Learning about doing business online

Online business education is becoming more and more common in business and higher education institutions in the US and other countries. Many companies are realizing the importance of doing businesses online, mainly for its speed and how it covers distance like no other. “Allowing the public access to a common location via the Internet to exchange valuable information is the first step to gaining educational sponsorships and grants from industry leaders.” (Smith and Rupp 2004) More and more companies are starting to realize that learning how to effectively use e-systems can provide them with an edge over their competitors, and companies are incorporating it into their overall business strategies.
One of the most important skills taught for online businesses is distant learning. The building of collaborative relationships, learning about global thinking, and using technology resources to communicate are all important skills in today’s e-commerce world. Businesses today that do not integrate e-learning into their training classes today are left far behind. With companies today, it is not only doing business online with customers that are important, it is doing business internally over the internet. Companies are now so widespread over the world, that doing business over the telephone and regular mail are almost impossible. Without the speed and flexibility of the internet, companies would fall far behind their competitors.
Online education has its roots in the mid 1990’s, and as of 1995, one third of institutions of higher education offered some sort of distance learning. (Smith and Rupp 2004) Today, nearly all higher learning institutions offer online education. This class is a very good example of this, as of 1995, ASU offered no online courses, while today, there are a myriad of choices in online distance learning. The US Department of Education reported that total college enrolment increased to a record 15.3 million students by the end of 2001. In fact, by 2011, the number of bachelor's degrees is expected to reach a peak of 1.4 million, an increase of 13 percent over current numbers. Graduate student enrolment at the same time is expected to increase by 12 percent by 2011. It is this segment of the population that will have the most established comfort zone for the Internet and the customization associated with IT-intensive tools. This group will probably see online education as a requirement instead of an option in their learning strategies.

link
Smith, A., & Rupp, W. (2004). Managerial implications of computer-based online/face-to-face business education: a case study. Online Information Review, 28(2), 100-109.