Abstract
Today, a new "virtual culture" is emerging that transcends local and regional cultural boundaries. This virtual culture is both being generated and sustained through the application of new technologies. Proponents of such a virtual transcendence tend to exhibit a form of cyberspace ethnocentrism, which has been termed "cybercentrism". While the advocates of such a virtual culture emphasize its advantages for the typical consumer, critics point to the negative consequences this process is having on the digital have-nots. This paper provides an overview and analysis of the trends in marketing that are making important changes in the way products and services are researched, developed, designed, manufactured, packaged, advertised and ultimately brought to market and sold, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.

From the Paper
"Prior to the introduction of e-commerce, consumers were largely restricted in their shopping options to brick-and-mortar establishments, catalog sales, farmers markets and traveling salesmen. However, even small business can now effectively compete with the larger corporations on almost every level. The advantages provided by e-commerce mean that it may be possible to offer products and services at lower prices, or to offer products and services that could not be offered before because of the change in cost dynamics. Taylor notes that these processes are not being applied to automobile manufacturing as well. Citing J.D. Power III (founder of the consulting company that bears his name): "Car dealers may go the way of other local retailers in groceries, home appliances, travel, and a host of other businesses." "

Tags:internet, telecommunications, e-commerce

Abstract
A paper that looks into the question of 'How money market fund disintermediated the commercial bank and thrift in the late 1970s. It uses three references.

Tags:money, market, funds

Abstract
This paper discusses U.K. tourism in general, and travel agents in particular. It specifically focuses on the differences between traditional travel agents, on the one hand, and e-tourism, on the other hand. The paper also presents future trends in the field, together with recommendations designed for improving travel agents' activity.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
The Importance of the Research
Research Problem Definition
Research Scope
Establishing the Objectives and Hypotheses of the Research
Pre-estimating the Value of the Information Gathered from the Research
Selecting Information Sources
Selecting the Information Collection Method
Research Methods for Each Objective
UK Travel Industry Analysis
U.K. Tourism General Situation
Travel Statistics
U.K. Travel Industry Structure
Travel Agency Organization
E-Tourism
Intermediation and Re-intermediation in the Travel Industry
Literature Review
The Intermediation, Disintermediation and Re-intermediation Theory
Identifying the differences between high street
Advantages and Disadvantages of Both Types of Companies
Establishing the profitability of both types of companies
Determining the future of the two businesses
Determining the power of e-business
Traditional Travel Agents SWOT Analysis
Online Travel Agents SWOT Analysis
Primary Research
Questionnaire Discussion
Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"There are several organizations, both private and governmental, that periodically conducts studies on the travel industry. Private research organizations conduct thorough studies that offer thorough information on this market. Governmental sources can also be accessed for data on the subject, but less thorough. The government did not pay sufficient attention to travel market research, which leads to the lack of significant official data. However, the government is committed to changing this situation, as research project proposals have been discussed."

Tags:e-tourism, holiday, profits, customer

Abstract
This paper discusses how Michael Dell's vision of creating a direct selling organization that can quickly customize laptops and PCs, has directly lead to the disintermediation of an entire layer of distribution channels, and with it, transformed the development of supply chain partnerships that could scale to meet Dell's global growth. The paper looks at how Michael Dell's vision of virtual integration forces an entirely new set of dynamics on suppliers, the limited resellers the company relies on, trading partners and the many integration points that the Dell Value chain has both internal and external to the company.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Measuring Progress Towards Virtual Integration
Dell's Areas of Measurements regarding Virtual Integration
The End Game: Dell's Mass Customization Strategy

From the Paper
"The internal culture of Dell is highly focused on analytics and the ability to quickly measure, monitor and modify direction. The fulfillment of the virtual integration vision is only verifiable through an extensive set of analytics, which is exactly what Dell invests heavily in to measure their progress to this goal. Dell specifically concentrates on inventory turns and the Return on Invested Capital, velocities of the small percentage of pre-build configurations through distribution channels, share of market within the government, educational and enterprise markets in addition to many other metrics specifically chosen to measure the efficiency of their e-business strategies, this company has also had to become very centered on metrics. "

Tags:configuration, distribution

Abstract
This paper considers supply chains as an information loop, focusing on logistics, production and distribution. The author also discusses the role of disintermediation and reintermediation, and differences between B2B and B2C supply chains.

