Abstract This paper compares and contrasts Amazon.com with Target by using a SWOT analysis of Amazon.com's Internet based business with Target's bricks and mortar-based business. The paper also looks at the impact of e-commerce on businesses today.
From the Paper "Although the dot-com boom was forecast to cause a revolution in retailing with many analysts expecting a significant shift to so-called e-tailing, the new business model of having only an Internet presence without a physical brick and mortar presence has not come to dominate the American commercial market. Instead traditional retailers have added e-commerce to their business plans but have not abandoned their physical stores in most cases. Amazon com is a clear exception to this."
Abstract This paper takes a closer look at the new phenomenon of online retailing, and compares it to the more customary variety of commerce. The researcher interviews "real-life" shoppers, asking them to compare their internet experiences with their experiences in the high street. The paper questions whether consumers prefer one over the other and whether there are certain things that people will not buy in cyberspace. The paper also questions whether the online marketplace inspires the same level of comfort and trust as its brick and mortar counterpart.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Aims
Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Internet shoppers cited the wider variety of choices available, especially in terms of the above-mentioned favorite purchases. For the high street shopper, the "what you see is what you get factor" proved to be the most positive aspect of the shopping experience. The subjects were fairly evenly divided as far as the other criteria were concerned. However, subjects did feel that one could get a better price online, as opposed to in the high street. There was, nevertheless, a striking difference in spending amounts between the two styles of shopping. Very clearly, the subjects spent considerably more money in the high street than on the Internet."
Tags: customer, shopping, center, merchandise, satisfaction
Abstract This research paper provides a background and overview of how cultural influences affect consumer buying behaviours to identify any commonalities and differences between consumers in the United States and Russia, and to determine what impact these differences and commonalities have on online and brick-and-mortar outlet purchasing behaviours. Chapter one introduces the topics under consideration, provides a statement of the problem, the purpose and importance of the study, as well as its scope and rationale. Chapter two provides a critical review of the relevant and peer-reviewed literature concerning e-commerce and e-tailing and a discussion of the respective economies of Russia and the United States today. Chapter three presents the study's methodology, a description of the study approach, the data-gathering method and the database of study consulted. Chapter four is comprised of an analysis of the data developed during the research process and chapter five presents the study's conclusions, a summary of the research and salient recommendations for companies seeking to establish or expand their online presence in the future.
Outline:
Introduction
Review of Related Literature
Methodology
Data Analysis
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "The trends are clear and unmistakable. Just a decade ago, online sales were a very small part of the national economy of the United States and were virtually nonexistent in the former Soviet Union, and online sales in total comprised a tiny fraction of global trade. Today, though, online sales are in the tens of billions of dollars, and electronic commerce is becoming increasingly important to consumers, sellers, and entire economies. Though considered to be in its relative infancy, Internet usage and on-line marketing are also growing explosively. In fact, during 2003 alone, approximately 40 million households in the U.S. made at least one purchase from the Internet, up from only six million in 1994 (Black, 2005). Rapid innovations in a wide range of telecommunications, the volume and rapidity of air travel (in spite of the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States), e-business and instantaneous "live" television coverage of important - and not so important - events have made the world a smaller place in which to live and shop, but with an enormously wider selection of choices available for those with the right tools and access. Today, new words and terminologies have entered the vernacular to describe this emerging reality; e.g., Internet, e-commerce, KBE, ISPS, dot-com companies, web portals, telephony, PGs, wireless application protocols; combined with other buzzwords such as "creative destruction" and "paradigm shift," as well as neologisms such as "glocalization," "globalating" and "technoglobalism," it is clear that more and more businesses will be turning to the Internet as a way to improve their competitive advantage and increase their market share in current and additional markets (Mutalib, 2002). Indeed, advances in technology have provided useful supportive tools in the conventional market. For example, television and radio have greatly facilitated one-way communication. Various information systems can be used to process transactions, collect and analyze data."
Tags: on, line, purchasing, cultural, differnces, internet
Abstract This paper reviews the novel "Brick Lane" by Monica Ali. This is the story of a Bengali woman who grows up surrounded by superstition and the belief in fate. The paper describes her development as she raises her own family in London and attempts to shed her superstitious belief system.
From the Paper "Learning from her sister that their mother chose suicide, Nazneen becomes able to embrace her strength. In her new found freedom, Nazneen has defied fate and made her own choices, and has not been punished or met death over it. Living in London has expanded her thinking, and her perspectives shift as she sheds her superstitious upbringing It has become clear to her that when a person depends solely on Fate, she possesses no power of her own to change anything. Her husband, as a highly educated man, could not make a happy life for himself where so much autonomy of choice keeps him confused and angry. In India, where there was not as much freedom and wealth, people are forced to rely on fate and their religious beliefs to be able to handle the rough parts of their lives. We can assume Nazneen's children will decide their own fates as they grow up, following their mother's example. Nazneen overcomes incredibly deep programming to make this major shift in her life, but she is happy, and dances in her autonomy."
Abstract This paper discusses the promotion strategy of Milgard, sellers of vinyl windows. The author points out various methods of advertising including television and the internet. The paper relates the differences between the internet and brick and mortar stores.
