E-commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

E-commerce - Essay Example Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the technology company as well as models which it follows also provides different associations with the company and the way in which it is now linking to a booming market. Business Issues The main business that Loving Outdoors has created is based on moving to the outdoors with different supplies that are required for clothing, footwear, camping, fishing and nutrition. They also supply outdoor kits that are readily available for those who expect to spend more time in the outdoors. Each of these are divided by product on the main website and have developed into a large variety of brand models and high quality items known for those interested in the outdoors. Loving Outdoors has combined this with reviews, interaction, blogs and information through polls and newsletters to help with the needs of customers and to make the information easier to find. This allows consumers to have easier connections to the different information that is available while providing more opportunities to highlight the best items that are a part of the outdoor company (Loving Outdoors, 2011). The first business concept which is looked at with the company is the information technology which is used for e-commerce and how this defines the roles that are required with the online business. ... This is also inclusive of information which is found easily and applications which are used for managing customers through both automated and customer support systems (Chaffey, 2007: 81). For Loving Outdoors, the strength in this comes from the blog, newsletter and polls that are on the website, which immediately offers information and interaction. This is combined with the straightforward navigation for different items available and the customer support that is known by the company. However, some difficulties in basic navigation and the large amount of products available cause the IT infrastructure to be limited without newer and high end components that are a part of e-commerce. Another relation that is created with Loving Outdoors and the business issues comes from the supply and value chain that is a part of the online store. When examining this, one can see a limited number of items that are available. However, these are noted to have a diversity of brands and a large diversity of types of equipment. For example, if looking at fishing rods, one is able to access almost 50 different items that are available. This is more than a regular store and offers more convenience of shopping. Even though there are a large number of supplies by value, the supply number is not as high as expected with the shipping from a main warehouse being the main objective with the Loving Outdoors items. Since everything is done through e-commerce, it requires continuous additions with the supply and demand while continuing to add to the value of the company. The concept of the supply and value chain that is a part of Loving Outdoors relates to the gaps that are in the main concepts for supply chain management. This includes the three phases of procurement of materials, processing