Competitive strategies for firms in the global digital economy

Thesis (Mcomm)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Technology has become one of the most important factors in the business world today. Information technology is playing an ever-increasing role in all areas of business. Logistics is no exception, and is one of the areas most affected by technological change. Many firms need to adapt technologically, or they might face extinction. This study aims to make firms aware of the power of information technology and the benefits it holds for those who use it. It tries to inform firms about the various uses and applications that exist and how they can improve business processes. It sets guidelines for the implementation of information technology and allows the firm to make an informed choice. It also discusses the growing role that the Internet is playing in logistics and the business world as a whole. Tips for the implementation of an electronic commerce system are also given, and the effects of electronic commerce on logistics are discussed. The firms can use the information to plan their strategies more effectively and hopefully find success in the global digital economy.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Tegnologie is een van die belangrikste faktore in vandag se sakewêreld. Informasietegnologie speel 'n al groter rol in alle sakegebiede. Logistiek is daarby ingesluit, en is een van die areas wat die meeste deur tegnologiese verandering geaffekteer word. Sakeondernemings moet toenemend aanpas by die nuwe tegnologie om te kan voortbestaan. Die fokus van hierdie werkstuk is om firmas bewus te maak van die voordele wat informasietegnologie inhou en hoe ondernemeings daarby kan baat. Daar word gepoog om firmas bewus te maak van die wye verskeidenheid tegnologiese produkte wat bestaan, en hoe hulle aangewend kan word om besigheidsprosesse te verbeter. Daar word riglyne vasgestel wat firmas die geleentheid bied om tegnologie doeltreffend in te span en om 'n ingeligte keuse te kan maak. Die rol wat die Internet in logistiek en die sakewêreld speel word ook bespreek, asook die effek wat elektroniese handelop logistiek het. Riglyne word ook verskaf oor die implementering van 'n stelsel wat elektroniese handel moontlik sal maak. Die inligting wat verskaf word kan firmas help om hulle strategieë doeltreffend te beplan en om sodoende sukses te behaal in die globale digitale ekonomie