E-Business
As technology has become an increasingly vital part of our business world, e-business has exploded as an industry, catering specifically to companies that rely on the Internet for their functioning and success. Electronic business is related to the fields of information science, technology management, and telecommunications, but is specifically catered to using electronic media to a company's advantage. It is defined as:
“Using the Internet and related technologies to integrate and redesign an organization's internal activities, processes and external relations, and create new ways of working that are significantly different from, and very often far superior to, what was possible (or conceivable) in the past. In other words, e-business is about developing new ways of working by innovatively exploring the new capabilities of [Information and Communication Technologies] in general and the Internet and related technologies in particular” (Li, 2007, p. 1-2).
In essence, someone studying e-business learns how to employ constantly evolving technology to improve a company's communication needs. This degree teaches students how to combine knowledge of business with knowledge of information technology – currently a highly desirable skill set in the workplace.
An e-business degree program can involve courses in mathematics, business, economics, sales and marketing, information technology, accounting, and finance. Classes specific to this field include:
- Electronic Commerce
- Web Architecture
- Database Systems
- E-Business Strategic Management
- Interactive Multimedia Systems
- Programming Language Design Theory
- Designing User Interface
- Internet Marketing
- Legal and Ethical Aspects of Computing
- Information Security Management
Careers: If a combination of business and IT sounds like a good fit for you, then a degree in e-business could allow you to pursue a career taking advantage of your expertise in both. This might include marketing, financial management, business operations, entrepreneurship, computer programming, business analysis and auditing, data communications, or web development
Skills: Those who are successful in e-business tend to have advanced knowledge of computer systems and an interest in constantly expanding their repertoire of computer skills, as technology advances. Interpersonal and communication skills are also important when managing others or working on a team. Creative thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills are also advantageous.
Salary: Earnings are quite high for someone working in e-business. For example, the median salary for a data communications analyst in 2008 was $71,100, with the highest 10% earning over $110,920. A financial manager's median annual wages were $99,330. Computer programmers and engineers earn an average of $85,430 a year. As electronic media changes, the demand for well-educated people with a knowledge of both business and technology will grow.
Article Resources:
Brandman University
Breyer State University
Guide to Online Schools
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators"
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Computer Software Engineers and Computer Programmers"
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Employment Impact of Electronic Business"
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Financial Managers"
Li, F. 2007. "What is E-Business? How the Internet Transforms Organizations." Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.