IS731 Report 1
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University of Maryland, Baltimore County *
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731
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Information Systems
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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IS 731 : Electronic Commerce
Name
: Parthiv Gandhi
Campus ID
: FV59132
Report 1
Professor
: A. Ant Ozok
University of Maryland Baltimore County Spring 2023
Introduction:
In today's highly digitized world, the role of e-commerce has become more significant than ever
before. Businesses are looking to tap into the potential of the internet to reach customers,
facilitate transactions, and streamline operations. In this context, Framework, a fictional
electronics company that specializes in repairing lightweight laptops and consumer electronics
products, is embarking on a new venture. The goal is to establish a virtual Business-to-Consumer
e-commerce company that leverages the power of the internet to expand its reach, provide better
service to customers, and create new growth opportunities.
To achieve this objective, Framework needs to analyze the electronics industry, identify the
technological challenges, understand the emerging business models, and evaluate customer
needs. This will require a comprehensive analysis of various aspects of the business, including
the industry's competitive landscape, the necessary infrastructure, the most effective business
models, and the target customers. By conducting a thorough analysis of these factors, Framework
can create a robust business strategy that aligns with its goals, strengths, and customer needs.
The analysis will begin with an industry analysis, which will provide an overview of the
electronics industry and identify the current business models used by companies. This analysis
will also highlight the technological challenges faced by the industry, as well as emerging
models that could shape its future. Next, the infrastructure analysis will evaluate the IT
infrastructure required for Framework to operate a successful e-commerce business. This
analysis will also identify the infrastructure used by other companies in the industry.
The model analysis will then focus on the different business models that Framework could
implement to achieve its goals. This analysis will consider the constraints imposed by
competition and identify potential collaborative opportunities with other firms. Finally, the
product and customer analysis will provide insights into Framework's target customers, their
needs, and preferences. This analysis will also evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of
Framework's products and services and how they compare to those of its competitors.
Through this comprehensive analysis, Framework can create a roadmap for success in the e-
commerce space. By leveraging the power of the internet and implementing the right strategies,
Framework can achieve its goal of providing people and planet-friendly consumer electronics
products that are easy to upgrade, customize, and repair.
Industry analysis:
The electronics industry is a highly competitive and rapidly evolving sector that has undergone
significant changes in recent years. The current business model in the industry involves
manufacturing and selling a wide range of consumer electronics products, such as laptops,
smartphones, and tablets, among others, to consumers through various distribution channels,
including physical stores, online platforms, and e-commerce websites. The industry has
witnessed a significant shift towards e-commerce platforms, with more and more consumers
opting for online shopping due to the convenience it offers.
However, the current business model in the electronics industry faces several technological
challenges, including the development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence,
machine learning, and blockchain, among others, which are transforming the way businesses
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operate. The industry also faces challenges related to data security, privacy, and cybersecurity
threats, which can have severe implications for businesses and consumers alike.
Emerging models in the electronics industry include the development of smart products, such as
smart homes and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which can be controlled remotely using
smartphones and other devices. The industry is also witnessing the emergence of circular
economy models, which focus on sustainable production and consumption patterns, and the
promotion of product reuse and recycling.
The electronics industry, more specifically in our case, the laptop manufacturing industry is a
highly competitive sector, with several leaders vying for market share. The current business
model of the industry involves designing, manufacturing, and marketing a range of laptops to
consumers through various distribution channels, such as physical stores, online marketplaces,
and e-commerce platforms.
Global personal electronics market by product, 2012 – 2020 (Million Units)
Some of the leading laptop manufacturers in the industry include Dell, Lenovo, HP, Acer, Asus, and Apple. These companies have achieved their leadership positions through a combination of factors, including innovation, quality, brand reputation, and market presence.
Dell is a leading player in the laptop industry, with a strong focus on business and enterprise
customers. The company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality laptops with robust
security features and excellent customer service. Dell has also been at the forefront of innovation
in the industry, with its XPS and Alienware product lines.
