E-Business
E-business, short for electronic business, is the practice of using Internet technologies to run a business solely online. These types of businesses utilize what is referred to as ecommerce to increase productivity and profitability. In e-business degree programs students learn about how the Internet can be utilized to improve an old business or create a new one, as well as how online solutions can solve business problems. They study important concepts like online product development, virtual consumer bases, and Web site use in product marketing. Most e-business bachelor's degrees are best associated with marketing, retail, and service related fields, all of which have a strong online presence.
Common Career Paths:
Management Consultant
Management consultants examine and analyze businesses and identify ways to improve organization and increase profits. They consult with business managers in order to identify goals, analyze weaknesses, reorganize structures, and develop strategies. For the consultant concerned with e-businesses this involves plans to increase a company's presence in an electronic marketplace and implementing strategies that allow it to remain competitive. It may also include putting electronic services and systems into place that will help a business run more smoothly and improve overall efficiency. A consultant's job requires them to work with a wide range of people from business managers to administrative assistants. While some management consultants may work internally at an organization, most of the time they are hired as outside consultants on a contract basis.
Management consultants who focus on e-business are usually required to have at least a bachelor's degree in a business-related area and concentration in information technology, ecommerce, or marketing. These types of programs consist of relevant courses like Internet technology, management information, venture capital, business communications, and ecommerce marketing and strategy systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment within this field is expected to increase by 24 percent by 2018, especially for those who specialize in new areas like information technology and electronic commerce. PayScale reports that in the United States the annual salary of management consultants ranges from $67,289 to $131,799.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers are responsible for promoting a business's products or services in order to increase sales. This often requires them to identify potential markets, research target audiences, monitor trends, estimate product demand, and oversee pricing strategies. Given the rising popularity of Internet shopping, many managers oversee marketing operations concerning e-business. This type of job requires them to oversee digital marketing and Web site production which can include duties like monitoring site visitor patterns, developing online campaigns, and implementing online merchandising strategies. These types of managers often work with other managers in the advertising, promotions, and product development departments. Often marketing managers work in office environments at small businesses or large corporations where they are face with demanding schedules and requirements.
Marketing managers who specialize in e-business are usually required to have at least a bachelor's degree in marketing or another business-related area, as well as concentration in an area like ecommerce, e-business, or Internet technology. These types of programs consist of relevant courses like marketing research, consumer behavior, professional selling and sales management, ecommerce marketing and strategy systems, advertising and promotion, and Internet technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of these types of managers is projected to increase by 13 percent by 2018, especially for those who can create new ways to reach customers through advertising and product promotion.PayScalereports that in the United States the annual salary of marketing managers ranges from $44,234 to $75,691.
Purchasing Specialist
Purchasing specialists are in charge of buying merchandise from suppliers for companies for the purpose of resale. Specialists that work within ecommerce are responsible for purchasing products for stores that have a strong online or presence or act solely as an online store. This often requires them to identify the products that will most appeal to a wide customer base, keep up with changes within online buyer behavior, and find the best deals on the products they wish to stock. As online buying is a 24/7 marketplace, these types of specialists must constantly monitor sales and inventory levels in order to maintain an adequate stock of best selling items, as well as keep up with competitors' stock and pricing. Given the nature of online buying, not having an item in stock or offering the best deal on that item often means losing a sale as the customer can take their business elsewhere with just a click of a mouse.
Purchasing specialist who work in online retail are usually required to have at least a bachelor's degree in a business-related area that emphasizes ecommerce, merchandising, or procurement. These types of programs consist of relevant courses like ecommerce marketing, professional selling and sales management, e-business strategy, Internet technology, consumer behavior, buying operations, and fashion merchandising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of purchasing professionals is projected to increase by 7 percent by 2018, and the median annual salary of those within wholesale and retail buying was $48,710 in May 2008.
