Management Information Systems Homework

1. look at the Webby Awards. The Webby Awards are the Advertising Industry’s awards for the best web sites in various categories. They evaluate web sites based upon the quality of their design and creativity. However, I want you to evaluate these web sites from a business perspective. Which web site cited in the Webby Awards do you like? Which do you think is not so great? Find one site (Webby Awards) that you like and one that you don’t in any one of the following market categories:

Automotive

Banking

Best Visual Design – Function

Consumer Electronics

Corporate Communications

Financial Services

Insurance

Law

IT Hardware / Software

Real Estate

Retail

Telecommunications

http://www.rogerclarke.com/EC/ECDefns.html

http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9605.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_business

Please write a critique of both sites (2) you have selected, stating the site’s objective and whether you thought the site met that objective, even if you thought that the design was vile or ugly. What is the business objective of the web site (e.g. direct sales, marketing, corporate image, affiliate sales)? Does the design help achieve the business objective? Would a different design, even one not as creative, be better towards achieving this objective? Does the site that you like gain competitive advantage from its web site design? What kind of competitive advantage? If not, why not?

1. What are Web 2.0 tools? How do Web 2.0 tools help businesses retain customers? Does the site you like use Web 2.0 tools? If so, how? If not, what Web 2.0 tool would be helpful towards achieving a business objective and/or gaining a competitive advantage?

I am expecting about 4-5 pages discussing these issues and your critiques. Your discussion should be based upon the reading materials. Be direct and get to the point you are making quickly in your own words.