SU_MBA5001_W2_Dennis_A

docx

School

Independence University- Salt Lake City *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

5001

Subject

Business

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by amandadennis0905

1 Utilizing the Digital Age for Business Amanda Dennis South University MBA5001: Organization Behavior and Communication Lyle Cady October 2, 2023

2 Utilizing the Digital Age for Business Copiah Supply, Inc., is considered a small business. It has four employees, including the owner, and provides goods and services to approximately 100-150 customers located across the southern United States. Like many businesses, Copiah Supply, Inc., has the opportunity to grow and expand its reach. 21st-Century Technology Utilization In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, digital transformation has become essential for companies looking to stay competitive and relevant. The integration of technology into every aspect of a business, from processes to customer experience, is no longer a trend but a crucial strategy for success in the 21st century (MDS, 2023). In every aspect of Copiah Supply’s business, there is the use of digital technology. External emails are sent to customers and vendors. Purchase orders are sent digitally through QuickBooks. Quotes and invoices are sent to customers via QuickBooks. The company has a Facebook page, although it is not utilized. Utilizing various digital technology platforms can lead to an increase in sales and increase the customer base. For this paper, the focus will be on developing a company website. Company website When looking for a product we want, we often look at websites such as Amazon or eBay, which inform us of an item’s condition, the expected delivery date, and the quantity available. Many companies in the same industry as Copiah Supply, Inc., utilize a company website that gives a brief history of the company, including a Meet the Sales Team section, a products and services section, and a Contact Us link. Copiah Supply, Inc., should be no different. The company should consider developing a website that lists the above-mentioned information but

3 also includes a request for quote (RFQ) option, current inventory levels, current pricing, quantity of items on order, and a live chat option. Benefits of the company website If Copiah Supply, Inc., were to implement a company website the benefits would outweigh the associated costs of the website development and maintenance. For instance, the outside sales representative can utilize the website to check the current pricing and quantity available of any inventory item and give real-time feedback to the customer. This will reduce time spent contacting the inside sales representatives and obtaining the information. The benefits of a company website for inside sales representatives include spending less time waiting for customer replies regarding the quantity requested, shipping location, and purchase orders. Overall company benefits include increasing sales volume and expanding the customer base beyond the southern United States. Impact to Employees A company website will impact both the inside and outside sales representatives of Copiah Supply, Inc. The impact on outside sales representatives will have both benefits and drawbacks. One benefit is streamlining the time spent with customers. Rather than handing out product brochures to every customer or potential customer, the outside sales representative can provide the website address and demonstration of how to request a quote or place an online order. The downside to outside sales representatives using the company’s website is acclimating to its use rather than relying on inside sales representatives to send quotes to the customer, inform them of inventory levels, and tell them what products or services are offered. Inside sales representatives will have to ensure pricing is current and inventory levels are accurate on the company’s website, which could be considered a downside as they are already

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 tasked with managing both in the company’s accounting software. However, the benefit of utilizing a company website will allow the inside sales representatives to have a more streamlined sales process as they will not have to look up the information for customers or the outside sales representatives. Conflicts in using a company website Conflicts are a part of life and a part of every company. Not everyone in the company embraces change, especially one as large as implementing a company website that has the potential to generate a large sales volume. Before the implementation, conflicts that might occur include refusal to utilize the company website, refusal to familiarize oneself with the company website, and unwillingness to embrace change. During the implementation process of the company’s website, conflicts can include system bugs, design layout issues, and a lack of communication between the website designer and company employees. It is during this phase; that communication channels are open that will allow employee feedback on website design and functionality. After Copiah Supply, Inc., goes live with the website, conflicts such as refusal to showcase the website to customers can arise. In addition, existing customers can refuse to utilize the website, especially if they are accustomed to calling or emailing an order or requesting a quote. Overcoming conflict Tech continues to play a larger and larger role in businesses and industries of all stripes. As companies bring on more and newer technology to help improve productivity, employees who were initially trained on older systems or who are new to a higher-tech workplace may struggle to keep up or even resist using the new tech at all (Forbes, 2021). To overcome Copiah Supply employees’ unwillingness to embrace a company website, the owner can hold a

5 “sandbox” day. This will allow the employees to share their perspectives on the website design. By considering the sales representatives' input, the employees are more likely to utilize the website and encourage existing or potential customers to “check it out.” This will also allow the sales representatives to see the current standing of Copiah Supply and gain an understanding of the company’s long-term goals. Tradition is hard to break. Copiah Supply’s customers are accustomed to calling, texting, or emailing when they need something. Many of the customers are of an older generation and technology is not their forte. Yet, technology is everywhere around us. What would be the best strategy to get all of Copiah Supply’s customers to transition from calling, texting, or emailing all the time to using a website? The key is communicating the new website to the customers. One way is to mail out promotional flyers to customers describing the features of the new company website. The outside sales representative can also show customers the website along with how to register for an account. To overcome conflict between the website designer and the company. It is best to have a clear and concise goal in mind when embarking on this endeavor. Copiah Supply, Inc., needs to be clear in its short and long-term goals for the website. The company will need to be willing to provide constructive feedback and keep in mind the end-users. Lastly, providing examples of another company’s website is a great way to communicate Copiah Supply’s wants and needs. Communication is key Change is inevitable, especially in a business. Copiah Supply, Inc., has the potential to generate more sales revenue and expand the customer base by implementing a company website. However, if the website is not communicated properly, it is likely to fail. In an endeavor such as creating a company website, Copiah Supply will need to ensure proper communication between

6 employees, customers, and the website designer. As mentioned previously, a “sandbox” day would have the most benefit for the employees. The “sandbox” day should consist of an open discussion detailing the current state and future goals of the company. The employees should feel free to ask questions and offer suggestions on making the company website a success. With such a small number of employees, the sandbox day can be conveyed via text, phone call, or in person. Communication with customers can be done either in person through the outside sales representative, via email, or through mail-out flyers. A digital version of the mail-out flyer can be created to email to existing and potential customers. Lastly, communication between the website designer and Copiah Supply will entail emails, phone calls, and screen shares. Emails and phone calls will allow for progress updates while screen shares will allow Copiah Supply to see the design layout and make changes as needed. Conclusion We cannot escape technology in the business world. It is constantly changing, and the only way to remain competitive in this growing industry is to embrace technology and use it to our advantage. Copiah Supply, Inc., is a small business, but it does not have to remain one. Many companies utilize digital technology, such as company websites that allow online ordering or requesting a quote for a product they offer, to grow their business. Copiah Supply needs to be one as well. The technology is there for the taking.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

7 References Forbes Expert Panel & Forbes Human Resources Council. (2021, February 22). 13 practical ways to help employees adapt to new technology . Forbes. Retrieved September 26, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2021/02/22/13- practical-ways-to-help-employees-adapt-to-new-technology/?sh=6b3a237d6ab0 Maxnet Digital Services. (2023, March 6). Digital transformation: the key to 21st century business success . Linkedin. Retrieved September 26, 2023, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digital-transformation-key-21st-century-business

SU_MBA5001_W2_Dennis_A

Related Documents