Unit 12
Doing business online
P1/P2/P3/P4- I will describe three different organisations which operate online and also I will explain how they operate their activities online. I will explain the issues of a business organisation would need to go consider online and explain the operational risks for a business organisation operating online.
John Lewis Partnership
The John Lewis Partnership is a private company, employee-owned UK partnership which operates John Lewis department stores, Waitrose supermarkets and a number of other services. John Lewis Partnership is a retailer which was founded in 1929 in London. It is a Private Limited Company and it is in a private sector. All shares are kept in the company. The products they sell include clothing, cosmetics, housewares, food and direct services.
Website design features
Funding
John Lewis Partnership has got foundations such as: Waitrose Foundation, John Lewis Foundation, John Spedan Lewis Foundation and Golden Jubilee Trust. They all raising money from sales to help to the environment such as farms, education or seniors etc. They not getting any funding. They get money for the company from the all products they sell.
Source
Financial issues and risks
This company cares about every customer. The privacy is very important for them. They do not release any of personal details of any customer to any company outside of John Lewis Partnership for any marketing purposes. They treat all the personal information as a confidential. John Lewis has got many different payment options. They collect payment through PayPal, debit cards, vouchers, membership cards etc. They do return policy via Royal Mail or myHermes website or via John Lewis shop.
Source
Rules and regulations
Job roles in John Lewis Partnership
In the navigation bar we can click "Jobs in Partnership". John Lewis Partnership has got many different job roles you can apply for. You can look for jobs in UK, Scotland and Wales. You can find jobs in different areas such as: Graduate, Builiding and Services, Head Office, IT John Lewis, John Lewis Branches, John Lewis Distribution, John Lewis Manufacturing Other, Partnership Services, Residential Clubs, Waitrose, Waitrose Distribution, Waitrose Farming and Waitrose Supermarkets. You can also choose what hours you prefer whether it is part-time or full time job.
Funding
John Lewis Partnership has got foundations such as: Waitrose Foundation, John Lewis Foundation, John Spedan Lewis Foundation and Golden Jubilee Trust. They all raising money from sales to help to the environment such as farms, education or seniors etc. They not getting any funding. They get money for the company from the all products they sell.
Source
Financial issues and risks
This company cares about every customer. The privacy is very important for them. They do not release any of personal details of any customer to any company outside of John Lewis Partnership for any marketing purposes. They treat all the personal information as a confidential. John Lewis has got many different payment options. They collect payment through PayPal, debit cards, vouchers, membership cards etc. They do return policy via Royal Mail or myHermes website or via John Lewis shop.
Source
Rules and regulations
- Statutory Rights - meaning Consumer Rights. When you buy anything the Consumer law protects you. (Entire Agreement - "These Conditions govern our relationship with you. Any changes to these Conditions must be in writing and signed by both parties. In this way, we can avoid any problems surrounding what John Lewis and you are expected to do. You confirm that, in agreeing to accept the Conditions, you have not relied on any representation save insofar as the same has expressly been made a term of these Conditions and you agree that you shall have no remedy in respect of any representation. Your Statutory Rights are not affected by these terms and conditions. Nothing in this Clause shall limit or exclude our liability in respect of any fraudulent or negligent misrepresentation whether or not such has become a term of the Conditions.")
- Limitation of Liability - is a clause that specifically states that the liability of each shareholder for the company's debts and obligations is limited to the par value of company fully paidup shares. ("We will not be liable, in contract, tort (including, without limitation, negligence), pre-contract or other representations (other than fraudulent or negligent misrepresentations) or otherwise out of or in connection with the Conditions for:
- any economic losses (including without limitation loss of revenues, profits, contracts, business or anticipated savings); or
- any loss of goodwill or reputation; or
- any special or indirect losses")
- Data Protection Act 1998 - confidential information is information that is not publicly available, that the law protects from misuse or improper disclosure by a person who is under an obligation to keep it confidential. ("We will treat all your Personal Information as confidential (although we reserve the right to disclose this information in the circumstances set out below). We will keep it on a secure server and we will fully comply with all applicable UK Data Protection and consumer legislation from time to time in place.")
Job roles in John Lewis Partnership
In the navigation bar we can click "Jobs in Partnership". John Lewis Partnership has got many different job roles you can apply for. You can look for jobs in UK, Scotland and Wales. You can find jobs in different areas such as: Graduate, Builiding and Services, Head Office, IT John Lewis, John Lewis Branches, John Lewis Distribution, John Lewis Manufacturing Other, Partnership Services, Residential Clubs, Waitrose, Waitrose Distribution, Waitrose Farming and Waitrose Supermarkets. You can also choose what hours you prefer whether it is part-time or full time job.