From the Paper "As a manufacturer of vinyl windows, Milgard has the resources to promote its products using television advertising during sports broadcasts and on home improvement shows, In addition, the company can participate with home improvement shows directly so that Milgard windows are featured in the shows themselves such as on "This Old House". Illustrations and the benefits of vinyl windows should be emphasized in all promotional materials."
Tags:brick & mortar, Internet marketing, vinyl windows, milgard
Abstract This paper examines the transformation of the mass retailer Target from brick and mortar to a click and brick company. It looks at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with doing business on the Internet.
Tags: target, internet marketing, distribution channels, internet
Abstract The paper analyzes the specific catalysts that are fueling the growth of construction in general and brick demand specifically. The paper discusses how to forecast demand and examines the dominant competitors in British Columbia. The paper includes several tables.
Outline:
Synopsis
Construction Demand Increasing in British Columbia
Forecasting Brick Demand
British Columbia Brick Competitive Environment
From the Paper "The demand for construction materials including concrete pipe, bricks and blocks, which together comprise NAICS 32733 industrial codes throughout British Columbia continues to experience consistent growth, year over year, beginning in 2000. There are several catalysts that are fueling the growth of demand for pipe, bricks and blocks, and the focus of this analysis will specifically be on demand for bricks in the British Columbia province. The goal of this report is to analyze the specific catalysts that are fueling the growth of construction in general and brick demand specifically, also taking into account the implications labor force growth necessary to support the projected increase in production as well."
Abstract This paper looks at the different marketing and business strategies of companies whose business is solely through their website (click-and-click companies) and those whose website is an additional source of sales (brick-and-click); but who physically have a storefront. Their strategies are compared for their effectivenss and ability to reach the audience the companies seek.
From the Paper "The first characteristic of the Internet store is the importance of the web site. The web site is the basis of the Internet store, with accessibility and ease-of-use determining whether the customer will purchase from the store and return to the store. The web site is the equivalent of a retail store front's location, if it is easy to get to, customers will be more likely to visit it again. Unlike retail stores, the biggest concern is how easy the store is to move around in. Ease-of-use is said to be the most significant factor, with ease-of-use comprising three attributes: how quickly the web site downloads, how easy the first page is to understand and how easy it is to navigate between pages (Kotler 48). Click-and-click retailers have built their businesses based on the online presence and so tend to be aware of how important the web site is. Part of their marketing strategy involves making the web site as convenient and easy-to-use as possible."
Abstract The paper includes a summary of the story, along with a textual analysis of the story, which tells the tale of a family of Maoris from New Zealand, leaving behind their homeland to make a new life in the city of Wellington. It explains that the Maoris are a tribe of natives who live predominately in New Zealand. They have been successful in maintaining their cultural identity apart from the white inhabitants of the island, but as this story shows, they face the same prejudices and poverty that most native inhabitants of a country face. The writer shows how "Yellow Brick Road" illustrates this prejudice, showing the elders as tired and a little afraid, while the narrator is full of hope for the future as they set off for their new life in Wellington.
From the Paper ""Yellow Brick Road" is the story of a Maori family headed to the city of Wellington to make their fortune. The story is told in the voice of the young narrator, a boy enthralled with the story "The Wizard of Oz," who sees their trip as an adventure along a Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, where all things wonderful will happen for the family. This short story opens up the world of the Maori of New Zealand ? a native tribe displaced by the white settlers of centuries past, who have managed to hang on to their vivid culture and beliefs while their native lands are swallowed up by the white man. As with most native cultures, they are seen as less than human by many of the whites. As the white man on the road says to the family, "Oh, what's the use. You Maoris are all the same. Dumb bloody horis" (Ihimaera). Ihimaera uses this one crucial scene to illustrate the hatred and mistrust the whites have for the Maori, and the family's reaction to the hatred and prejudice. The only one in the family who does not understand is the young narrator, who has yet to experience hatred and prejudice, and does not understand the man's comments. The implication is that later, as the boy grows older in Wellington, he will most certainly understand, and his dreams of the Emerald City will shatter."
This paper explores how the banking industry has been affected by the emergence of e-Business by reviewing the websites of Washington Mutual, Chase and Wells Fargo banks.
Abstract This paper examines three on-line banking websites--Washington Mutual, Chase and Wells Fargo--by using several criteria such as overloading, consistency of image, grammar and spelling, speed of loading, functioning links, ease of use and overall impression: The Wells Fargo website was judged to be the best. The author stresses that banks must consider the requirements for protection of rights and interests of depositors, establishment of stability and confidence in financial markets and requirements for economic development in both their brick-and mortar and online operations. The paper relates that e-Business has changed the way in which banks must operate in the areas of customer relations (CRM), the banking supply chain, customer-based marketing that provides many customers services and immediately becoming an international entity through their presence on the internet.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Evaluation of Web sites
Washington Mutual
Chase
Wells Fargo
How Web Sites Differ
Washington Mutual
Chase
Wells Fargo
Bank Supply Chain in a Brick-and-Mortar Setting
Web Site Supply Chain Modifications
Marketing Tools
Washington Mutual
Chase
Wells Fargo
Customer Service
Washington Mutual
Chase
Wells Fargo
Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Issues
Security, Confidentiality and International Issues
Washington Mutual
Chase
Wells Fargo
Conclusion
From the Paper "To compete successfully in the highly competitive marketplace, banking Web sites must strive every day to deliver consistent levels of performance and experience as perceived by users. Site performance must be formatted to accommodate speed reliability factors, and display what type of company they portray themselves to be. There are ten areas that Web sites are measured against: Response time (over high speed, DSL, and dial up connections), response consistency, geographic uniformity, load handling, page design, network connectivity, site reliability, and outage hours."
