| Lesson 2 | E-business Course Prerequisites |
| Objective | Verify you have the right background for this course. |
e-business Course Prerequisites
To effectively study e-business architecture, a student should ideally possess the following background:
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Basic Knowledge of Business Concepts
- Understanding of Business Processes: Familiarity with core business operations like supply chain management, customer relationship management, and enterprise resource planning.
- Knowledge of E-commerce Basics: Awareness of online transaction systems, payment gateways, and digital marketing concepts.
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Technical Foundation
- Basic IT Skills: Understanding how computers, networks, and databases work.
- Programming Fundamentals: Familiarity with at least one programming language, such as Python, Java, or PHP, to understand system implementation aspects.
- Web Technologies: Awareness of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and how web applications function.
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Understanding of Systems and Architecture
- Database Basics: Knowledge of database concepts and SQL.
- Networking Fundamentals: Understanding of internet protocols, firewalls, and cybersecurity basics.
- System Design: Basic awareness of how software systems are structured and how different components interact.
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Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Data Analysis: Ability to interpret business data and understand its significance for e-business systems.
- Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze and evaluate system requirements and architectures.
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Familiarity with Business Tools and Platforms
- ERP and CRM Tools: Basic exposure to platforms like SAP, Salesforce, or similar tools used in e-business.
- Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with WordPress, Joomla, or other CMS platforms.
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Basic Knowledge of Emerging Trends
- Cloud Computing: Awareness of cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, and their role in e-business.
- Mobile and Responsive Design: Understanding the importance of mobile platforms in e-commerce.
Architecture Global Business
E-business architecture encompasses various integral components that work together to support the digital operations of a business, with supply chain management (SCM), customer relationship management (CRM), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) being fundamental. Supply chain management in e-business architecture ensures that the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers is seamless, efficient, and cost-effective. This is achieved through integration with real-time inventory tracking, supplier networks, and logistics management systems. By leveraging digital tools, businesses can optimize their supply chains, reduce delays, manage stock levels more accurately, and respond agilely to market changes. Effective SCM within an e-business framework not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances customer satisfaction by ensuring product availability and timely delivery.
Customer Relationship Management and Enterprise Resource Planning systems are also pivotal in shaping the e-business architecture. CRM systems focus on managing a company's interactions with current and potential customers using data analysis about customers' history with the company to improve business relationships, specifically focusing on customer retention and ultimately driving sales growth. Through CRM, e-businesses can personalize marketing, track customer interactions, and provide better customer service, all of which are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the digital marketplace. On the other hand, ERP systems integrate all facets of an operation, including product planning, development, manufacturing processes, sales, and marketing. In the context of e-business, ERP provides a centralized platform where data from different departments can be shared, analyzed, and acted upon, facilitating better decision-making, coordination, and resource management across the enterprise. Together, SCM, CRM, and ERP form a robust e-business architecture that supports scalable, responsive, and customer-centric business operations.
To get the most out of this course, you should have a solid grasp of business models and management processes, and be familiar with basic networking concepts. You should have a basic understanding of programming concepts, the Internet, and the following concepts:
Prior to taking this course, you should have the following skills:
Customer Relationship Management and Enterprise Resource Planning systems are also pivotal in shaping the e-business architecture. CRM systems focus on managing a company's interactions with current and potential customers using data analysis about customers' history with the company to improve business relationships, specifically focusing on customer retention and ultimately driving sales growth. Through CRM, e-businesses can personalize marketing, track customer interactions, and provide better customer service, all of which are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the digital marketplace. On the other hand, ERP systems integrate all facets of an operation, including product planning, development, manufacturing processes, sales, and marketing. In the context of e-business, ERP provides a centralized platform where data from different departments can be shared, analyzed, and acted upon, facilitating better decision-making, coordination, and resource management across the enterprise. Together, SCM, CRM, and ERP form a robust e-business architecture that supports scalable, responsive, and customer-centric business operations.
To get the most out of this course, you should have a solid grasp of business models and management processes, and be familiar with basic networking concepts. You should have a basic understanding of programming concepts, the Internet, and the following concepts:
- Networking protocols, including TCP/IP
- Operating systems
- E-commerce and eBusiness
Prior to taking this course, you should have the following skills:
- E-Commerce Fundamentals, or equivalent knowledge and experience
- Experience with high-tech products or services
- In-depth knowledge of a specific industry
- Business-to-Business
Business-to-business (or B2B for short) is a marketing strategy which involves the transaction of goods or services between businesses (as opposed to relations between businesses and other groups, for example consumers or public administration).
Customer Experience Strategy
Increase in Efficiency
Since the early 2000s, U.S. corporations have demonstrated significant advancements in efficiency, driven by the rapid growth of technology, globalization, and the need to remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy. This progress is fueled by executive management's commitment to optimizing investor returns while adapting to changing market conditions. U.S. worker productivity has continued to rise, supported by advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and the optimization of operational processes. Globally, corporations face similar pressures from local, regional, and international competitors, including those from the United States. Successful firms have adopted a variety of strategies to remain competitive, with a primary focus on increasing revenues, reducing costs, and improving processes.
From 2000 onward, the proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed business operations. Many organizations have recognized that adopting e-business solutions is a critical method to implement their strategic initiatives. These solutions include cloud computing, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, and advanced data analytics tools. By the mid-2020s, corporate spending on digital transformation and e-business solutions has become a substantial part of organizational budgets, often representing a significant percentage of capital expenditures. Despite these investments, not every project delivers the anticipated outcomes, leading executive management to scrutinize costs and benefits closely. The most successful organizations have adopted robust evaluation frameworks, measuring a combination of business objectives, costs, and tangible benefits to ensure the strategic implementation of e-business initiatives. To further enhance accountability, managers are held responsible for achieving measurable results during both the implementation phase and the ongoing operation of these solutions. In the next lesson, the evolving hardware and software requirements needed to support these e-business strategies will be discussed.
From 2000 onward, the proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed business operations. Many organizations have recognized that adopting e-business solutions is a critical method to implement their strategic initiatives. These solutions include cloud computing, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, and advanced data analytics tools. By the mid-2020s, corporate spending on digital transformation and e-business solutions has become a substantial part of organizational budgets, often representing a significant percentage of capital expenditures. Despite these investments, not every project delivers the anticipated outcomes, leading executive management to scrutinize costs and benefits closely. The most successful organizations have adopted robust evaluation frameworks, measuring a combination of business objectives, costs, and tangible benefits to ensure the strategic implementation of e-business initiatives. To further enhance accountability, managers are held responsible for achieving measurable results during both the implementation phase and the ongoing operation of these solutions. In the next lesson, the evolving hardware and software requirements needed to support these e-business strategies will be discussed.