Posted: June 22nd, 2015

business proposal

 

Contents

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

Chapter One: Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4

Objectives of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

General Objective……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

Specific Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

Research Questions………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6

Possible Limitations of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………….. 6

Chapter Two: Literature Review…………………………………………………………………………………………. 6

Conceptual Framework………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8

Chapter Three: Research Design and Methodology……………………………………………………………….. 9

Sample and Sampling Technique…………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

Data Source and Collection………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10

Data Analysis and Interpretation……………………………………………………………………………………. 11

Time Scale…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11

Research Ethics………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12

 

 

Abstract

E-business has been incorporated by businesses today where all business operations are automated. This has led to organizations incorporating marketing strategies into their e-business. The incorporation of e-business marketing strategies has had a significant impact on the development of the traditional businesses. This research proposal seeks to determine how traditional companies use e-business marketing strategies to develop. This research proposal has been divided into three chapters. Chapter one has introduced the subject matter by giving a background of the study and identifying the objectives of the study. Additionally, the researcher has highlighted the research questions as well as the possible limitations of the study. In chapter two the researcher has discussed various works of literature that relate to the subject matter under study. Chapter three mainly highlights the research methods that the researcher intends to use in collection and analysis of data. Research ethics to be observed have also been highlighted.

 

 

How Traditional Companies Use E-business Marketing Strategies to Develop

Chapter One: Introduction

Background of the Study

The development of technology over the years has had an effect on the development of the world. Technology has contributed to the development of every sector of life, including economic, social, and political. Technology has had an influence on the development of economies across the globe, making international trade very easy to participate in. Technology has also helped in the development of businesses across all sectors of an economy (Lee, 2013).

E-business is a product of the advancements in technology. Many businesses have sought to capture potential consumers across the globe through the introduction of virtual stores and markets where consumers can purchase goods and services at the touch of a button. Online business has become a platform that many businesses are exploring in their aim to increase their market share and increase their profits. Many companies have automated their systems such that all their processes are done from an online platform. This has not only made doing business easier, but has also increased efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery by such businesses (Rezaul, 2012).

For a business to be successful it must have a sound marketing strategy that it uses to increase its market share, its sales as well as maximize on its profit margins. Business managers have come up with E-business marketing strategies that have enabled them to capture their online customers. Having the right marketing strategy to facilitate the marketing and sales of a product is important in achieving some of the organizational goals. The integration of such marketing strategies has had a significant impact on the running as well as the development of businesses.

In this paper, the researcher will seek to analyze how traditional companies use E-business marketing strategies to develop their businesses. This is specifically important as most of the traditional companies have had to integrate traditional marketing methods with digital methods. This integration has a significant influence on how the businesses develop as well as have significant impacts on the overall running of the organization.

Objectives of the Study

These are the goals that the researcher seeks to achieve in carrying out the research study (Majumdar, 2007).

General Objective

To determine how traditional companies use E-business marketing strategies in developing their businesses.

Specific Objectives

1. To determine if traditional companies have been able to incorporate E-business marketing strategies in their business processes successfully.
2. To evaluate if the integration of E-business marketing strategies in their businesses has contributed to the development of traditional companies.

• To examine how the use of E-business marketing strategies in traditional companies has impacted on the organization as a whole.

Research Questions

These are the questions that the researcher will seek to answer in carrying out the research study.

1. Have traditional companies been able to incorporate E-business marketing strategies in their business processes successfully?
2. How has the integration of E-business marketing strategies in their businesses contributed to the development of traditional companies?

• How has the use of E-business marketing strategies by traditional companies impacted on the organization as a whole?

Possible Limitations of the Study

In every research, there are factors that may limit the researcher in obtaining relevant and sufficient information for the research work they are carrying out (Coldwell, & Herbst, 2004). In this study the researcher anticipates that time constraint shall be the limiting factor. The period provided by the institution to carry out the research study may not be sufficient to carry out a comprehensive research study. The researcher seeks to overcome this challenge by establishing a plan in which timelines shall be established within which various tasks are to be accomplished. Additionally, the researcher will seek to define the scope of the study so as to limit the time spent in data collection and analysis.

Chapter Two: Literature Review

The business world is undergoing a paradigm shift that can be attributed to the changes in information technology. Businesses are constantly seeking to become the best in the industries that they are based in. Being the best in the world today, entails a business creating a competitive advantage for itself by being creative and innovative in the business it is involved in. The information age is evolving with more information being available through the internet giving individuals greater power to make informed decisions than before.

The development of information technology has seen the development of e-businesses. Anumba, & Ruikar (2008), consider a business to be an e-business to the extent that it targets market opportunities that are available for the exploitation of electronic channels that revolve around the internet. E-business entails the buying and selling of products and services, providing customer care services, processing payments, management of production processes, sharing information, engaging with business partners and running an automated human resource system. All these activities rely on an intranet or internet for their execution.

Marketing is an essential part of any successful business. It is through effective marketing management that an organization can identify its market niche, increase its market share, increase sales, as well as profits. With the integration of automated systems into their business processes, it has become important for companies to incorporate marketing strategies into their e-businesses (Lopez, 2014).

E-business marketing strategies are combinations of e-business and marketing strategies. It involves the integration of marketing strategies into e-business. Many companies have adopted e-business into their business processes that have also prompted then to look for strategies that will facilitate the marketing of their e-businesses. A good marketing strategy incorporated the 4Ps of the marketing mix that is price, place, product, and promotion. It is, therefore, important for an e-business to incorporate these four elements in coming up with a marketing strategy (Fletcher, R., Bell, J. & McNaughton, R. 2004).

