Effets of Digital Communication and Electronic Commerce in Australian Firms

Effects of Digital Communication and Electronic Commerce in Australian Firms

Name:

Institution:

Tutor:

Date:

Executive Summary

Technology has enabled many innovations in the business sector creating avenues through which revenue can be generated. Some of these avenues such as electronic commerce have completely changed business models by creating invisible ways of selling goods and services. A research was conducted to investigate the effects and in particular, advantages, that the electronic commerce has introduced in Australian firms and the nation at large. The findings were that the sector has increased the economic growth to the firms as well as the nation. Additionally, the sector has created opportunities for the young adults who have established small enterprises that easily incorporate electronic commerce. As such, the sector is self suffieint and keeps growing spontaneously. The literature review presents insights into the concept of electronic commerce and digital communication.

Table of Contents

1.        Introduction        4

1.1 Background        4

1.2 Problem Definition        5

1.3 Justification        6

1. 4 Aim and Objectives        7

2.        Literature Review        7

2.1 Digital Communication and Electronic Commerce        7

2.2 Australian Firms that Exploit Digital Communication in Electronic Commerce        9

3.        Methodology        11

4.        Findings and Discussion        12

4.1 Effects of Digital Communication and Electronic Commerce in Australian Firms        12

5.        Discussion        13

6.        Conclusion        14

References        15

1. Introduction

I am an electronic and communication engineer but I aspire pursuing the relevant courses in professional management. Technology has changed the way business operations are handled; to a larger extent also, it has evolved the channels used for purchasing operations, making it possible to conduct these purchases without the physical presence of both partners in the trade. With this regard, the main tools that have helped in this revolution are digital communication. The introduction of internet and cell phones has nowadays helped in the establishment of online payment and commerce activities. This means that there are no costs associated with travelling to physical retail stores or time wasted while travelling. Communication using these devices further helps in this line of business by allowing a link between customers and the electronic commerce institutions. This report presents the findings conducted in a research on the effects that this technology of digital communication has enabled Australia rise in the case electronic commerce. Many firms use this communication regardless of the type of business. Whether the commerce involves goods or services, the electronic commerce helps in both by offering delivery options and onsite services to the respective customers or clients. As such, the topic becomes an important discussion forum, enabling firms learn from each other in both the positive and negative effects.

1.1 Background

The history of digital communication in Australia traces roots from the earliest communication technology right after the industrial revolution. In this period of time, the technology of telegraphs was introduced in the country, particularly in 1854 between the regions of Melbourne and Williamstown; thanks to the man behind this (Samuel McGowan), communication between regions that were not physically close was enabled, marking the beginning to the long journey of establishing digital communication. Subsequent growth of this technology led to the establishment of submarine cables, which helped to connect regions separated by sea by laying down the cables in the sea bed. Although this was transformative, it did not work in the regions of Victoria and Tasmania where it was first introduced in 1859 but later worked in 1869 (Marshall, Sor, & McKay, 2000). Wireless telegraphy was introduced in 1914 and this eased the costs of setting up the telegraph lines. Additionally, this introduced efficiency of communication sine these lines were not interrupted by physical setbacks such as physical damages. By the end of the 20th century, cell phones and computers were largely used in communication, exploiting the communication technology of electronic mails, the internet and development of websites (O’Cass & Carlson, 2012). This time saw some companies employ the internet and usage of computers as the main aspects of electronic commerce. Woolworths embraced this by starting to shift from physical stores to the online electronic commerce. By the years 2014 and 2015, the electronic commerce had kept an increasing growth rate in the country, from 11.4% to 15.7% (Murphy, 2016). The main reason for this growth rate was an increased awareness by customers in the use of digital communication devices and the cheap cost of accessing the internet where these commerce activities take place.

1.2 Problem Definition

The electronic commerce and digital communication is rather a relatively new concept to many people as well as firms. This is in terms of learning the implications it has on commerce, the cost and benefit implications, the meaning in relation with the growing technology rates. As such, the problem here is that even though the sector provides lucrative revenue for the firms using it, the sector has not been fully explored; this is attributed with reluctance to embrace it by the customers and the firms for fear of change. While dynamics in the workplace cannot be escaped, this concept has not been fully recognized which makes this research rather important (Miller, 2013). Additionally, the relevant stakeholders need to know the positive and negative sides so that they can make sound decisions regarding the sector. This forms the problem of giving the insight to the stakeholders and giving the chance to make critical and personal decisions from the information provided.

1.3 Justification

The research on digital communication and electronic communication is justifiable especially in the age where many business activities are largely relying on technology. While companies employ this technology in different areas of operations such as automation of production processes, electronic control of resources and asset management systems, the study and embracing of digital communication in electronic commerce cannot be neglected. This area forms part and parcel of the larger concept of technological growth ("Research Justification," 2014). As such, firms this knowledge which will help in the uniformity of the technological growth. This unification will help the firms grow uniformly so that future technologies are implemented swiftly, without glitches in such sectors that have been left behind in the use of technology. Moreover, these firms need to have ample knowledge on this technology, which makes it easy for the Information Technologists in the firms to come up with better and efficient technologies by learning from these. In short, the knowledge of digital communication and electronic commerce benefits a wide range of stakeholders; from customers to shareholders and from employees to employers. Every party here should learn the concepts in this research to advance the search for more technologies in the areas of digital communication and electronic commerce.