Internet & E-business Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of internet and e-business, focusing on the application of these concepts within the context of Next Plc. It examines the environment required for e-business, including the benefits and barriers to an online presence, security and legislative issues, and available communication modes. The report delves into internet technologies, the importance of HTML, the functions of client-servers and browsers, and the role of search engines. Different e-business models for revenue generation are explored, along with future developments in these models. Finally, the report discusses key elements of good web design, the impact of a well-designed website, and issues concerning website usability. The report concludes by summarizing the importance of internet and e-business for organizational success, highlighting the need for a robust IT infrastructure, adherence to legal and security frameworks, and effective utilization of various technological aspects of website design.

Internet and E-business
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1.................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Environment required for e-business and business transaction types........................................3
1.2 Benefits and barriers to businesses considering an online presence..........................................4
1.3 Assessment of security and legislative issues that Next Plc can face at online platform..........4
1.4 Modes of communication available to an e-business and their applications.............................5
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Explanation of internet technologies and their importance in success of e-business................6
2.2 Main feature of HTML..............................................................................................................6
2.3 Functions of client servers and browsers as well as the role of the search engine....................7
2.4 Evaluating the use of intranet and extranet within business communication...........................8
TASK 3.................................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Different e-business models that can be used to generate revenue for a business.....................9
3.3 Report on future developments in e-business models...............................................................9
TASK 4...............................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Key elements of a good web design structure.........................................................................10
4.2 Impact of well designed website to e-business........................................................................11
4.3 Issues concerning website usability.........................................................................................11
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................13
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INTRODUCTION
Internet is considered as one of most commonly used tools that provides valuable and creative
work culture to the business organisations. In this support, it can be said that E-business is part of
internet which assists business firms to sell and purchase products as well as services from anywhere
and at any time (Adamides, 2006). As per the consideration of current era, it can be said that number of
business organisations are focusing on the effective accomplishment of its goals and objectives through
using various internet based tools.
In order to have effective understanding regarding the concept of internet and e-business,
learning will focus on work culture of Next Plc. It will provide better understanding regarding benefits
and barriers that firm need to consider while operating business at online platform. It will also provide
information about the working of internet tools so that business can easily access the variety of internet
technologies available in the market. It will also have a spot light on diverse models of e-business that
can boost opportunities for Next Plc. Furthermore, it will also focus on the use of various key elements
that are needed to be considered for the effective design of website.
TASK 1
1.1 Environment required for e-business and business transaction types
As per the structured study, it has been spotted that internet and information communications
tools are most significant aspects for business and these boost in economic development and
productivity aspects. In support of this, it can be stated that there are number of techniques that firm
needs to focus while operating on online platform (Bruce, 2009). Classification of technologies can be
as intranet and extranet. With an improved focus on these elements, management of Next Plc can cut
down the cost of operations and lead business to the impressive success. Moreover, use of internet is
also beneficial for business as it provides ability to operate activities in the high competitive market.
Number of giants in retail sector are focusing towards the optimistic use of e-commerce and e-business
elements in order to amend opportunities and operational effectiveness (Jackson, 2005).
In this regard, it can be said that e-business implantation requires effective consideration of
intranet and appropriate combination of diverse commercial activities. E-commerce system will require
integrating online business activities including sales, marketing and supply chain management etc so
that business can easily accomplish goals (Morteza, 2011). Management needs to ensure about diverse
legal frameworks that relates with designing and use of internet tools so that objectives can be
accomplished in appropriate manner.
Moreover, there are two types of transactions that can boost up the business of Next Plc.
Classification can be as B2B and B2C. While operating in B2B model, transactions are made between
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organisation and stakeholders, suppliers, etc. On the other side, in B2C, business firm needs to execute
various transactions between organisation and customers (Pigneur, 2013). B2C model is beneficial for
Next Plc as it helps in increasing revenue aspect and provide better opportunity to build direct
relationship with the customers. Moreover, in B2B, company can expand its business at the
international level which will also enhance its sales and generate high profit.
1.2 Benefits and barriers to businesses considering an online presence
It has been spotted that implementation of internet tools in operational activities is beneficial
for Next Plc in a diverse manner as it provides various monetary and non-monetary advantages to the
firm. In this respect, it can be stated that with the proper application of e-business models, company
can have advancement in its brand image as it provides easy and convenient reach to customers.