According Napier, (2006) to a market plan is important in implementing an e-business marketing strategy. In this market plan management must identify the target market, current and potential competitors, how to retain customers as well as attract new customers and finally identify means by which the business can keep up with the changes in e-business.

The use of e-business marketing strategies has had an effect on the development of traditional companies. For some of them the integration of e-business strategies into their processes has enabled them to expand and grow while others have not been quite fortunate which could be attributed to poor planning or implementation of set out strategies. This purpose of this research proposal is to analyze how traditional companies have used e-business to develop and if they have been successful.

Conceptual Framework

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The incorporation of marketing strategies into e- business is one of the difficult tasks that managers face in the business world today. They have to plan carefully to ensure that they can achieve the setout goals.

The successful integration of e-business marketing strategies can have a tremendous contribution to the development of traditional companies. However, they must be careful to ensure that these strategies are line with organizational goals.

The incorporation of e-business strategies into the business has an impact on the overall running of the business. This research proposal seeks to identify the various impacts and the effect they will have on the organization as a whole.

Chapter Three: Research Design and Methodology

The researcher will adopt a descriptive method where a description of the current phenomenon being studied will be given. The researcher will not carry out any experiments or manipulate the environment in carrying out the research. This study requires a careful analysis of how traditional companies are using E-business marketing strategies in developing their businesses. A descriptive research design method will enable the researcher in achieving the setout research objectives (Lapan, Quartaroli, & Riemer, 2012).

Sample and Sampling Technique

A sample is a portion of a given population that is used in carrying out research where the researcher believes that the sample is representative of the whole population under study. Sampling is a statistical practice used by researchers in determining the sample size to be used in carrying out a research study (Levy, & Lemeshow, 2013).

In this study, the researchers will use random sampling in determining the sample size of the population under study. The researcher will identify different companies that have ventured into online business and thereby have the opportunity to use E-business marketing strategies as part of their business processes. From the recognized companies, the researcher will randomly select the companies to be used in the research study. The fashion industry is well developed in doing E-business. Consumers can shop clothes, shoes, makeup, and other accessories through online stores. A sample of companies in the fashion industry shall be used in carrying out the research study.

Data Source and Collection

There are several sources of data that a researcher can rely on in carrying out research for their study. Data sources are classified as primary and secondary sources. Primary sources provide first-hand information and are collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observation. Secondary sources of data provide reported information and are collected from journals, books, recordings, articles among others.

The researcher will rely on secondary sources of data in collecting information that pertains to this study. The researcher has resulted in this method of data collection because of time constraints and the fact that published data is more objective as compared to primary data which sometimes relies on opinion. The researcher will rely on published data of the selected companies such as financial reports, articles and other materials that will provide the required data on the subject being studied (Kothari, 2004).

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Data analysis and interpretation entails the collection of data and interpreting it such that the information obtained can be easily understood. Data analysis facilitates the communication of the information obtained from the research carried out. The researcher will rely on both qualitative as well as quantitative methods in the analysis of the information obtained from the research study carried out. The data collected shall contain both statistical and non-statistical data and hence the mentioned data analysis methods shall be beneficial in data analysis and presentation. (Bamberger, 2000)

Time Scale

A timescale highlights the period that the researcher intends to use in carrying out the research study. It is a vital tool as it helps the researcher to plan and prioritize the various activities to be undertaken according to the workload attributable to them. This research study proposal shall be carried within the period of my Master’s Degree course. The table below highlights the timescale within which the researcher expects to complete the preparation of a research proposal.                                                                                          

	Month 2015	Month 2015	Month 2015	Month 2015
Selection of Research topic
Chapter one
Chapter two
Chapter three
Submission of the proposal

 

Research Ethics

Research ethics is the practices and behaviors that are considered moral and acceptable in carrying out a research study. Every researcher is expected to observe research ethics in carrying out their research study. In this study, the researcher will ensure that confidentiality is upheld in case private information is obtained in the course of the research. The researcher will strive to be objective in reporting the findings of the study so as to eliminate biases in the study. In presenting the findings, the researcher will ensure that all the information provided is truthful and to the best of the researcher’s knowledge (Oliver, 2010).

Reference list

Anumba, C. & Ruikar, K. 2008. E-business in construction. Chichester, UK Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell.

Bamberger, M. 2000. Integrating quantitative and qualitative research in development projects. Washington, D.C: World Bank.

Coldwell, D. & Herbst, F. 2004. Business research. New York: Juta Academic.

Fletcher, R., Bell, J. & McNaughton, R. 2004. International e-business marketing. London: Thomson Learning.

Kothari, C. 2004. Research methodology methods & techniques. New Delhi: New Age International (P) Ltd.

Lapan, S., Quartaroli, M. & Riemer, F. 2012. Qualitative research an introduction to methods and designs. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Lee, I. 2013. Mobile applications and knowledge advancements in e-business. Hershey, Pa: Business Science Reference.

Levy, P. & Lemeshow, S. 2013. Sampling of populations methods and applications. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.s

Lopez, F. 2014. Handbook of strategic e-business management. Heidelberg: Springer.

Majumdar, R. 2007. Marketing Research-Text, Applications And Case Studies. New Age International.

Napier, H. 2006. Creating a winning E-business. Boston, Mass: Thomson Course Technology.

Oliver, P. 2010. The student’s guide to research ethics. Maidenhead, Berkshire, England New York: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press.

Rezaul, K. 2012. Strategic and pragmatic e-business : implications for future business practices. Hershey, PA: Business Science Reference.