The U.S. Department of Commerce (2009) website indicates that for the 2ndQuarter of 2009, retail e-commerce sales growth increased 2.2 % at $32.4 billion although retail sales decreased. Clearly, the paradigm shift toward technology based business models for success require scholarship, practice and leadership that is current, effective and practical in an unclear economy. Leadership and survival in e-commerce are dependent on resources from others. Relevant and current information is necessary to compete in technology-based business. The fast pace of emerging technology requires reliable, current information to formulate accurate strategy.
Information: Survival of the Fittest
According to the Presidential committee on information literacy (1989), “Information literacy is a survival skill in the Information Age.” (Final Report, para. 20). To effectively compete in the current business environment, especially in technology based businesses such as online universities and e-commerce companies, access to timely and reliable information is crucial. Several critical challenges must be overcome. These challenges include the timeliness of information, the accuracy of information in a global marketplace, and viable critical thinking skills to create and execute strategy.
Timely Information
E-Commerce business success is dependent on strong practice and leadership. Technology allows business to use emerging media in which there is no reliable blueprint for profitability and success. In absence of a solid history of strategic planning, leaders must rely heavily on outside information. Zabel (2004) discusses the limited use of libraries and librarians as well as the lack of skills by students to effectively use these tools. However, should students and business owners rely on information that is not updated at a pace congruent with the online economy? Though resources are disbursed and discernment is necessary, it appears that the Internet provides a timely source of information. The challenge in information literacy is in finding reliable information that is current.
Information Literacy in a Global Marketplace
According to Lauer and Yodanis (2004, July) students in the United States are lacking a global perspective. This international illiteracy negatively affects the comprehension of available information that could facilitate a greater competitive force in the global economy. E-Commerce is business without walls, and a low-cost entry toward globalized business is an attainable goal. Critical thinking and information literacy facilitates business competitive forces in globalization.
The Need for Information Literacy in Strategy
To successfully direct an online business (whether in the role of consultant or business owner) some solid skills are required. Due to the fast pace of an e-commerce business and the opportunity for success, these goals are challenging in our current information dependent society (Presidential committee on information literacy: Final report. 1989, January 10). Success in the information age can be impacted by decisions based on poor information or data that is obsolete. Information literacy, whether in scholarly, practice or leadership pursuits is reliant on sharp thinking and analysis of information that is relevant, accurate and timely. To achieve this outcome, a solid skill set and discernment as well as experience are required.
Conclusion
By understanding the dynamic business environment online, vulnerabilities in strategic execution can be avoided. The backbone of potential success is information literacy, defined as accessing the necessary information, discerning the quality and timeliness of the data, and applying the information learned critically. This path can lead to success in the e-commerce environment.
As a business practitioner and leader, I believe a strong level of attention should be given to training and developing students and society in research, comprehension and application. Many traditional techniques are dated, and not applicable in a fast-moving economy.
Information literacy goes beyond mere influence in e-commerce; it is a necessity for survival, profitability and growth.
References
Lauer, S. R., & Yodanis, C. L. (2004, July). The international social survey programme (ISSP): A tool for teaching with an international perspective. Teaching Sociology, 32(3), 304.
Presidential committee on information literacy: Final report. (1989, January 10). Retrieved October 22, 2008 fromhttp://news.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/whitepapers/presidential.cfm.
U.S. Department of Commerce. (2009). U.S. Census Bureau News. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/retail/mrts/www/data/pdf/09q2.pdf , January 12, 2010
Zabel, D. (2004, January). A reaction to “information literacy and higher education”. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 30(1), 17-21.
Information: Survival of the Fittest
According to the Presidential committee on information literacy (1989), “Information literacy is a survival skill in the Information Age.” (Final Report, para. 20). To effectively compete in the current business environment, especially in technology based businesses such as online universities and e-commerce companies, access to timely and reliable information is crucial. Several critical challenges must be overcome. These challenges include the timeliness of information, the accuracy of information in a global marketplace, and viable critical thinking skills to create and execute strategy.
Timely Information
E-Commerce business success is dependent on strong practice and leadership. Technology allows business to use emerging media in which there is no reliable blueprint for profitability and success. In absence of a solid history of strategic planning, leaders must rely heavily on outside information. Zabel (2004) discusses the limited use of libraries and librarians as well as the lack of skills by students to effectively use these tools. However, should students and business owners rely on information that is not updated at a pace congruent with the online economy? Though resources are disbursed and discernment is necessary, it appears that the Internet provides a timely source of information. The challenge in information literacy is in finding reliable information that is current.
Information Literacy in a Global Marketplace
According to Lauer and Yodanis (2004, July) students in the United States are lacking a global perspective. This international illiteracy negatively affects the comprehension of available information that could facilitate a greater competitive force in the global economy. E-Commerce is business without walls, and a low-cost entry toward globalized business is an attainable goal. Critical thinking and information literacy facilitates business competitive forces in globalization.
The Need for Information Literacy in Strategy
To successfully direct an online business (whether in the role of consultant or business owner) some solid skills are required. Due to the fast pace of an e-commerce business and the opportunity for success, these goals are challenging in our current information dependent society (Presidential committee on information literacy: Final report. 1989, January 10). Success in the information age can be impacted by decisions based on poor information or data that is obsolete. Information literacy, whether in scholarly, practice or leadership pursuits is reliant on sharp thinking and analysis of information that is relevant, accurate and timely. To achieve this outcome, a solid skill set and discernment as well as experience are required.
Conclusion
By understanding the dynamic business environment online, vulnerabilities in strategic execution can be avoided. The backbone of potential success is information literacy, defined as accessing the necessary information, discerning the quality and timeliness of the data, and applying the information learned critically. This path can lead to success in the e-commerce environment.
As a business practitioner and leader, I believe a strong level of attention should be given to training and developing students and society in research, comprehension and application. Many traditional techniques are dated, and not applicable in a fast-moving economy.
Information literacy goes beyond mere influence in e-commerce; it is a necessity for survival, profitability and growth.
References
Lauer, S. R., & Yodanis, C. L. (2004, July). The international social survey programme (ISSP): A tool for teaching with an international perspective. Teaching Sociology, 32(3), 304.
Presidential committee on information literacy: Final report. (1989, January 10). Retrieved October 22, 2008 fromhttp://news.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/whitepapers/presidential.cfm.
U.S. Department of Commerce. (2009). U.S. Census Bureau News. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/retail/mrts/www/data/pdf/09q2.pdf , January 12, 2010
Zabel, D. (2004, January). A reaction to “information literacy and higher education”. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 30(1), 17-21.
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