Moreover, implantation of various security aspects and internet technological tools such as intranet and
extranet is also beneficial for the management of Next Plc as it provides presence at the international
level (Quinn, 2003). In addition to this, it can be said that internet tools and application reduce the
overall cost of operations and lead business to the impressive level of success. It also facilitates
business firm to maintain good relationship with diverse stakeholders such as suppliers, customers, etc.
In other words, it can be asserted that online presence of business is all about expanding opportunities
at domestic as well as international level (Canzer, 2006). Retail firm can have low cost operations
which will amend profit margin ratio of the business.
On the other side, it has also been noticed that management of Next Plc can also face few
issues in application of internet tools which may influence business operational activities in a negative
manner. One of key issues regarding marketing and development of business firm is due to improper
selection of model. It is essential for the management to ensure that B2B and B2C models are
considered as key aspects in the organisational success (Olsen, 2005). Moreover, lack support of IT
infrastructure is also a barrier for the management. In order to have effective application, business firm
requires easy accessibility with the hardware and software resources so that online operations can be
conducted in an appropriate manner. Other than this, lack of integration among activities is also critical
issue for the business organisation (Sweeney, 2008). In order to have effective development of online
platform, it is essential for business firm to ensure that various operational activities are having proper
integration such as sales, marketing and supply chain management. It will boost up the overall
productivity of organisation and helps in overcome diverse challenges that impact the overall business.
1.3 Assessment of security and legislative issues that Next Plc can face at online platform
In order to have better success at international market, it is essential for business firm to focus
on online platform development but while operating business with assistance of internet tools company
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can face various security and legislative issues. In this support, it can be said that the management of
Next Plc can face various issues in context to security and legal aspects which can be classified as
malware, viruses, data theft, wireless security, etc (Jackson, 2003). It has been identified that the
viruses and worms creates number of negative aspects in online transactional activeness which also
impacts efficiency of overall system. In the support of this, it can be said that the hacking is one of
biggest security issue and it damages business activities in diverse manner. There are number of
professional hackers who get involved in unethical practices such as access to significant information
and transfer of funds without permission (Meier, 2009). Torjan is considered as virus attack that may
create a security threat and issues for management of Next Plc.
On the other side, violation of various legal issues is also critical aspect for business
organisation and it impacts business in diverse manner. This kind of issue mostly occurs due to
improper information about diverse legal policies that relates with internet. In order to overcome these
kinds of issues it is essential for management of Next Plc to consider various legal frameworks and
standards in appropriate manner so that business can have impressive level of success (Campbell,
2000). Management must consider standards of various international authorities to meet the key
standards and lead business to impressive level of success.
1.4 Modes of communication available to an e-business and their applications
As per the structured study, it has been spotted that there different kinds of communication tools
and techniques that can be used by management of Next Plc while focusing on e-business. In order to
have better opportunities, it is essential for retail firm to consider various tools such as email,
messaging, video chat, social networking, etc (Currie, 2004). Other than this, proper application of
diverse data interchange techniques also need to be consider as it helps in accomplishment of various
transactional activities. It also assist in execution of online transaction with its suppliers and clients in
most suitable manner. With an assistance of email and social networking methods the business firm can
easily convey information regarding products and services with its customer's as well as suppliers
(Palmer, 2010).
Moreover, it is also essential for management to ensure that the information is segmented in
proper categories such as terms and conditions, feedbacks, frequently asked questions (FAQ's). With an
assistance of terms and conditions category the management can convey information relating to
business and transactional activities so that objectives can be accomplished in appropriate manner.
Feedback forms also assist business to identify the key needs of customer's and interact with customer's
(Dave., 2009). Online forms and questionnaires must be provided so that proper feedback can be receive
from customer's and understand their experience with brand.
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Moreover, FAQ's is also one of most significant method that helps in communicating with
customer's. For example, customer's can ask questions or quires to professionals with help of FAQ's
(Rowley, 2002). It also allows management and professionals to provide resolution of customer's query
by rendering necessary information to their buyers. With an assistance of online tools and other
communication methods the management of Next Plc can easily render significant information with
their suppliers as well as customer's.
TASK 2
2.1 Explanation of internet technologies and their importance in success of e-business
It has been spotted that there are number of internet technologies that need to consider by the
management of Next Plc in order to have better success at e-platform. In the support of this, it can be
said that the internet technologies is considered as combination of diverse infrastructural elements that
helps in effective accomplish of task (Chaffey, 2009). It has also been identified that there are three key
elements that needs to be consider for optimistic results, classification of internet technologies aspects
can be as TCP/IP, IP address, FTP.
