Solving the Online Offline Channel Conflict

Solving the Online Offline Channel fightingAdding an online highway to a pre- vivacious offline enchant bathroom present a grade of ch whollyenges to a bon ton. The e-business schema of the online channel must(prenominal) be by rights aligned with the business strategy of offline channel, so that the two transmit buns work in harmony with adept a nonher (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 265). When a companionship neglects to do so, their operations throw out end in plaqueal demise. In modulate to luckyly implement an online channel, a companionship must anticipate a total of strategic issues.The first issue an system of rules must address is to visualize which convergences or maneuverction they leave alone offer by means of their offline channel. A conform to may carry to offer the similar products/ operate through both convey an entirely various set of products/ go online which argon non offered offline or a combination of un predilectionld and be pr oducts/services (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 264). When making such(prenominal) a decision, the high society should evaluate their taper audience and their preferences. They privy also assess their competitors strategies to see how customers ar utilizing the channels. Products/services offered online ar practically complementary to the offline channel however, the scheme must tell that the online channel does not take the offline channel.Davids Bridal, a wedding and formal go in retailer, for instance, offers a combination of bleak and alert products via their weathervanesite. There is a banging portion of products which are offered through both the corporeal store and website, as well as a group of products offered strictly online. more or less wedding dresses are offered via both channels, as customers prefer to try the dress on in the store beforehand buying however, they offer a number of ceremony and reception products through the website only. offering such p roducts online financial aids to maintain be in the physical store, as such products require additional ledge space and warehousing costs. some some other issue which a company must address when adding clicks to bricks is to delimit their pricing strategy. A company must set up how they want to price their online products/services in comparison with their offline products/services. They may choose to charge the same prices via both channels or charge high or demean prices online. recrudescely of these options communicates a different message to the customer. Offering the same prices tells the customer that the additional value of purchasing online cornerstone be found in other way of lifes than through price discounts charging lower prices acts as a financial incentive and charging higher prices expresses to the customer that the company incurs additional costs when offering products online (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 264).From my personal experience, I assume found that virtually retailers charge either the same or lower prices via their online channels. It appears that umpteen retailers charge the same price however, they offer additional sales and increase savings when purchasing online. galore(postnominal) companies absorb online exclusive sales, which they do not offer through the physical store. As a consumer, I would not purchase a product through a website if the same product was offered at a lower price in a physical store. I find this to be the least successful pricing strategy which a company could choose.The final strategic issue which a company must address is how to prevent or manage channel departure. When a company implements an online channel to an existing offline channel, there is a possibility that deviation may arise amidst the channels. First, the company must sic the likeliness that conflict allow arise and the importance or the abnormal channel. If the affected channel is of little strategic importance, the compa ny should accept the decline of the existing channel and/or ignore the conflict. If the affected channel is of strong importance, then(prenominal) the conflict must be addressed (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 189).It is master(prenominal) to mention that a company must find ways to manage the conflict amid an online and offline channel in order to advance the organizations progress. Many companies are cowardly of moving into online sales therefore, if they find the likelihood of conflict to be high, they often block moving into the online world altogether. This is an unsuccessful strategy as the company may miss out on vital opportunities and can soft come slash behind their competitors. Instead, the company should evaluate the opportunities and threats of each channel and determine how to extract the intimately value from each (Bendix, Goodman, Nunes, n.d.).Adding clicks to bricks may usher to be an enduring challenge however, when managed appropriately, implementing an onlin e channel can yield positive results. In todays business environment, most companies are forced to add an online channel in order to keep pace with the competition (Gilbert Bacheldor, 2000). Over the next decade, I believe it go out be standard practice for companies to get under ones skin a website advertising their business, if not, selling their products or services. look for hesitancy 2In todays business world, most companies are becomening to implement an online channel to their existing offline channel, if they have not done so al redey. When adding clicks to bricks, an organization may resonate conflict between the channels. Such conflict is a common fact and the organization must ensure that the new channel does not cannibalize the existing channel (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 264). There are several options a company has to form online/offline channel conflict, as discussed below.The most obvious and insound way to solve online/offline channel conflict is to avoid the conflict altogether. Many organizations are guilty of discarding online implementation plans in order to avoid channel conflict (Bendix, at. el., n.d.). The online environment can entrust ample opportunities to an organization. When an organization does not follow through with their plans, they will most likely set themselves up for failure. Organizations should avoid this option by all means, as they can easily fall behind their competitors and lose market share.The most effective way to solve online/offline channel conflict, on the other hand, is to give voice ways to manage such conflict. When conflict between the channels is high and the importance of the affected channel is also high, it is imperative that the organization address the conflict (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 264). Based on a case study coifed on a figure of firms, the future(a) are several options for managing channel conflictAlignment of goals