Lenovo is another key player in the laptop industry, with a diverse range of products catering to
different customer segments. The company has built a reputation for producing reliable and
affordable laptops with excellent build quality. Lenovo has also invested heavily in innovation,
The top 5 PC companies by sales, worldwide.
with a strong focus on developing products that cater to emerging trends, such as hybrid laptops
and gaming laptops.
Apple, while not traditionally considered a laptop manufacturer, has also made a significant
impact in the laptop industry with its MacBook product line. Apple's focus on design, quality,
and user experience has helped it establish a loyal customer base and gain a significant share of
the high-end laptop market.
The electronics industry faces several social, organizational, behavioral, and legal issues. Social
issues include concerns around the environmental impact of electronic waste and the ethical
implications of data collection and usage. Organizational issues include challenges related to
supply chain management, production efficiency, and strategic partnerships. Behavioral issues
include consumer behavior, such as preference for certain brands and products. Legal issues
include intellectual property rights, data privacy, and consumer protection laws.
In summary, the electronics industry is a highly dynamic and competitive sector that is
witnessing significant changes in its business model. The industry faces several technological
challenges and is witnessing the emergence of new models, including circular economy and
smart products. The leaders in the industry have achieved their positions through innovation,
strategic partnerships, and aggressive marketing campaigns. The industry faces several social,
organizational, behavioral, and legal issues, which need to be addressed to ensure sustainable
growth and development.
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Infrastructure Analysis:
The success of a virtual business-to-consumer e-commerce company like Framework relies
heavily on the proper implementation of information technology infrastructure. The information
technology infrastructure required for Framework's business includes hardware, software,
network connectivity, and data storage.
To begin with, Framework requires a robust computer system that can support the operations of
the company, such as managing orders, inventory, and shipping. The company also requires
specialized hardware and software for repairing and upgrading consumer electronics products.
Additionally, Framework requires a secure network infrastructure to protect sensitive customer
data and prevent cyber threats.
In terms of B2B, Framework could collaborate with major CPU/GPU manufacturers like Intel,
Nvidia, and AMD to receive modular components that can be used in their laptops. By creating a
modular design for their laptops, Framework can provide users with the ability to upgrade their
laptops over time, which can be particularly valuable for business customers that require the
latest hardware to run demanding applications. Collaborating with these companies can also
provide Framework with access to the latest technology and ensure that their laptops are
compatible with a wide range of software applications.
For implementing mobile commerce, Framework would need to develop a mobile application
that provides an optimized user experience on mobile devices. This would require additional
infrastructure such as a mobile app development platform, server-side APIs, and mobile device
testing tools.
To implement collaborative commerce, Framework could set up a community marketplace
where users can design and sell their own USB-C modules. This collaborative commerce
platform would allow users to contribute to the development of Framework's products and
creates a sense of ownership and engagement among the community. By enabling users to create
and sell their own modules, Framework can leverage the collective knowledge and expertise of
its user base to improve its products and foster a sense of community around the brand. This can
be particularly valuable for businesses that require specialized hardware for their operations and
can benefit from the ability to customize their laptops to meet their specific needs.
In the electronics industry, different companies use a variety of IT infrastructure solutions to
support their businesses. For instance, Apple has invested heavily in proprietary hardware and
software to create a seamless and integrated user experience across its products. Dell, on the
other hand, has focused on building a robust supply chain and logistics network to deliver high-
quality products to customers quickly and efficiently.
Lenovo has invested heavily in cloud infrastructure and software-defined networking to create a
flexible and scalable infrastructure that can adapt to changing business needs. HP has focused on
developing secure and reliable systems to protect customer data and prevent cyber threats.
Acer and Asus have both leveraged their partnerships with component suppliers to deliver
affordable and high-quality laptops to customers. These companies have also invested in e-
commerce platforms and digital marketing strategies to reach a wider audience of customers.
In conclusion, the information technology infrastructure required for Framework's business
includes hardware, software, network connectivity, and data storage. To implement B2B, mobile,
and collaborative commerce, Framework would need additional infrastructure such as software
for managing orders and payments, mobile app development platforms, and collaboration tools.
Different companies in the electronics industry use a variety of IT infrastructure solutions to
support their businesses, with a focus on innovation, supply chain management, cloud
infrastructure, security, and partnerships with component suppliers.