In the support of above statement, it can be said that the transmission control protocol (TCP)
and internet protocol (IP) are most significant elements in effective transmission of data. It is essential
for management of Next Plc and technological department to esnure that the OSI model has critically
considered in development of information technology architecture. With an assistance of TCP/IP the
information sharing between customer and server can be accomplished in appropriate manner (Romano,
2006).
Moreover, IP address is unique combination of various elements that helps in identification of a
particular computer. It is essential to build effective connection between computers of buyers and
sellers so that organisational objectives can be achieved in most suitable manner. It is also essential to
consider IP address as it helps in identify the destination and address of client computer (Jones, 2008).
Other than this, file transfer protocol is also beneficial to have proper exchange of files and documents
between server and client computer. It requires assistance of TCP/IP network in order to meet the
standards of plain text as well as binary codes.
2.2 Main feature of HTML
In order to have effective development of e-business the management of Next Plc and
information technology department must focus on various key features of HTML. In this support, it
can be said that the HTML is considered as a hyper text mark up language tool which facilitates in
effective transformation of information. In other words, it can be said that the hypertext markup
language is well designed web-page static in which developers focuses on small markup tags. In the
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support of this, it can be said that the HTML language has several features including Elegant forms . It
is necessary for developers to ensure that the web forms must be designed in appropriate manner with
consideration of creative aspects (Mathur, 2013).
Client -side database system also need to be establish as per standards so that cookie issue can
be overcome during the storage. Web page must be user friendly and easy to access so that design and
structure must be coded manner (Miles, 2013). HTML has been developed using different opening and
closing tags. Key features of HTML are classified as follows:
Tables: It is a table that is used to have effective arrangement of data into diverse rows and
columns.
Forms: It is most critical element of HTML and it is accessed to attain diverse kinds of
information about user. It covers number of factors such as select, start button, check box and submit
button (Wie, 2002).
Character: ASCII and ANSI are also most critical factors of HTML and it helps in effective
development of website.
Hyperlink: HTML also facilitates in travelling from one page to another so that diverse
activities can be identified to amend website creation process of business.
Format of HTML
<HTML>
<Head>
<Title> **Next Plc <Title>
</Head>
**Message and information regarding products and services will be texted here to upload it on web
page.
<Body>
</Body>
</HTML>
2.3 Functions of client servers and browsers as well as the role of the search engine
It has been spotted that the client server architecture is one of most significant aspect for the
web design. It can be accomplished by focusing on two kinds of architecture. Classification of
architecture can be as two tier and three tier. In respect to two tier, it can be stated that the direct
communication can be take placed among clients and server. Three tier architecture is consist of three
steps which can be classified as client tier, business logic tier and database tier (Madel, 2003). In other
words, it can be said that the three tier architecture is one of advantageous method for Next Plc as it
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allows client to access the design and front web page in easy manner. In this respect, it is essential for
developers and management to focus on textbox, labels, and images and load the contents (Mitch,
2007).
With an assistance of business layer the management of Next Plc can easily have quick
communication with client as well as data layer. It is also beneficial for easy access of data to boost the
business operational activities. In addition to this, it can be said that the data layer helps in effective
storage of information regarding customer's, business partners and employees in order to boost design
of web page (Zhang and et.al., 2011).
Other than this, it has also been spotted that there are number of search engines that assist in use
of internet services. Classification of search engines can be as google, yahoo, etc. Moreover, Internet
Explorer, Mozilla, Safari and Google chrome are used to send information to server and vice versa. It
is considered as a mediator among server and customer's (Ikram, 2015). In respect to role of search
engine, it can be said that with an use of diverse engines the users can easily locate the web addresses
so that activities can be performed in easy manner. It also facilitates in locating various destinations,
maps, etc. Users can also have specific search on internet with an assistance of search engine.
2.4 Evaluating the use of intranet and extranet within business communication
As per the structured study, intranet is considered as a internal network that can be adopted by
management of Next Plc to have effective accomplishment of diverse internal operations. With an
assistance of intranet the management of business firm can have easy sharing of information and lead
business to impressive level of success. In the support of this, it can be said that the business firm can
also amend the accessibility to the database system in order to attain better success (Zhang and et.al.,
2011).