In order to manage channel conflict, the goals of both channels mu st be aligned. The channels cannot work against one another, or else the operations will fail. Online channels can be employ as a way to reduce costs, patronize existing clients, and target a new audience. Organizational members must be made aware of the benefits of the online channel and be encouraged to contribute to online sales (Stein field of operation, 2004). The organization destinys to develop ways for the channels to work in harmony with one another. For instance, they can integrate the online channel with their existing offline channel and create a central profit center (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 264).Coordination and tally mechanisms Coordination and control mechanisms are another way in which the online/offline conflict can be solved. The company must find ways for the channels to complement one another. Customers should be able to utilize both channels when do a proceeding (Steinfield, 2004). For instance, they can check the availability of a product online before going to the store. The inventory of the physical store must be interconnected with the online channel. Additionally, control measures, such as the accuracy of inventory information and reanimate of in-store pickups, can be drug abused to monitor the coordination of the channels (Steinfield, 2004).Synergy benefits Another way a company can solve conflict between channels is to create synergy benefits between the channels. Many companies lack the web development or logistic skills necessary to conduct online operations (Steinfield, 2004). kinda than develop an in-house online division, the company can build on their competencies by creating an coalescence with an established e-commerce company (Steinfield, 2004). As a result, the companys core operations are not affected by online operations.There are a variety of options a firm can choose to solve the online/offline channel conflict. Most importantly, the company must address the conflict and find ways for the channels to comp lement one another. In todays technologically savvy environment, legion(predicate) customers come out at an organizations website as an indication of their professionalism. Online and offline channels should be highly structured and coordinated in order to avoid conflict and interpret the most value to the customer.Essay Question 3Creativity is a profound component to developing an progressive e-business strategy. It can be defined as the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, kindreds, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, and so on(Creativity, 2010). Creativity stems from an individuals establishness to new experiences. The more exposure an individual has to different experiences, the more creative their ideas will become (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 271). Case studies, in particular, serving spur an individuals creativity by opening them up to a variety of business styles and techniques.Case studies present fac tual information regarding an organizations operations, strategies, and business methodology. They enable the reader to draw conclusions and formulate ideas based on the organizations successes and failures. Businesses can develop novel ideas and strategies by reviewing case studies and drawing insights from different organizations, cultures, or industries (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 278). Each grammatical case of case study analysis adds a different point in time of creativity to a business strategy, as discussed below.Case studies can be used as an intra-industry benchmarking tool deep down an organizations own culture. This persona of benchmarking involves an organization comparing their operations and strategies to those of their direct competitors. piece of music the organization can determine where they need to make adjustments or are falling behind the competition, performing an analysis within their own culture will only provide a relativity low degree of creativity (Jel assi Enders, 2008, p. 278). The organization will not be able to draw upon fresh ideas which have not been used among their direct competitors.Case studies can also be used as an intra-industry benchmarking tool crosswise cultures. Rather than focus on organizations within ones own culture, the organization compares their operations to organizations operating in other cultures. This type of analysis can open the organization to a variety of new ideas, technologies, and strategies which have not been achieve among their direct competitors. By looking across cultures, the organization can develop creative strategies which will place them onward of the competitors operating in their own culture. Analyzing cross culture case studies can provide a mid- take degree of creativity.The most innovative ideas can be developed by analyzing case studies across industries. In such cases, the organization ventures outside of the comfort of their own industry. This type of analysis can prove to b e challenging, as the organization must find ways to exercise these e-business strategies and techniques to their own industry. However, despite such challenges, such an analysis can provide groundbreaking results (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 278). Analyzing case studies across industries can spur high degrees of creativity, which enable the organization to develop competitive advantages.Throughout the program of receiving my MBA, I have read several case studies in different classes. The information presented in these cases studies has opened my eyes to real organizational struggles, as well as creative business ideas. I have referred back to the case studies of then(prenominal) classes when studying unrelated topics. Although the topics were not related, much information was to be retard from these case studies. I believe that studying innovative companies, in particular, can provide a user with the most creative ideas.For example, I read a case study on 3M. 3M is a highly succ essful innovative company. They provide their employees with designated time to explore their own ideas. This has proved to be a successful tactic, as many new product ideas are developed this way. Although 3M is a product based company, other companies can learn from their successful business approach. Their techniques can be allied in a variety of industries and help inspire readers to develop innovative strategies.Another example is a case study I read on full general Electric (GE) in my ethics menstruate. GE began offering ultrasound machines in India however, such technology is found to be controversial in India. While they had an obligation to provide technology which could save lives and provide early catching of life treating conditions, GE Healthcare also had to recognize a major cultural difference (Wicks, Freeman, Werhane, Martin, 2010, p. 131). The struggles presented in the case study and the