For Submission:

Research Topic:

The Impact of Collaborative Technologies on consumer generated media and its effect on Marketers.

Literature Review

Consumers are key to a successful business. Most business listens to their customers because of the underlying importance of feedbacks and primarily satisfying their needs. Web-based companies dealing on digital products and services maximises the opportunities created by the Internet to effectively communicate and collaborate with customers on new product development or redesigning existing products (Robert, et al., 2003).

Innovations in web experience brought about by web 2.0 have created disruptive force like CGM (Carson. 2008). Consumers now are more appended to what another customer feels about a product than mere traditional channel preferred by marketers (CompeteInc. 2006). These innovation and the capabilities of using collaborative tools available with web 2.0 give marketers great opportunity to get direct feedbacks from end users. It also eliminates data collection barriers and reduces error assumptions in data analysis (Neilson. 2008).

Marketers have already anticipated possibilities for fostering trackable, one-on-one relationships with customers. This is possible with innovations in collaborative technologies like Google’s Android which will offer portable rich-media capabilities, allowing brands to integrate online, text and e-mail marketing into a lower-cost smart phone that fits into consumers' pockets (Noreen. 2008).

Therefore, the way forward is to create a robust customer relationship management based on systematic collaboration using technologies where customers manage that relationship with generated contents to support product marketing while companies concentrate on and customer satisfaction and service fulfilment (Seybold. 2008).

The areas that needs further research is the lack of proper understanding from marketers’ perspective on the application and use of collaboration and associate technologies to effectively compromise between customer wants and profitability.

Background

The internet has created enormous opportunities for people and business. Nowadays, consumers are up to date in terms of information on product and services in the market. One of the trusted sources of information is customer generated media from various customers. Existing customer reviews and user experience plays an important part in influencing potential customers in making buying decision. Therefore, an effective strategic plan dealing with consumer behaviours is very vital for any business to success online.

Companies could gain an advantage by simply creating platform using collaboration with customers and suppliers and also mining massive available content generated media on the internet. This is achievable by using technologies to effectively communicate and implement important marketing strategy and the ability to review feedbacks in an inexpensive way.

Business agility to respond to current market trends will highly be dependent on how well companies communicate with customers especially on feedbacks and comments on new offerings and existing products.

Research Objectives

The main objective of this research paper is to address how the use of collaborative technology in customer generated content impact marketing strategic planning. It will focus primarily on answering the following questions;

1. Do marketers really need to listen to customers?

2. What are the effects of CGM on product development life cycle?

3. What could marketers gain from using collaborative technology in creating online customer intimacy?

4. What are the current available technologies?

5. What are the limitations of using collaborative technology in today’s customer-centric marketplace?

Benefits of Research Paper

This paper will benefit e-marketer as well as product designers to understand the impact of using collaborative technologies in creating value proposition based on customers reviews on different CGM channels online.

Another benefit is how these technologies could be used to communicate with customers in an inexpensive and effective way and customers feedbacks on new product offering can easily be collected and assessed.

Sections of Research Paper

1.0 Introduction

1.1. Definition of Collaboration

1.2. Importance of the “customer”

1.3. Purpose of Research Paper

2.0 Consumers’ influence on product development

2.1. What the customer wants

2.2. CGM as a disruptive force

2.3. Impact of consumer to consumer messaging

2.4. Innovation Vs Marketability

3.0 Collaboration as a Branding tool

3.1. Virality

3.2. Customer retention

3.3. Inexpensive information gateway

4.0 Current Application of Collaborative Technologies

4.1. Web 2.0

4.2. Virtual Worlds

4.3. Business intelligence tools

5.0 Limitations of collaborative technologies

5.1. Internet infrastructure

5.2. Consumer Awareness

5.3. Trust and Security

6.0 Future trend of Technology and CGM

7.0 Conclusion

8.0 References

Sources of Information

1.0 Carson, J. 2008.Four disruptive opportunities wrought by CGM.[Internet] Available at: http://blogs.nielsenbuzzmetrics.com/mouthpiece/archives/2007/03/four_disruptive.html [Accessed on October 1st 2008]

1.1. Disruptive nature of CGM

2.0 Noreen , O. 2008. Walk the talk: What marketers are learning from word of mouth and group dynamics. VNU Business Media Journal, [Online]. 49 (5),
Available at: http://search.rdsinc.com.ezproxy.lib.swin.edu.au/texis/rds/suite2/+lReElW_eoxbtqA68nh_Wxv9+xFqo15nG9+vW/full.html (Business and Industry)
[Accessed October 8^th 2008].