Video-chat and other operational activities can also be accomplished in effective manner with
an assistance of intranet. In such a channel business uses a firewall protect so that it can only be
accessed by the employees of the organization. While on other side the extranet is also considered as a
private networking system that can be accessed by various stakeholders even if they are not available
in range of intranet (Mitch, 2007). For example, the business firm can use extranet by managers and
stakeholders when they are travelling. It is the medium that can be used by team members to have easy
accessibility of the different information. With an assistance of extarnet any kind of specific objective
can be accomplished in appropriate manner. Next Plc an allow stakeholders, vendors and consumers to
have use of extranet.
Other than this, it has been spotted that the management of Next Plc can share operational
activities information with employees and stakeholders by using intranet networking system. On the
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other side, when information sharing criteria is high then extranet networking system can also be used
by management of Next Plc (Madel, 2003). Intranet can also be used within the business so that number
of information can be share in terms of configuration, guiding principle so that various procedures can
be accomplished in most suitable manner.
TASK 3
3.1 Different e-business models that can be used to generate revenue for a business
In order to have better generation of revenue the business firm needs to focus on diverse models
of e-business. In this respect, it can be said that the revenue model is considered as combination of
diverse strategies so tat sales, profit and income ratio can be improved. There is wide range of business
model that can be adopted by management of Next Plc to have better operations in internet and e-
business platform (Wie, 2002).
Advertising model is one of most significant model that can be used to disseminating the
information regarding customer's of Next Plc. his model includes the information about content,
services and products of the organization. With an improved focus on advertising the business can have
better value to the expenses (Miles, 2013). In addition to this, it can be stated that the advertising tool
also beneficial tool as it helps in collection of information regarding various products and services of
Next Plc by accessing the web link of organisation. Company can have effective advertising on yahoo
and other social networking websites to meet the organisational goals.
Other than this, sales model is significant for effective development as it covers various sources
that can generate better revenue for the management of Next Plc. Along with this, it increases the sales
of those products which are expensive. It is also beneficial to cut down the overall cost of operational
activities. Company can study working of various online portals in order to have better adaptation of
sales model (Mathur, 2013). Moreover, organisation can also use subscription model which is beneficial
for increase in number of subscribers for the organisation. By the amount of subscription fee in
exchange of some important information about products and services organization can compensate a
huge amount of other expenses.
3.3 Report on future developments in e-business models
E-business model is one of most significant factor that can lead business to impressive level of
success. With an assistance of e-business model the management of Next Plc can have better
opportunities in international market. It also provides better presence to business on online platform. In
this respect, it can be said that the e-business model with typoligies is one of most commonly used
technique (Jones, 2008). As per the consideration of current market scenario the online shopping is now
considered as one of beneficial technique. Different researcher has rendered their clear views on
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various models of the e-business and their attempt in returning revenue and profit margin ratio of the
business firms.
Moreover, it has also been spotted that there are different kinds of e-business models and that
can be applied by distinct organisations according to consideration of customer's needs as well as
business expectations. Business models can attain better success by focusing in different technologies.
In addition to this, it can be said that the effective use of diverse elements is also beneficial for business
organisation in creating better image at international platform (Romano, 2006). In the support of this, it
can be said that the business organisation can also focus on value proposition approach to have
effective development in e-business model as it will facilitate management of Next Plc to cut down the
overall cost of operational activities. In addition to this, it can be stated that the price model, marketing
model are also beneficial to amend virtual environmental aspects (Chaffey, 2009). It also facilitates in
establishing direct communication among various stakeholders such as supplier, customer's, etc.
TASK 4
4.1 Key elements of a good web design structure
There are some of the elements that are discussed which are required in order to make the good
web design structure. These are discussed as follows:
 Keywords: This element involve some leading key words that can be used by the customers
while searching some specific products or services of Next Plc. This will become easier for the
customer while searching any complicated product name. Thus, this makes the web design
structure very easy and user friendly (Rowley, 2002).
 Title: Title is that element which includes the meta-data. Thus, an organization can decide the
six headings form H1 to H6. However, company can use <H1> as a web document of the
organization in order to denote the first heading.
