Select one of the following questions for your individual assignment. This assignment should be your own work and is worth 50% of the total marks.
Length of assignment: 1,750 words (does not include references, footnotes/endnotes, appendices, tables, figures and their captions)
Due Date: 5th January 2004
1.What has been the most successful business model of the “Internet Age” to date?
Analyse the different kinds of business models that have emerged from the advent of the Internet. What criteria are you using to judge success? Justify these criteria. Your answer must demonstrate reading of academic literature, and critical analysis of this reading to synthesise your argument. You should also include real life examples to support your answer.
2. Critically assess Afuah and Tucci’s framework for analysing the potential success of an Internet based business.
What are the flaws of this model and what are the strengths (if any)? Would you modify this framework or introduce another framework that would be more appropriate for analysing e-businesses? Justify your arguments by applying the framework to a number of businesses.
3. “E-business no longer exists – all business is e-business”
Critically evaluate the above statement. Do you believe this statement to be true? Referring to academic literature and drawing on examples, synthesise an argument in support of your beliefs. What are the implications of this statement for business and management.
The main purpose of this assignment is for you to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of e-business and to be able to question and analyse concepts that have been introduced. Do not focus merely on the descriptive but give a detailed analysis bringing in academic references and frameworks, please make sure you reference all your work appropriately (check your manual). There is a word limit of 1,750 words, you must therefore demonstrate your writing skills in being able to include information that is relevant and to the point. You must be succinct and only include information that will further and develop your argument and evidence wider reading. You may use appendices in this assignment.