3.0 Seybold, P. 2008. How your customers will co-design your company’s future. [Internet] http://outsideinnovation.blogs.com/

3.1. General source for Innovation on Collaboration

4.0 Nielsen BuzzMetrics. http://www.nielsenbuzzmetrics.com/cgm

4.1. My source for CMG estimates on posting and usage

5.0 Pitts, RA.. and Lei, D. 2003. Strategic Management: Building and Sustaining competitive advantage. 3^rd ed. South-Western: Thomson Press.

5.1. Source for strategic planning theories

6.0 Blackshaw, P. 2005. Word of Mouth a long term strategy? [Internet] http://www.clickz.com/showPage.html?page=3553036

6.1. I’m using this source to identify the importance of CGM as part of strategic planning.

7.0 CompeteInc. 2006. There is a Viral going around that Marketers will want to catch http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20061213005288&newsLang=en

7.1. This source is to suggest how viral marketing influences buying behaviour

For Submission-Kang Loong

Title-The Growth of Ubiquitous Internet in Malaysia

Introduction on Research topic
Nowadays, internet has become a new channel for e-commerce. Many organizations have built their own website, blog or forum for online marketing, advertising, customer relationship services, and etc. With the emerging technologies in internet infrastructure and telecommunication, the internet can be upgraded to ubiquitous.

Ubiquitous internet means connection between virtual internet and physical world at anytime by anything and anyone. Thus, ubiquitous internet will provide more opportunities to organization to do e-commerce. In this report, I will discuss on the advantages and disadvantages of ubiquitous internet, challenges face by ubiquitous internet and facilities which can support the growth of ubiquitous internet in Malaysia.

In conclusion, ubiquitous internet in Malaysia allows all Malaysian connected to the global world and updated with the latest knowledge and technology.

Scope of Research
Ubiquitous internet is a new issue which may be applicable and available in near future. The changes in ubiquitous is unpredictable as it concern on the changes of human needs and wants. Advantages and disadvantages of ubiquitous internet will be included in this research paper. The growth of ubiquitous internet will be concentrate in Malaysia with the use of other countries as reference.

Objectives of this Research topic:
• What is the meaning of ubiquitous internet?
• What are the advantages of ubiquitous internet?
• What are the disadvantages of ubiquitous internet?
• What are the challenges to Ubiquitous internet in Malaysia?
• What are the facilities to assist Ubiquitous internet in Malaysia?

Literature Review
The ubiquitous internet means an internet that is everywhere and can be easily assessed from variety of devices not just personal computer. According to Mark Weiser, “The internet revolution has barely started. It won’t be done until everything is on the Web. Light switches, pagers, copiers, printers, as well as PCs, benefits from Web connections” (Weiser, 1996). International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has predicted the new era of ubiquity will have billions of internet users and most of the traffic will flow between devices, creating a much wider and more complex “Internet of Things”.

The Ubiquitous internet can provide business opportunities for ecommerce. Capitalists have always wanted to convince people that their product is everywhere, that everyone is doing it (irregulartimes.com, 2008). Therefore, telecommunication companies such as TM touch, Digi, Celcom and Maxis will try there best in the technology to provide ubiquitous internet. Electronic devices manufacturer will innovate products which can be used in ubiquitous computing. Web service programmers such as Microsoft and Dell will develop new software that can satisfy the needs of internet users.

The flows of information and contents become more flexible as the digital media exploding (Lockhorn, 2006). Besides, people can interact with each other easily via internet as the ubiquity increase. Most of the teenagers in the new generated are well educated in computer technology and internet. Thus, they will be able to benefit from the convenience of internet in their daily activities.

