The e-revolution is a phenomenon that we simply cannot afford to ignore any more. This is according to Cornelius Bothma, author of the book E-commerce for South African Managers.
The book, distributed by MasterSkill Training, is a forerunner of its kind on the local market and is written specifically from a South African perspective.
In co-operation with Bothma, MasterSkill will be adapting the book for online distribution as a training programme through Mskill.com, MasterSkill`s online learning web site.
"Converting the book into an online learning programme will make it available for wider distribution. We will draw out the core learning concepts and add learning value to these concepts," says Terry Kier, MD of MasterSkill Training. "It is also possible to include real online examples of the issues being discussed, something that is not possible with the hardcopy version."
According to Kier, the online programme should be available early in 2001 and the offering will include a portfolio of other Internet user courses like Browser Basics, Powersearching and an Introduction to the Internet.
Bothma entered into the distribution agreement with MasterSkill because " they are already well entrenched in the tertiary learning market and packaging the book under their banner brings with it quality assurance and accreditation."
The book has already proved popular on the retail front and, according to Bothma, a number of universities and training organisations are looking at it as course material for their e-commerce training programmes next year.
According to Kier, the issues covered in the book are relevant to any learning activity. "Both the book and the online programme serves as a good source to accompany any existing learning programme. The online programme will also be an excellent support course for programmers and developers studying any e-related course."
The book is essentially a business book but it does overlap the IT discipline. It is a comprehensive resource, covering all the topics one is likely to encounter in the marketplace, including the New Economy, B2C and B2B e-commerce, security issues, infrastructure, legal matters, ROI, design and promotional issues. It also outlines an e-commerce management model that businesses can use to plan their online activities.
Bothma feels that it is important for companies to look at e-commerce in a local context. "There are many issues that are relevant to us as a country. Our cost structures, support infrastructure, level of development and usage profiles are very different from that of other countries. E-commerce is a global `hot` topic receiving considerable attention from local business, government and education. We must approach it in a way that suits our country`s unique e-commerce set-up.
"As the world enters the virtual realm, e-literacy is essential if individuals and companies are to deal with cyberspace successfully. My book is aimed at providing entrepreneurs, professionals and managers with a solid understanding of the new paradigms, opportunities, terminology and challenges they face in the online world," says Bothma.
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