Model Analysis:
In the e-commerce industry, there are several common business models used, including B2B,
B2C, C2C, and marketplaces. Framework's e-business can be considered a hybrid model, as it
includes elements of both B2C and C2C models, with the added dimension of modular upgrades
and customization.
In terms of the B2C model, Framework would sell its laptops directly to customers through its
website, with the added feature of modularity and customization. The company could also offer
repair services for lightweight laptops and consumer electronics products, creating a revenue
stream beyond product sales. The C2C model is also incorporated through the community
marketplace where users can design and sell their own USB-C modules, allowing for peer-to-
peer transactions.
To achieve its pending goals of implementing B2B and collaborative commerce, Framework
could adopt additional business models such as B2B2C and platform models. The B2B2C model
involves Framework partnering with businesses that need modular and upgradeable laptops for
their employees. This model can help Framework to expand its reach and increase its sales
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revenue, while also providing businesses with laptops that can be customized to meet their
specific needs.
The platform model can also be used to facilitate collaborative commerce by providing a
platform for users to collaborate, design, and sell their own laptop components. Framework
could also collaborate with other hardware manufacturers and component designers to offer a
wider range of modular components. By expanding the platform beyond just USB-C modules,
Framework can create an ecosystem of modular components that can be used to upgrade and
customize a wide range of laptops.
In terms of competition, Framework faces several constraints. The market for lightweight laptops
is highly competitive, with major players such as Dell, Lenovo, and HP dominating the market.
These companies have established brand recognition, extensive distribution channels, and
economies of scale, which can make it difficult for smaller companies like Framework to
compete on price and marketing efforts.
To overcome these constraints, Framework can differentiate itself through its focus on
modularity, customization, and repairability. By emphasizing the environmental and cost
benefits of upgrading and repairing laptops rather than replacing them, Framework can attract
customers who are looking for more sustainable and cost-effective options. Additionally, by
providing a community marketplace for users to design and sell their own modular components,
Framework can create a sense of community and engagement around its brand, which can help to
differentiate it from its competitors.
Different firms can collaborate in a model through various forms of partnerships and
collaborations. Framework could collaborate with hardware manufacturers to receive modular
components for their laptops, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, Framework could collaborate
with repair service providers to expand its repair services and offer a wider range of repair
options to its customers. Collaborating with other hardware manufacturers and component
designers on the platform model can also help to expand Framework's ecosystem of modular
components, attracting more customers and creating more value for its users.
In conclusion, Framework's hybrid model of B2C and C2C can be expanded through the
adoption of additional business models such as B2B2C and platform models to achieve its
pending goals of implementing B2B and collaborative commerce. Constraints posed by
competition can be overcome through a focus on modularity, customization, and repairability,
while collaborations with other firms can be formed to expand the range of products and services
offered to customers.
Product or Service & Customer Analysis
Framework is a technology company that is focused on developing lightweight, repairable, and
upgradeable laptops and consumer electronics products. The company's main goal is to create a
sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional tech industry. The
company's first product, the Framework Laptop, has received a positive response from the press
and customers alike. In this section, we will delve deeper into Framework's product and
customer analysis, exploring the unique features of the company's products and the customers
who are drawn to them.
Product Analysis
Framework's primary product is the Framework Laptop, a modular laptop that can be easily
taken apart and upgraded with new components. The company also offers a range of consumer
electronics products that are designed to be easy to repair and upgrade, reducing electronic waste
and creating a more sustainable tech industry. The Framework Laptop has several unique
features that set it apart from traditional laptops, including:
1.
Modularity: The Framework Laptop is designed to be modular, which means that users
can easily swap out components like the RAM, storage, and Wi-Fi card. This makes the
laptop more versatile than traditional laptops and allows users to upgrade their device
over time, instead of having to buy a new laptop every few years.
2.
Repairability: The Framework Laptop is also designed to be easy to repair, with modular
components that can be easily replaced if they break or become outdated. The laptop is
held together with screws instead of glue, which makes it easier to take apart and repair.
Most common products and the associated reasons behind an unsuccessful repair.
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3.