As more internet users store their personal information in the internet, by themselves or companies who they transact with, the privacy and securities of the information are threaten. The activities which may reveal personal information can be found in an article entitled “Traveling in Cyberspace Safety” (PrivacyRight, 1995). Besides, the disadvantages of ubiquitous internet include virtual monopoly as mention in “The Growth of the Ubiquitous Internet”. (Irregulartimes.com, 2008)

In order to implement ubiquitous internet successfully, Malaysia needs to outcome the challenges of substantial gap between poor n rich, country development, geographical limitation and the vision, “Ubiquitous Society”. An example of ubiquitous society in Japan can be found in an article written by Jack Turner entitled “The Transition to a Ubiquitous Internet Society”.

In this research paper, the facilities to support ubiquitous internet in Malaysia will be tested on the infrastructure, devices and technology. Jack Turner had mentioned few latest technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Voice over IP (VOIP) and Wireless Network (Wi-Fi) that can improve the performance of internet connection.

In my research paper, I would include 2 case studies that potentially contribute to ubiquitous internet. The first case studies will be the Digi EDGE plan which allows Digi customers to surf internet using Streamyx and mobile phone. The second case studies will be the Microsoft program that provides chat services and check mail box via mobile phone.


Structure of Paper
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Definition of ubiquitous internet
1.2 Purpose of research paper
1.3 Background of ubiquitous internet(Malaysia)
2.0 Advantages of ubiquitous internet
2.1 Opportunities for ecommerce
2.1.1 Telecommunication company
2.1.2 Electronic devices manufacturer
2.1.3 Software and hardware developers
2.2 The access to rich electronic information and content
2.3 Personalized connection between people
2.4 Convenience daily activities
3.0 Disadvantages of ubiquitous internet
3.1 Securities and privacy concerns
3.2 Virtual monopoly in internet operating system and web browser market
4.0 Challenges for ubiquitous internet
4.1 Substantial gap
4.2 Country development and geographical limitation
4.3 “Ubiquitous Society”
5.0 Facilities to assist ubiquitous internet in Malaysia
5.1 Extensive infrastructure for wireless networking
5.2 Microchip, microprocessor and mobile devices
5.3 Updated internet software and technology
6.0 Case studies
6.1 Digi Edge
6.2 Messenger Goes Mobile
7.0 Conclusion
8.0 Recommendation
8.1 Solutions to disadvantages of ubiquitous internet
8.2 Well planning to prevent failure
8.3 Steps to increase more ecommerce opportunities
9.0 Reference

List of References

Irregular Times, “The Growth of the Ubiquitous Internet”, viewed on 9 October 2008
http://irregulartimes.com/ubiquitous.html

Lockhorn J, “Are You Ready for Ubiquitous Interactivity?”, viewed on 9 October 2008
http://www.clickz.com/showPage.html?page=3624090

Privacy and the Internet, “Traveling in Cyberspace Safely 2008”, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, viewed on 9 October 2008
http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs18-cyb.htm

ITU 2007, ‘Ubiquity: Here, There and Everywhere’, viewed on 9 October 2008
http://www.itu.int/newsroom/features/ubiquity.html

Burbey, I 1996, ”Ubiquitous internet computing”, viewed on 9 October 2008
http://ei.cs.vt.edu/book/chap24/chp24-01.html

Turner, J 2005, “The new internet: the transition to a ubiquitous internet society”, BNET, viewed on 9 October 2008
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NTN/is_65/ai_n15797829/pg_4?tag=artBody;col1

Susanne Huttner, “The Internet economy: Towards a better future”, OECD Observer, 2008, viewed on 9 October 2008
http://www.oecdobserver.org/news/fullstory.php/aid/233

PhpBB, “Digi EDGE going unlimited a month”, viewed on 9 October 2008
http://mobile.mypdacafe.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=17424&start=45

Digi,” High Speed Mobile Access powered by EDGE”, viewed on 9 October 2008,
http://www.digi.com.my/data_services/gprs/datagprs_overview.do

Digi,” Technical Specification”, viewed on 9 October 2008,
http://www.digi.com.my/data_services/gprs/datagprs_technicalspec.do

Window Live, “Messenger Goes Mobile” viewed on 9 October 2008,
http://www.messengergoesmobile.com/