 Body: One of the main element of the web design structure is bod. It includes the content of the
web page of the enterprise that is Next Plc. Body of the web design therefore helps in
controlling the visual style of CSS. Thus, this element comprises of the tables, paragraphs,
diagrams, images, etc. which are related to the Next Plc.'s products and services (Dave., 2009).
 Navigation: This is again an important factor which help in creating good web design structure
of Next Plc. This element provides a speed to the service users so that lesser time most of the
information can be gathered. For this purpose, a company needs to devise their web design
structure in such a way that appropriate navigation can be designed (Chaffey, 2009). This will
assist in attracting large number of customers towards the website as the service users can
easily and quickly search about the gathering the information of a specific products or services.
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 Meta-Tags: The element which is one of the useful element of a web design structure is meta-
tags. In this, metadata is also included. These types of data cannot be displayed on the front
page of website of Next Plc. However, this data is interpreted by the some clicks on other
navigation.
4.2 Impact of well designed website to e-business
If a website is well designed than it will have a positive impact on the e-business of Next Plc. it
is because the well deigned website will provide a clear visual hierarchy of web pages, images and
hyperlinks. This helps on increasing the interest of the customers as they will get attracted towards the
website and will enjoy using it because the website is user friendly. Further, the well designed website
will help in providing the clear and detailed information about each and every products or services and
also about other activities of the organization (Romano, 2006). Moreover, the page layout and a specific
structure augment trust and security of customers towards the business organization. This will help in
maintaining the trust of the customer because the site of the Next Plc is highly secured and information
of the customer remains confidential. Thus, due to this reason, customers would prefer to buy the
products and avail services from the website of the company.
Moreover, the solid navigation tool available at the website of the Next Plc. increases the
searching speed of customers. This will assist in increasing the understanding of customers about the
website and also about the quick search. This tool will increase the interest of customers because buyer
will require lesser time in doing the shopping of a apparels. Thus, time can be saved with the use of
such advanced tools so this will attract more of the customers and e-business can grow at fast pace if
the website is well designed (Jones, 2008). Furthermore, the well designed websites will help the
consumers in getting the information about the interactivity of a company Next Plc. the reason behind
that is company can interact with the customers through the website. This will help in resolving the
queries on hand. Further, this website will provide highest advantages to the customers and through
this sales, revenue, profitability, number of customers and income of the e-business of the Next Plc.
can be increased.
4.3 Issues concerning website usability
Is is not an easy task for the Next Plc. to conduct the e-business without encountering with any
issues. This is a very complicated task to manage the website as a part of e-business. There are large
number of issues associated with the e-business and use of website of Next Plc. Company faces the
issues such as they have to pay attention towards the different language of the service users. As the
target market of Next Plc is all over the world so website is also globalized for that context. Thus, it
becomes highly important for the company to show the content of the website in several languages
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(Jones, 2008). This is the main issue which the company faces because they have to translate the content
of the website in various languages of the world and this is most difficult task for Next Plc.
Further, creating a good navigation is also one of the major issue in conducting an e-business
because if organization does not have appropriate tool for navigation then it will affect the interest of
customer towards the website. The customer would not be attracted if the speedy search cannot be
done on the website and hence it will become a time consuming process if navigation is not included.
Thus, this creates a problem for the company. In addition to this, firm has to take care about the
government regulation for the technologies, products and services such as maintaining the
confidentiality of the customers, cultural and beliefs does not get undermine while representing any
promotional message on the website (Romano, 2006). All these should be taken into care while
conducting an e-business. The government intervention creates a major problem for the Next Plc to
carry out an e-business in a smooth manner. However, marketing and completion also affect the web
design of the organization . Thus, the above mentioned factors were some of the issues which are faced
by the Next Plc. concerning usability of websites.
CONCLUSION
As per the above study, it can be concluded that the internet and e-business model is one of
significant aspect in current market scenario as it amends opportunities for business firm. It has been
spotted that the internet and information communications tools are most significant aspects for
business and it boosts economic development and productivity aspects. In the support of this, it can be
said that there are number of elements that management needs to consider for effective design of web
portals. It is essential for management to ensure that the B2B and B2C models considered as key aspect
in organisational success.
Moreover, lack support of IT infrastructure is one of key barrier for management while
operating business on online platform. In order to have effective development of business the
management of Next Plc must focus on HTML and other technological aspects of website design. In
the support of this, it can be said that the legal and security frameworks also need to be followed by
management and developers so that various issues can be overcome in most suitable manner.
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