Sustainability: By focusing on modularity and repairability, Framework is promoting a
more sustainable tech industry. The company's products are designed to last longer and
reduce electronic waste, which is a major problem in the tech industry.
4.
Community Marketplace: Framework has also set up a community marketplace where
users can design and sell their own USB-C modules. This allows for even more
customization and flexibility for customers, who can choose from a wide range of
modules to add new features to their laptop.
Customer Analysis
Framework's primary customers are tech-savvy individuals who are environmentally conscious
and prefer to have control over their electronics devices. The company's target customers are
those who are looking for products that can be easily upgraded and repaired. These customers are
typically aware of the environmental impact of the tech industry and prefer to purchase products
that are built to last and can be easily fixed.
In terms of demographics, Framework's customers are likely to be younger, more educated, and
have a higher income than the average consumer. These customers are also more likely to be
early adopters of new technology and are interested in customizing their devices to fit their
specific needs.
Customer Perception
Customers appreciate Framework's focus on sustainability and repairability. The ability to
upgrade and repair products not only saves customers money in the long run but also reduces
electronic waste. Framework's laptops are also designed to be more versatile than traditional
laptops, with a range of modular components that can be swapped out to add new features or
upgrade the device.
However, some customers have noted that the initial cost of Framework's laptops can be higher
than traditional laptops, and the community marketplace for USB-C modules may not be as
robust as they would like. Additionally, some customers may be hesitant to take on the task of
upgrading or repairing their laptop, preferring to have a professional handle these tasks for them.
Overall, customers appreciate Framework's unique approach to electronics and value the ability
to customize and repair their devices. The company's focus on sustainability and repairability is a
major selling point for environmentally conscious customers who are looking for a more
sustainable alternative to the traditional tech industry. Framework's laptops are well-designed
and offer a range of unique features that set them apart from traditional laptops, making them a
compelling choice for customers who are looking for a more versatile and sustainable device.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the establishment of a virtual Business-to-Consumer e-commerce company,
Framework, in the electronics industry, has been thoroughly analyzed. The industry analysis
showed that the electronics industry is highly competitive, with companies competing based on
product features, price, and customer service. The industry also faces challenges with
environmental sustainability, supply chain disruptions, and changing consumer demands.
Emerging models such as circular economy and eco-design have been gaining momentum as
solutions to these challenges.
The infrastructure analysis revealed that a robust IT infrastructure is crucial for Framework to
succeed in its business objectives. The company needs to implement additional infrastructure to
support its B2B marketplace, m-commerce, and collaborative commerce environments. Other
companies in the industry use a variety of infrastructure, including cloud computing, AI, and
blockchain.
The model analysis revealed that Framework could benefit from various business models,
including subscription-based models and value-based pricing models. Constraints regarding
competition must be taken into consideration when selecting the right business model.
Collaborative efforts with other firms in the industry can also lead to mutual benefits and growth
opportunities.
Finally, the product and customer analysis showed that Framework sells upgradeable and
customizable laptops and consumer electronics products that are designed to be people and
planet-friendly. The company primarily targets tech-savvy customers who are concerned about
sustainability and want to have control over their devices. Customers appreciate the company's
strengths in product innovation and sustainability efforts, but weaknesses such as limited product
availability and relatively high prices need to be addressed.
Overall, the analysis demonstrates that Framework can succeed in the competitive electronics
industry by leveraging emerging trends, investing in the right infrastructure, implementing the
appropriate business models, and continuing to innovate and meet customer needs.
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References:
Sabbaghi, M., Cade, W., Behdad, S., & Bisantz, A. M. (2017). The current status of the consumer electronics repair industry in the U.S.: A survey-based study. Resources, Conservation
and Recycling
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, 137-151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2016.09.013
Computerworld. (2022, January 12). PC sales fell hard in 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.computerworld.com/article/3685433/pc-sales-fell-hard-in-2022.html
Grand View Research. (2021). Personal Consumer Electronics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Audio/Video Devices, Personal Care Products), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/personal-consumer-electronics-market
Parker, J. (2019, May 30). Can I buy a future-proof laptop to last 10 years? The Guardian. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2019/may/30/can-i-buy-a-future-proof-laptop-
to-last-10-years