For Submission: The Emergence of RFID in the Future (Mayi Al-B Chang May-Yee)

INTRODUCTION

This proposal is written to research on the topic “The Emergence of RFID in the Future”. The current and future applications of RFID, its implications and ethical issues of RFID will be included in the research paper based on research and personal knowledge or interest. This research paper is to deliver knowledge to all. Basically, RFID is one of the vital technologies that emerge continuously in the world ranging in its designs and usage.
The reason for choosing this topic as my research paper is to identify the continuous emergence of RFID in every industry which brings benefits to the society and contributes to the world of e-commerce. Besides, I am keen to know about the emergence of RFID in the future and how secure will it be in the coming few years supporting not only business affairs but also to the society.

SCOPE OF RESEARCH

Although there is numerous research areas that can be researched about RFID but the scope of this research will only focus on the emergence application of RFID in the future, its implications and ethical issues. There are no specific areas of RFID application and other topic discussion would be included due to time constraint. This research paper will also include a case study in identifying the successful of RFID application in supply chain of Campbell’s Company.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the research are to identify the revolution of RFID application in various industries from current application to future application, to identify its implications towards industry, the society and also in e-commerce perspectives. Besides, the research objectives include discussion on how secured will RFID be and its ethical issue in the future as compared to now. Moreover, with the insertion of a case study, the successfulness of RFID application in supply chain can be determined and proven.


BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Definition of RFID

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification which it is a kind of technology that uses radio waves in doing automatic identification relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders (Technovelgy, 2008). According to The RFID Gazette (2007), RFID was first invented by Harry Stockman with the publishing of his 1948 report “Communication by Means of Reflected Power”, has only in the last few year become viable. It is more similar to a small electronic device that consists of small/silicon chip and antenna that might be capable in carrying 2000 bytes of data or maybe less than that. It can be both attach or implanted into a product, animal or even person. This RFID device act the same as a bar code or even a magnetic strip enacted behind a credit card or even ATM card enables information available just with a scan of the device (The RFID Gazette, 2007). Mainly, the key feature of this technology is the ability in instant tracking of tagged object.
RFID is beginning to revolutionize the way business is done and the emerging of RFID development in the future on its usage and designs will definitely make it to be one of the technology that plays a vital role in business industry (RFID Journal, 2008).

Revolution of RFID

Structure of Research Paper

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Definition of RFID (This section will define RFID in general)
1.2 Scope of Research (This section will define the scope or area that this research paper will cover and its limitation)
1.3 Objectives of Research (This section will point out the objectives or purpose of the research)
2.0 Current Applications of RFID (This section covers current usage of RFID in various industry consisting of business, education and etc. in relation with e-commerce)
3.0 Future Applications of RFID (This section is done based on the research of future usage of RFID in various industry)
4.0 Implications of RFID (This section will be discussing about the effects to the society, business or e-commerce or ways that RFID should be used )
5.0 Ethical Issues of RFID (This section discuss about the security and ethical issues that RFID face and ways to eliminate this problem)
6.0 Case Study : RFID in Campbell’s Supply Chain (A case study to prove the successful usage of RFID in the supply chain)
7.0 Conclusion (The conclusion will briefly summarize the whole research paper)
8.0 Recommendations (This section will cover the suggestions and recommendations in relation to e-commerce for businesses to implement RFID)
9.0 References
10.0 Appendices

