Prof. Dr. Rolf T. Wigand (University of Arkansas at Little Rock)

Programm

• Date: 19.11.2007
  Time: 15:30 s.t. – 17:00
  Location: Room 211b, Ludwigstr. 28, front building

"Electronic Commerce: Some Key Concepts and Research Findings from Three National Science Foundation Research Grants"

After an overview of electronic commerce (EC) and related current themes such as disintermediation, channel conflict and multichannel management and electronic markets, the key findings of three National Science Foundation (NSF) research projects are presented. These were multi-year research projects within the U.S. real estate industry, the mortgage industry and a ten-nation comparison of the introduction and adoption of EC. An overview of a follow-up NSF three-year research project in the mortgage, automotive supply and retail industries is addressed. Lessons learned with regard to EC applications in various industries, EC strategies as well as the evolution of new EC models are presented.

• Date: 21.11.2007
  Time: 17:00 - 19:00
  Location: Room E04, Kaulbachstr. 45

"Web 2.0 Developments: Disruptive Technology or Is Everything Miscellaneous?"

This presentation explores current Web 2.0 developments, including Long Tail economics. Rolf Wigand defines Web 2.0, views it as a paradigm shift and examines how the vast amount and variety of information on the Web is attempted to be organized, sorted, ordered, tagged and classified. The nature and role of social networking sites are addressed, especially asking how businesses might find a suitable role here. Moreover, the author asks how one might reach and connect with Web 2.0 customers and what strategy businesses might pursue. Online shopping communities within the Web 2.0 context are explored and some opportunities for retailers are identified. Lastly, questions and issues are raised with regard to the implementation of Web 2.0 and the bottom line, i.e., an attempt to see what some businesses are doing in this context and how they embrace Web 2.0 technologies and applications.