Organisational structures
John Lewis Partnership has got Hierarchical Organisational Structure with a Chairman of the Board on the top, 4 directors and Deputy Chairman of the Board. It also has many different departments.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is a cancer research and awareness charity in the United Kingdom formed on 4 February 2002 by the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Cancer Research UK is registered charity in United Kingdom which was founded by Harpal Kumar in February 2002. This is a Non-Governmental Organisation.
Cancer Research UK’s aim is to “save lives by preventing, controlling and curing cancer”. They do this through funding world-class research into all aspects of cancer, providing information and influencing public policy.
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/what-we-do/
Cancer Research UK’s aim is to “save lives by preventing, controlling and curing cancer”. They do this through funding world-class research into all aspects of cancer, providing information and influencing public policy.
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/what-we-do/
Website design features
Funding
Cancer Research UK is getting funding from events, donations, legacies, volunteers, direct giving, goods they sell in their shops. They do not receive any funding from government, so it is really good idea to help them get more money by donating online. You can make a single donation or do it as a direct debit.
Financial issues ad risks
Customers can get into the website and donate, as they also can shop online. People can create an account on the website and start to look for what they want. They have different prices of delivery.
Rules and regulations
- Returns Policy - return your item in the if possible original packaging within 14 days.
- Limitation of Liability - "Cancer Research UK hereby disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to the Material and any good or services supplied on relation to the Website, whether express or implied or statutory (including all implied warranties and conditions of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose). In no event shall Cancer Research UK be liable for any indirect, punitive, special, incidencial, or consequential damages whatsover even if Cancer Research UK has been advised of the possibility of damages including, without limitation, damages for loss of use etc."
- Data Protection Act 1998 - "We will use your personal information:
- to create an accountfor you if you register with us;
- for administration purposes
- to further our charitable aims, including for fundraising activities."
Job roles
There a lot of different job roles in Cancer Research UK, including: Administration, Finance, HR, Marketing, Retail etc. (click on a job role, it will move you to the website with a description)
Organisational structures
North Middlesex University Hospital
North Middlesex University Hospital is one of the most London's busiest acute hospitals. Over 20 years they served more then 250 000 people who is living in the Boroughs of Enfield and Haringey and surrounding areas such as Barnet and Waltham Forest. They provide excellent customers service and have big range of specialist which are pleased to help you at all times. The specialists include Stroke, HIV/AIDS, Cardiology (including heart failure care), Hematology Diabetes, Sleep Studies, Fertility and Orthopedics.
Their aim is "to deliver is high quality clinical care, outstanding customer care and efficient organisational systems and processes."
http://www.northmid.nhs.uk/
Website design features
Funding
They get funding by volunteering, The League of Friends and Donations. Also they get fund from patients, local community and local businesses. The League of Friends and volunteers are people from local community who share their free time with patients, visitors and staff. They organise fundraising events to get more money. You can donate by buying a check and send it to the hospital on this address:
Ailsa Bawn, Deputy Director of Finance
Finance Department
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust
Sterling Way
London N18 1QX
Financial issues ad risks
North Middlesex University Hospital is getting money from governmet which is raising through taxes.
Rules and regulations
- The Freedom of Information Act - "was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, with full access granted in January 2005. The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligation on public authorities."
- Data Protection Act 1998 - "Any infromation given to the Trust in connection with the NHS Foundation Trust status will only be used for that purpose. Names of Members will be included on a public register unless we are notified in writitng that you do now want your name to appear on a public register. Personla details will not be released to a third party without your written authority. The information will be stored and processed with the Data Protection Act 1998."
Job role
There are many different job roles in NHS Area. Here is a list of them:
- Administrative & Clerical
- Allied Health Professional
- Biomedical Science
- Clinical Services
- Dental
- Estates & Ancillary
- Executives
- Healthcare Assistant
- Healthcare Scientists
- Medical
- Healthcare Scientist Trainees
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Professional Scientific & Technical
- Psychology
- Radiography
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Students
- Apprenticeships
Organisational strucutres
"The trust is led by Actin Chair Lynne Cantor and Chief Executive Julie Lowe, supported by full-time Executive Directors and part-time independent Non-Executive Directors, appointed by the NHS Appointments Commission. The Executive Directors are responsible for the daily running of the organisation and together with the Non-Executive Directors have a collective responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the Trust, ensuring its achievement against performance targets and upholding high standards of governance and probity.
Specifically the role of the Trust Board is to manage the Trust by:
- Setting the strategic direction of the Trust within the context of the Government and the NHS priorities
- Regularly monitoring the Trust’s performance against its objectives
- Providing financial stewardship through value for money, financial control and financial planning and strategy
- Ensuring the Trust provides high quality, effective and patient focused services
- Ensuring high standards of corporate governance, personal conduct and compliance with statutory duties are maintained
- Ensuring there is effective dialogue with the local communities on plans and performance and that these are responsive to the community’s needs."