Abstract The paper discusses that the success of many companies' websites varies markedly, showing that products and the reputation of the bricks-and-mortar store are not sufficient to inspire success via website sales. The paper discusses the website of Yankee Candle, the industry leader in premium scented candles. The paper discusses how their website exploits all the advantages of online shopping and therefore enjoys high customer satisfaction. The paper concludes that their website successfully incorporates the advantages of bricks-and-mortar stores while still creating a pleasurable and simple online search for products.
From the Paper "Many companies' websites sell similar, if not equivalent, products to similar demographics in close geographic regions. Despite this, the success of many companies' websites varies markedly, giving credence to the theory that products and the reputation of the bricks-and-mortar store aren't sufficient to inspire success via website sales (Totty 2001). Successful websites can expand and build on the reputation and name recognition of a bricks and mortar store; however, they can also become entities unto themselves and offer options not available in a physical store, like 24-hour ordering and customer service, faster location of a product, and side-by-side comparisons of specific features and options."
The following paper takes a look at the particular strategy adopted by Toys R Us to make its employees more productive, and in line with 'modern' practices.
6,000 words (approx. 24 pages), 18 sources, 2003, $ 142.95
Abstract This paper makes reference to a Toys R Us case study which shows how a firm that has been in existence in 1948 and that has been so geographically dispersed, has made efficient internal communication essential to staying competitive. This paper takes a look at the devices employed by Toys-R-Us and at how the managers attempted to do carry out the successful strategy.
From the paper:
?Microsoft Exchange Server was deployed at the Toys R Us national offices and distribution centers, messaging has become a silent contributor to the company's success and an indispensable part of every employees workday. Dan Hannay, director of operations development for Toys R Us, comments, "Since we started using Microsoft Exchange Server, I would guess that, from my vantage point, productivity has increased by 400 percent. Everyone loves to check their e-mail every day, and because e-mail is the primary vehicle for communication, its essential to check it frequently".?
Abstract This paper examines the complexities of doing business in our virtual age, looking at the particular challenges of marketing a virtual bookstore. At the center of this paper is a case study of an individual who once owned a bricks-and-mortar bookstore and considered opening a virtual bookstore, only to find the marketing challenges too great. This study shows how the booksellers have had to adjust their own business practices so that they could interact in the smoothest possible way with virtual stores. This paper then presents some possible modifications that will allow this particular bookseller to succeed in today's virtual age.
From the Paper "Independent bookstores have traditionally taken chances on new authors, who often contribute substantially to making the marketplace of ideas more diverse. But the number of independent bookstores ? which have allowed new writers to find their audiences ? seems to decrease each day. The loss of these bookstores is not the same as the closing of a cute clothing boutique; each independent that closes takes with it some measure at least of the freedom of expression that exists only when it is used. The support of these newly emergent authors is something that virtual bookstore owners can use as a marketing strategy. This man, who is planning to open a virtual mystery bookstore later this year, intends to use this as a marketing strategy. Especially for mystery readers there's always this search for new authors. Mystery readers tend to read a lot of books and they"re always running out of new works to read by their favorites, so they"re always looking for new writers. And that's often very hard to find in a Barnes and Noble because they"re committed to these huge profits and sales figures. I"m not looking for that. I?m looking to make a little bit of a profit ? and I want to be part of the mechanism that brings new authors into the public arena. And I know that there are a lot of people who would appreciate that. I go to conferences all the time, and people are always asking when there's going to be a bookstore all about new voices."
Abstract This paper examines the May 10, 2000 law passed to extend a ban on internet taxes for another five years. The writer argues that this law is unfair for two reasons. 1. The "brick and mortar" shops pay the price of lower sales since they are required by law to charge taxes and 2. The law benefits only the "technological haves" who have access to a computer and are able to do purchases on the internet. The writer discusses the move in the government to soon pass a law that could override this existing ban on tax, and start introducing partial tax on e-commerce.
From the Paper "Originally passed last year, the Senate overwhelmingly approved The Internet Tax Freedom Act which barred state and local governments from imposing any new taxes on Internet access, "bit" taxes on data flowing over networks, and multiple or discriminatory taxes on e-commerce. (Wired News, July 19, 1999.) The extension will be effective until October 2006, and will lengthen the current moratorium on taxing Internet access. It will also prevent ten states that allow access taxes from collecting them when the current ban expires."
