Information Technologies Responses, Essay Example

Questions:

1. Based on EC Book Chapter 5, Case 1 (C1. Harley-Davidson) in page 254-255, please answer the first two questions listed in page 255. Note: this is an individual assignment, so please do not consult with other people.

(1) Become familiar with RFID technology and its potential uses in Harley-Davidson’s supply chain using the information presented in Chapter 5 and information you may obtain on the Internet through your favorite search engines, and your library. Please evaluate the advantages and disadvantages for Harley-Davidson of replacing its bar codes and scanner technology with RFID.

(2) Please compare and contrast the major issues that Wal-Mart and other large retailers faced when they tried to implement RFID in their supply chains with those that Harley-Davidson will likely face as it moves into RFID implementations with its suppliers and customers.

2. Based on EC book Chapter 6, in page 291 (RQ2), please identify a product that could be promoted using a social networking site such as Facebook. Please explain why your chosen product would be a good candidate for a social networking-based promotion strategy.

3. Based on EC book Chapter 6, in page 291 (RQ8), please answer the following question:

Some eBay users believe that the use of sniping software is unfair and that eBay should prohibit its use. Please present facts and logical arguments that would convince eBay to prohibit the use of sniping software.

Responses:

Question 1

Replacing the bar code and scanner technology with RFID will offer Harley-Davidson numerous benefits. Unlike scanners, RFID readers have a long range and do not require line of sight to detect RFID plates. This implies that they can read information on tags located anywhere within their range. RFID readers can also detect tags embedded on products inside a packaging container. RFID tags can accommodate more information than bar codes, making it possible to effectively identify a product in the supply chain. Information in the tags can also be updated or revised depending on company’s needs. However, adoption of RFID may present some challenges to the company. The reader’s long range presents potential source of interference of signals from the tags. One reader can read information from more than one tag, clogging the whole information system. RFID tags and readers are also costly to design and maintain.

Harley-Davidson will probably face various issues when implementing RFID to support its supply chain, as it has been witnessed with some other large companies, such as Wal-Mart. High cost of implementation may hinder full-scale integration of the technology in the supply chain, as some players may resist the change. In contrast to the other retailers, the company can rely on its good relations with suppliers to encourage them to implement the technology.

Question 2

A book represents a suitable product that can be promoted through social networking sites. It can be converted to electronic format and hyperlinked, allowing social network users to access the book for review. It can also be bought online by requiring potential customers to pay online through different electronic payment methods.

Question 3   

Ebay should do away with its snipping software because by controlling bids from a central point, it prevents sellers from selling their products at the highest bid possible. This is because it does not allow a new bid to control the time needed to close the bidding process. Therefore, abolishing the software would allow the online auction to work just as a conventional one.