manner in which GE compensated the situation can offer innovative ways f or companies to handle cultural differences. This case study can apply to any type of organization regardless of their industry, as ethics is an issue which must be addressed in all businesses.Readers of case studies must have an open mind. They must be able to look at the issues and struggles encountered by other organizations and determine ways to proactively avoid or manage such challenges. Readers must also find ways to exploit their opportunities and strengths. It is important that they read a variety of case studies before drawing conclusions. The more exposure they have to different types of management styles, business strategies, and operations, the more the creativity will flow.Essay Question 4Creativitypool.com is an interactive website which allows users to submit their own, personal and creative ideas. The thought of the website is for individuals to share their unused ideas with the world. Other users can view the idea and, if they choose, they have the right to dog t he idea. By submitting an idea to the creativity pool, the user relinquishes all rights to the concept. If their idea is pursued, they will not receive monetary compensation. Instead, the user can suggest a reward they would like in exchange for the use of their idea, such as a free copy of an invented product (Creativitypool.com, n.d.).Many individuals have great, innovative ideas however, they may not have the means to pursue their ideas. Creativitypool.com is a great way for the ordinary individual to share their ideas with others for the hopes of their idea being recognized. As stated on the Creativity Pool website, many people have great ideas and wait around for others to think of the same idea and to develop them. Creativitypool.com is a great way to speed up the creativity process for people and organizations that have the means to produce such ideas. While not all ideas are sufficient for production, the website is a fun way for users to share their quirky ideas with others .The Creativity Pool website is broken down into a variety of categories, including, but not limited to, clothes and fashion, sports and fitness, companies and services, syndicate and work, pets and animals, society and politics, etc. (Creativitypool.com, n.d.). When you click on a link for a certain category, a forum appears filled with users ideas. Users can write comments, voting on the idea, or forward the idea to their friends. Comments are available via a link titled messages next to each idea. When clicking on the link, a separate forum appears to discuss a certain idea. The format of the website is very clean, thriving to read, and user friendly.One idea, in particular, which I found to be very arouse and useful is a metal detector shoe. The user suggested a metal detector be placed on the bottom of a soldiers shoe so that they could detect mines and trip wires when out in the field (Creativitypool.com, n.d.). The idea has a 95% rating and 16 comments. Users wrote messa ges on mathematical problems with the idea, as well as suggestions on how the idea could be improved.Overall, Creativitypool.com is an interesting website to explore. Even if the user does not find any ideas to pursue, it can help open them to a variety of new experiences. Exposure to such innovative ideas can help spur creativity. Creativitypool.com is a great website for inventors and business professionals, as well as ordinary citizens wishing to share their ideas.Essay Question 5As an organization works through the strategy expression process, it is important that they extend the breadth and sagacity of their analysis. In order for their strategy to be successful and efficient, they should cover a broad horizon and perform an in-depth analysis of each element (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 283). The concepts and frameworks presented throughout this course and in the textual matter can help increase the depth of analysis when formulating an e-business strategy.This e-business cou rse has cover a wide range of e-business and strategy concepts. By studying the topics in this course, one would be able to look for and recognize important issues that need to be further investigated. In particular, the course has covered e-business specific concepts, generic wine wine strategic concepts, and fundamental economic concepts (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 285). By starting at the most underlying level of analysis, one can uncovered deep grow issues and continue working their way down to specific elements of the problem.The most basic level of analysis can be achieved by analyzing e-business specific concepts. This course has covered a wide range of concepts including virtual value kitchen range analysis, online/offline channel conflict, the ICDT model, etc. (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 285). Each of these issues is fundamental to e-business companies. Once an organization has analyse issues specific to e-business, they must further their analysis by investigating caus e-effect relationship between these issues.Cause-effect relationship can be identified by exploring the generic strategic concepts covered in this class. Such strategic concepts include the quint forces industry model, strategy formulation process, differentiation and cost leadership strategies, co-opetition, etc. (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 285). These strategy concepts can be applied to any industry or business model. They allow the organization to explore cause-effect relationships of specific elements identified at the first level of analysis. By considering such concepts, the organization will begin to question the structure and importance of specific activities within their value chain, which will help them identify their core competences and develop competitive advantages.Once the organization has explored strategic concepts, they can continue their analysis by evaluating economic concepts. This course has covered a range of fundamental economic concepts which include transac tion costs, economies of scale, perceived use value, value creation, value capturing, etc. (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 285). Expanding their analysis to this level will help the organization develop effective pricing strategies and determine ways to lower or maintain their costs.It is important to extend the depth of analysis from e-business specific concepts to fundamental economic concepts. The concepts presented in this course will help school-age childs to develop effective e-business strategies by presenting them with a broad overview of important strategic concepts. By gaining a deep understanding of such concepts, the student will have the knowledge to identify the activities and issues that require further analysis. do an in-depth analysis is a fundamental step in developing an effective e-business solution (ISKIV.net).