P5 - I will show screen shots of my storyboard. This post will include a storyboard. It is a plan which will show what I want my website look like (colour position, logos). I will also include name of my business and make sure that this name is available so I will not infringing on other business copyright. I will do a written checklist to make sure I have covered everything I wanted.
STORYBOARD
Home Page
About Us
Why do you need us?
Our service
Contact us
Colour scheme:
Green, Accent 6, Lighter 40%
Green, Accent 6, Darker 25%
Font:
Calibri (Body), 11
Business and website name:
Name: La Perfection
Website name: www.laperfection.co.uk
Checklist:
P6 - I will describe the benefits to a business organisation of marketing a product or service online.
There are different benefits and impacts of marketing products or service online. Such as creating a website, advertise your products or service on sites, sending emails to customers or use social networks.
Creating a website will be a good idea because your service will operate 24/7 and you will have good access and can control the content of website e.g. do some offers, add new stock, sales etc.
Advertising products or service online is similar to social networks and it might cost some money, example of this could be Pay-per-Click with Google this may be cheap or expensive
Sending emails to customers cost nothing to send and you are still in touch with all of your customers. You could send them vouchers, new offers or just update and say what is new in your service. You save money for your business by sending emails and customer can receive your email at any time.
Social networks are free to advertise on such as Facebook. You can target any potential audience and this is very effective use of time and money.
Marketing online is the best and the easiest way to advertise you products or service, to gain more customers and to save you money and time. By lowering your costs you will have more of customers and will get better and higher profits. You can save money and expand your business to make it more effective and more successful.
By having a bright, colourful website I might get larger amount of potential customers because this website will catch the eye of everyone. Marketing online will give me a chance to reduce my costs (objective) and help me to expand my business by saving money, which is one of the aims of my business.
P7 - I will outline positive and negative impact of online business society.
Employment - online business could increase an unemployment because when you have an online business there is a less number of people needed, but still you could give a job to someone e.g. in IT functional area.
Shopping district - when you have online business you do not need expand you business with stores, you just need one place 'Head Office' where you can have all of the people needed and all the stock you need to send or you receive. By having online business there is no need to pay rent, bills around all stores and salaries for all staff in your stores.
Personal interaction - when having an online business personal interaction 'seller-buyer' is impossible, they usually contact each other buy email only, customer can order anything from website and receive by post, but these kind of impact would be dangerous in order to scam or fraud.
STORYBOARD
Home Page
About Us
Our service
Contact us
Colour scheme:
Green, Accent 6, Lighter 40%
Green, Accent 6, Darker 25%
Font:
Calibri (Body), 11
Business and website name:
Name: La Perfection
Website name: www.laperfection.co.uk
Checklist:
- Logo at the top in the middle on every page
- Sign in/register box on every page
- Menu bar (colour changes when clicked)
- Home page includes: LOGO, sign in/register box, menu bar, picture, banner in the middle, a little bit of information about business.
- About us page includes: LOGO, sign in/register box, menu bar, information about the business
- Why do you need us page includes: LOGO, sign in/register box, menu bar, checklist with information why do you need us
- Our service page includes: LOGO, sign in/register box, menu bar, explanation how service looks like
- Contact us page includes: LOGO, sign in/register box, menu bar, address and opening times, box to leave a message with contact details
P6 - I will describe the benefits to a business organisation of marketing a product or service online.
There are different benefits and impacts of marketing products or service online. Such as creating a website, advertise your products or service on sites, sending emails to customers or use social networks.
Creating a website will be a good idea because your service will operate 24/7 and you will have good access and can control the content of website e.g. do some offers, add new stock, sales etc.
Advertising products or service online is similar to social networks and it might cost some money, example of this could be Pay-per-Click with Google this may be cheap or expensive
Sending emails to customers cost nothing to send and you are still in touch with all of your customers. You could send them vouchers, new offers or just update and say what is new in your service. You save money for your business by sending emails and customer can receive your email at any time.
Social networks are free to advertise on such as Facebook. You can target any potential audience and this is very effective use of time and money.
Marketing online is the best and the easiest way to advertise you products or service, to gain more customers and to save you money and time. By lowering your costs you will have more of customers and will get better and higher profits. You can save money and expand your business to make it more effective and more successful.
By having a bright, colourful website I might get larger amount of potential customers because this website will catch the eye of everyone. Marketing online will give me a chance to reduce my costs (objective) and help me to expand my business by saving money, which is one of the aims of my business.
P7 - I will outline positive and negative impact of online business society.