From the Paper
"The computer age has affected society in numerous ways few of which were anticipated in advance. We do not have the sentient computers once anticipated by science fiction instead we have e-mail and the internet."

Tags:supply, chain, management, internet, logistics, business

Abstract
This paper answers four discussion questions concerning various electronic marketing concepts. First, the difference between e-commerce and e-business is discussed. Second, details are given as to why B2B has greater potential than B2C. Third, the concept of disintermediation is discussed and the type of business that could benefit most from this concept. Finally, reintermediation as a concept is discussed, along with the type of business could benefit most from this concept.

From the Paper
"When one thinks of thinks of the two terms "commerce" and "business", little difference is found, and in many cases they are transposable when discussing business. However, there is a specific difference between e-commerce and e-business. E-commerce, which is short for electronic commerce, is in the simplest of terms business transacted electronically that involves money. The obvious example of e-commerce is selling products via the web, such as Amazon.com has been successful in doing."

Tags:b2c, b2b, intermediation, web

Abstract
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (H&S) is the world's largest executive search firm by revenue. Incoming CEO Kevin Kelley detects several strategic challenges to the company, including the possibility that the search industry is threatened by Internet-based search and a worry that H&S will not break $1.5b in revenues unless it expands into some adjacent functions, such as leadership consulting.

From the Paper
H&S Case Study: Strategic Human Resource Management Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (H&S) is the world's largest executive search firm by revenue. Incoming CEO Kevin Kelley detects several strategic challenges to the company, including the possibility that the search industry is threatened by Internet-based search and a worry that H&S will not break $1.5b in revenues unless it expands into some adjacent functions, such as leadership consulting. This report's recommendation is for H&S to ignore the Internet as a rival model and to concentrate its efforts on cross-training consultants in other disciplines. H&S HR will play a pivotal role in the execution of

Tags:search, firm, disintermediation

Abstract
The paper attempts to evaluate Dell's e-business system, including its use of intranets, portals, partner sites, extranets, electronic commerce and Internet strategies, as well as its global website and the recent launch of a company blog. The paper also focuses on Dell's total IT architecture including hardware, software, networks, personnel, files and databases and the dominant processes the company relies on for its revenue. The paper examines the efficiencies accomplished by Dell by more effectively aligning their many e-business processes with the changing needs of customers. The paper also evaluates the continued effectiveness of build-to-order strategies as a process.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Dell's Strong Focus On Analytics Pays Off In E-Business
Dell's Areas of Measurements
The End Game: Dell's Mass Customization Strategy
Comparing Dell's Quote-to-Order and Guided Selling Strategies
Analysis of Dell's E-Business Strategies

From the Paper
"Dell Computer Corporation has revolutionized supply chain synchronization, multi-channel order capture, distributed order management, and recently has become more focused on both automated and personalized service strategies. Dell's rapid success with e-commerce over the last decade was in large part responsible for the concept of disintermediation in traditional multi-tier distribution channels becoming a central focus for thousands of companies."

Tags:supply, chain, disintermediation, multi-tier, distribution

Abstract
This paper is composed of a series of individual readings on various issues in the travel industry, most of which are preceded by an abstract or outline. The paper discusses topics that include the economic and cultural impact, communitas among tourists, cultural preservation and commondiation and similar issues.

From the Paper
"Dragon tourism is a local form of "ecotourism" at Komodo National Park in Indonesia, home to the endangered Komodo "Dragon" the largest lizard in the world. (Walpole and Goodwin, 2000, pp. 560-561) Ecotourism tries to protect the local environment by making that environment the basis of small-scale tourism and the local economy. The question is do the locals benefit from ecotourism? (Walpole and Goodwin, 2000, p. 567) One reason they do not is "leakage" where locals, lacking the necessary skills or capitol, lose potential income to outsiders - often from urban or "core" areas. (Walpole and Goodwin, 2000, p. 570-571)"

Tags:disintermediation, tourism, travel