potential opportunities in the digital marketplace. Therefore, the correct answer is that all of the above options are applicable.

According to Internetworldstats, at the end of March 2011, approximately 30.2% of people in the world were estimated to be internet users.

"Reach" in regards to e-business refers to the potential number of customers that a business can interact with. It represents the extent of the business's online presence and its ability to connect with a large audience. The higher the reach, the more customers the business can potentially reach and engage with, which can lead to increased brand awareness, customer acquisition, and sales opportunities.

Diff: 2 Page Ref: 66

A hosting provider is the correct answer because they are responsible for managing the server used to host a company website. They provide the necessary infrastructure, hardware, and software to ensure that the website is accessible to users on the internet. This includes server maintenance, security, and technical support. A client server refers to a network model where clients request services from a central server, which is not directly related to hosting a website. An internet service provider (ISP) is responsible for providing internet access to users, but they do not specifically manage the server used for hosting a website.

The SLEPT factor that deals with evaluating developments in hardware and software is the Technological factor. This factor focuses on advancements and innovations in technology, including hardware and software, and how they impact businesses and industries. It involves analyzing the latest technological trends, evaluating the potential benefits and risks associated with them, and understanding how they can be leveraged to gain a competitive advantage. By considering the technological factor, organizations can stay updated with the latest advancements and make informed decisions regarding their technology investments and strategies.

A website lives on a web server, which is a computer or a system that hosts and stores the website's files and data. The web server is responsible for delivering the web pages and content to the web clients, such as users' browsers, when they request access to the website. Without a web server, the website would not be accessible or available to the users.

The answer "Achieving marketing objectives through the use of electronic communications technology" is the best suited definition for e-marketing because it specifically highlights the use of electronic communications technology to achieve marketing objectives. This definition emphasizes the importance of utilizing digital platforms and tools to reach and engage with customers in order to meet marketing goals.

Within a strategy process model, strategic option, evaluation, and selection are all part of strategic definition. This means that when developing a strategy, organizations identify various options, evaluate them based on their feasibility and potential outcomes, and then select the most appropriate option to pursue. Strategic definition involves the overall process of determining the direction and scope of an organization's strategy, including the identification and evaluation of strategic options.

E-procurement refers to the use of electronic systems and technology to automate the procurement process. This includes activities such as sourcing, purchasing, and payment. Electronic procurement systems are specifically designed to facilitate and streamline these processes, allowing organizations to electronically manage their procurement activities. Therefore, the use of electronic procurement systems is the most appropriate option for automating the procurement process.

All of the given options would be feasible strategic objectives for aligning business and e-marketing strategies. Channel partnership with distributors using extranets can help in expanding the reach and distribution of products/services. Cost reduction and value chain efficiencies can improve overall profitability. Revenue generation is a common objective for any business. Communications and branding are essential for creating a strong brand image and attracting customers. Therefore, all of these objectives are applicable in aligning business and e-marketing strategies.

An e-marketing plan is required in addition to a broad e-business strategy to detail how the sell-side specific objectives of the e-business strategy will be delivered through marketing activities such as research and communications. An e-marketing plan outlines the specific marketing tactics and strategies that will be used to achieve the objectives of the e-business strategy. It includes details on the target market, marketing channels, advertising and promotional activities, and the timeline for implementation. By having an e-marketing plan, the company can effectively execute its marketing activities and ensure alignment with the broader e-business strategy.

Diff: 2 Page Ref: 66

Diff: 3 Page Ref: 70

A brochure-ware site is typically written in static content. This means that the content of the website remains the same and does not change dynamically. Static content is pre-written and does not require any server-side processing or scripting languages like Java or active server pages. It is typically used for websites that do not require frequent updates or interaction with users.

The given answer "Strengths - what are our strengths compared to competitors" does not comply with Smith's (1999) framework because it focuses on analyzing the company's strengths in comparison to competitors, rather than being a stage in the marketing strategy from development to implementation. The other elements in the framework, such as Objectives, Tactics, Action, Situation, and Control, are all stages that are part of the marketing strategy process.

Diff: 2 Page Ref: 66

E-reverse auction enables the purchasing company to buy goods and services that have the lowest price or combination of lowest price and other conditions through the internet. In a reverse auction, multiple suppliers compete to offer the lowest price for a particular product or service. The purchasing company can evaluate different bids and select the supplier that provides the best value for their requirements. This approach can help the company save costs and make more informed purchasing decisions.

Improving purchasing processes can lead to several benefits as described by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. These benefits include the utilization of multimedia for better communication and understanding, efficient content management to streamline information, and the evaluation of end-to-end trading cycles to identify areas for improvement. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

Richness in terms of e-business refers to the depth of information available about content, products, prices, and availability. This means that a website or online platform provides detailed and comprehensive information to its users regarding the content they offer, the products they sell, and the pricing and availability of those products. A rich e-business platform ensures that customers have access to all the necessary information they need to make informed decisions and engage with the website effectively.

The level of e-business infrastructure that focuses on computation and logic is processing. This level involves the execution of tasks and operations related to data processing, calculations, and logical operations. It includes the hardware, software, and systems that enable the processing of data and the execution of algorithms and logic. This level is crucial for performing various tasks such as data analysis, decision-making, and automation in an e-business environment.

The factor that is more suited for the micro-environment is customers. The micro-environment refers to the specific factors that directly affect an organization, and customers are a crucial aspect of any business. Understanding the needs, preferences, and behavior of customers is essential for developing effective marketing strategies, delivering value, and gaining a competitive advantage. Customers directly impact the success of a business, and therefore, studying their demographics, purchasing patterns, and satisfaction levels is crucial for business growth and sustainability.

The best way for a company to determine the demand for internet services is by considering all of the factors mentioned. By looking at the percentage of people who purchase online, have access to the internet, and use the internet to inform their buying decisions, the company can get a comprehensive understanding of the demand for internet services. Additionally, considering the number of people in the market will provide further insights into the potential demand.

Local Internet service providers play the role of providing home and business users with a connection to access the Internet. They act as intermediaries between the users and the global network, offering various types of internet connections such as broadband, DSL, or fiber optic. These providers offer subscription plans, set up the necessary infrastructure, and ensure a stable and reliable connection for their customers. Without the services of these providers, users would not be able to connect to the Internet and access online resources.

The part of the content management life cycle that involves flagging changes in a workflow system which are then checked is the "Review" stage. During this stage, any changes made to the content are flagged or marked for review. These flagged changes are then checked by the appropriate individuals or teams to ensure accuracy, quality, and adherence to guidelines or standards. This review process helps to identify and correct any errors or inconsistencies before the content is published or finalized.

Diff: 2 Page Ref: 67

The Web Motivation Inventory developed by Rodgers and others identified four motives that had cross-cultural acceptance. These motives include shopping, surfing for entertainment's sake, research - information acquisition, and communication - socialization purposes. However, the statement "Openness to experience" is false, as it is not one of the motives identified by the inventory.