Employment - online business could increase an unemployment because when you have an online business there is a less number of people needed, but still you could give a job to someone e.g. in IT functional area.
Shopping district - when you have online business you do not need expand you business with stores, you just need one place 'Head Office' where you can have all of the people needed and all the stock you need to send or you receive. By having online business there is no need to pay rent, bills around all stores and salaries for all staff in your stores.
Personal interaction - when having an online business personal interaction 'seller-buyer' is impossible, they usually contact each other buy email only, customer can order anything from website and receive by post, but these kind of impact would be dangerous in order to scam or fraud.
M1 - I am going to compare website features of three organisations, which are John Lewis Partnership, Cancer Research UK and North Middlesex University Hospital.
John Lewis Partnership
- The websites provides different useful links
- Colours and design is different on each website
- They obviously have got different information on their website
- Some websites has got videos, some has not
- Different pictures- Logo of North Middlesex University Hospital is in the top of right corner, John Lewis Partnership and Cancer Research UK are in the top of left corner- Purpose of John Lewis Partnership website is to gain more clients to buy products, Cancer Research UK is to inform about their donations and about killing cancer and North Middlesex University Hospital is to inform as well but the patients within the area about their service.
I think that all of them are achieving its aims and objectives. But in my opinion Cancer Research UK is doing it very, very well. They always will help people with cancer, they will always support them. This is their aim "to help". They still do marathons to raise money. They also raise money through the website, where you can click to donate some money.
M2 - I will analyse the benefits to business and customers of having a business online.
Benefits for a business
We could find a lot of different benefits to our business by having it online. It is easy to set up, when you have online business you do not need to rent any office instead of that you can have just home based business. People would prefer to shop online than go to the high street shops. By having an online shop you will get more potential customers because most of people are more likely to use internet, where they can find everything. They can access online shops on their mobile as well. And you can easily get more customers worldwide. It is also easier to operate and control online business than a store. By having online business you can reduce your operating costs, so you can offer cheaper prices on some products, this will allow you to get more clients. It is also cheaper to advertise an online business, you can advertise on Facebook, send emails which is free. You can access your online business at any time even if you are on your holiday.
Benefits for a customer
Online shop as a time saver - people rather order something online than go to the store to buy it. You just need to go to the website of a retailer you want and purchase you item, pay for it and wait for about 3 to 5 working day to get it to your home.
People with mobility issues are more likely to shop online because they might find it difficult to got to shop, when it shops are usually crowded.
You can order your item at anytime you are able to and anywhere you want. Online shops are open 24/7. You do not need to wait in the queue at the shop. All you need to do is just choose the item you want and pay for it.
Online shops are offering different types of payments. You can type in your card details or pay through PayPal account.
Most of online shop have a lot of different offers and discounts which you are able to get. It might be also cheaper to buy some items online.
It is obvious that we can find some negative ways of online business. For example if you purchase your item online you have no chance to try it on before you pay for it. Some people buy a lot of items online, trying them at home and then go to return it to the store.
M3 - I will explain how the website assists in achieving the aims and objectives of the business user.
As an example I am going to use a website of Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK is a cancer research and awareness charity in the United Kingdom formed on 4 February 2002 by the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Cancer Research UK is registered charity in United Kingdom which was founded by Harpal Kumar in February 2002. This is a Non-Governmental Organisation.
Cancer Research UK’s aim is to “save lives by preventing, controlling and curing cancer”. They achieve their aim by achieving their objectives through funding world-class research into all aspects of cancer, providing information and influencing public policy.
Cancer Research UK helps people with a cancer. They are a very well know charity across the UK. When you get into their website you will find videos and get know how they try to kill cancer, pictures and the most important thing is a donation button. On the website you will find 4 different ways to donate to help them kill the cancer.
M4 - I will analyse the consequences for society of an increase in online business.
We all know that people are more likely to buy items online instead of to do it in store. But we need to think a little but carefully here. If the number of people buying online would increase rapidly that means that high street shops are in trouble and this would be a completely disaster for them. People who has no mobility issues should buy items 50/50. Some of them online and some in store. If high street stores would not gain the amount of money and profit they need to gain every month they will bankrupt. They would need to close the stores and they would be full in debts because they wanted to keep the business going.
Online customers would still find benefits and reasons why they will keep to shop online, as follows:
- No queues to pay for an item
- Some products might be out of stock in store, but not in distribution centre, where they come from when you buy online
- You can have an access to the website whenever and wherever you want
- You can be multitasking by ordering in many shops you want at the same time.
If high street stores would not be able to pay rent, bills the police or any other organisation would tell them to close the shop and move out from the current place. People need to think about shopping online before all of the high street stores will get close.
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