Saudi Electronic University
College of Administrative and Financial Sciences E-Business Strategy and
Business Model
ECOM 421 Project Assignment Sep 2017
Overview:
Strategy is perquisite to success. This project emphasizes upon the application of strategy
in business. It answers the important question: why it is important to individuals and
organisations in achieving their goals. In this case the strategy will be in reference to
businesses using e-business systems. We understand the e-Business Strategy plan as a
detailed plan that is a unifying theme that gives coherence and direction to the actions
and decisions of an organization operating in e-Business domain.
Strategy is both a science and art. To prepare an e-Business Strategic plan, it is imperative
to understand the environment in which company operates. It needs to consider all
categories/types of environment both internal as well as external as an basic input to
creating right strategy and business model.
There are now a variety of tools and knowledge available that guides us how to create the
e-Business plan. This course equips the students in the different theories, models and
framework that help a student and practitioner of management to create the strategy plan
for any e-Business organization.
This project expects demonstration of such skills by the student on applicability of different
tools, techniques and models to arrive at a systematic e-Business strategy plan.
Read the below instructions that you will guide you to do this exercise.
1. Pick Your Company:
Pick a company to research. Make sure that it is large enough to have enough
data to make it easy to research. It is desired that this company should have a
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reasonable use of Internet/e-commerce technologies in its operations. Submit
the name of the company you choose to your professor for approval.
2. Research your selected company to determine the past, present, and likely
future of the industry and the company’s track record with that industry.
Use the different models like SWOT, PEST, Porters model to understand
the market environment.
3. Create the appropriate strategy framework keeping in view its Value
Network. Detail out the specific activities that would be undertaken in
context of its digital business framework.
4. Create the implementation plan. Identify the activities to be undertaken. List
the possible risks and possible measures to address them.
5. Executive Summary:
Write the executive summary for your e-Business strategy plan. An executive
summary provides a synopsis of the entire plan that highlights the most
important points of the proposed Strategy Plan. It gives others (i.e., employees,
financers, etc.) a concise picture of what you are going to do and how you are
going achieve it. The executive summary of this e-Business plan will be the first
section of the plan, but is the last section written.
6. Present Your e-Business Strategy Plan:
Create a presentation to the senior business leaders that will provide a
summary of the most important points of your e-Business Strategy plan. Your
presentation is to:
o Presentation duration of 5 to 10 minutes.
o Include a PowerPoint presentation of 6- 8 slides
o Include a one-page handout for the senior business leaders. Email this
to your instructor and your classmates.
o Your instructor will give you directions about when and how you will
present.
o Be prepared to critique the strategy plans presented by your
classmates.
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Note:
Format the project according to the Business Report Guidelines. Include a reference
page. (Note: According to APA, if you have an entry on the reference page there must
be at least one in-text citation that corresponds to the entry in the body of the document.) Project Submission:
Submission week Due Date Point Covered Marks
First Submission Week 7 Upto 2 3
Second
Submission
Week 12 Submit Project 7
Third
Submission
Week 13 Presentation 5
Submission will be through the Blackboard.
Business Report Guidelines
Standard Format for Business Reports
Students are expected to adhere to the following when completing a business report.
1. 12-point serif font (Times New Roman or Courier).
2. Double-spaced (unless the assignment specifically states single-spaced).
3. 1-inch margins at the top, bottom, left, and right of every page.
4. Cover page.
5. Page numbers are in the header in the top right corner. A running head is not
included.
6. Paragraphs are to be indented five to seven spaces.
7. Complete sentences, correct grammar, correct spelling, and accurate punctuation are
expected.
8. Absence of typographical errors.
9. Citations within the body of the text follow APA format. Note: Even though you may
not use citations in a report at work, you are currently in an academic environment.
Demonstrate that you have analyzed and evaluated information you have gained in
the course and then applied it appropriately in your report.
10. Reference list (if necessary) starts on a new page and follows proper APA 6th edition
format.
11. Images, graphs, charts, or other types of visuals are considered to be figures in APA
format and must adhere to proper APA 6th edition formatting.
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12. Writing style is to be concise, factual, and in the imperative mood. Write to your
audience (see details in the assignment). Use strong words that will persuade and/or
motivate your audience.
13. Typical elements (see your assignment for specific details):
a. Introduction or executive summary.
b. State the issue being addressed.
c. Explain the exact steps taken and methods used (procedure) to address the issue for
this report.
d. Identify the findings during the course of your procedure. Include specific data.
e. Conclusions based on the analysis and evaluation of your findings.
f. Recommendations state actions that you feel needs to be taken based on your
findings and conclusions.