LIST OF MAIN REFERENCES AND SOURCES

Blogger.com, 2008, HBM370 Innovation & Emerging Technologies, last viewed 2 October 2008, http://www.HBM370innovation.blogspot.com
(This blog had been useful for me to get and know more about RFID as my classmates had contributes their ideas and comments that I can take as reference for my research paper)
Emigh, J., 1 February 2004, “RFID and the Future of Asset Protection”, viewed 1 October 2008, http://securitysolutions.com/mag/security_rfid_future_asset/index.html
(This reference would be used as discussion of RFID usage in asset protection in business)
Malykhina, E., September 30, 2004, “Campbell Uses Slap-and-Ship Approach to RFID”, Information Week, http://www.informationweek.com/industries/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=RRFA2CD44IPEKQSNDLQCKIKCJUNN2JVN?articleID=48800377
(This article discuss about the usage of RFID in supply chain management whereby it helps in my discussion for the case study)
RFID Journal, viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.rfidjournal.com
(This is the main reference I am going to use for my research paper as it consist of latest news and updates of RFID technology in every aspect)
Technovelgy, “What Is RFID”, viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Technology-Article.asp?ArtNum=20#Security
(This reference gives me the proper definition of RFID which I can give a much proper definition for RFID for the research paper)
The RFID Gazette, “RFID Report – The Future is Here, A Beginner’s Guide to RFID”, viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.rense.com/general62/fuure.htm
(Here is the website that provides me with proper guide of using RFID)
“The Emergence of RFID in the Modern Society”, http://islab.oregonstate.edu/koc/ece399/f03/explo/gragg.pdf,
(This journal gives me a better idea on how the emergence of RFID can affect the society in the modern days in relation to the revolution of technology)
Raveendran, K., “Emergence Of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology Retailing and Supply Chain Management”, http://www.indianmba.com/Faculty_Column/FC725/fc725.html
(This article gives me idea in the application of RFID in supply chain management that assist me in the case study that I am going to provide in the research paper)
RFID Solutions Online, http://www.rfidsolutionsonline.com/content/hubs/dir.asp?hub=News
(This website provides me with updated information relating on the application of RFID in various industry that assist me in the part of future applications of RFID)
RFID Net, http://www.rfid.ae/index.asp
(This section provides me with information on the current applications of RFID in various industry which will assist me in outlining the information into the research paper)
You Tube, 2008, “RFID videos”, last viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.youtube.com
(You Tube is full of uploads for RFID related videos which enable me to understand more about the usage of RFID, its applications and revolution in the world in the form of visual reference as it will give me a better understanding and ideas)


REFERENCES (BACKGROUND INFORMATION)


Emigh, J., 1 February 2004, “RFID and the Future of Asset Protection”, viewed 1 October 2008, http://securitysolutions.com/mag/security_rfid_future_asset/index.html
RFID Journal, viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.rfidjournal.com
Technovelgy, “What Is RFID”, viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Technology-Article.asp?ArtNum=20#Security
The RFID Gazette, “RFID Report – The Future is Here, A Beginner’s Guide to RFID”, viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.rense.com/general62/fuure.htm
The RFID Gazette, “RFID Report – The Future is Here, A Beginner’s Guide to RFID”, viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.rense.com/general62/fuure.htm

Drafts: Research Proposal on The Emerging of RFID in the Future

INTRODUCTION
This proposal is written to research on the topic “The Emerging of RFID in the Future”. The current and future revolution of RFID, its purposes, implications and ethical issues of RFID will be included in the research paper based on research and personal knowledge or interest. This research paper is to deliver knowledge to all. Basically, RFID is one of the vital technology that emerges continuously in the world ranging in its designs and usage.


LITERATURE REVIEW
Definition of RFID
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification which it is a kind of technology that uses radio waves in doing automatic identification relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders (Technovelgy, 2008). According to The RFID Gazette (2007), RFID was first invented by Harry Stockman with the publishing of his 1948 report “Communication by Means of Reflected Power”, has only in the last few year become viable. It is more similar to a small electronic device that consists of small/silicon chip and antenna that might be capable in carrying 2000 bytes of data or maybe less than that. It can be both attached or implanted into a product, animal or even person. This RFID device act the same as a bar code or even a magnetic strip enacted behind a credit card or even ATM card enables information available just with a scan of the device (The RFID Gazette, 2007). Mainly, the key feature of this technology is the ability in instant tracking of tagged object.
RFID is beginning to revolutionize the way business is done and the emerging of RFID development in the future on its usage and designs will definitely make it to be one of the technology that plays a vital role in business industry (RFID Journal, 2008).
Revolution of RFID
RFID had emerged with the continuing of technology development in its purpose to develop various practical usage. The innovation in RFID is for example like product tracking, transport payments, automotive, inventory systems, smart cards, retailing and medical industry that continues to evolve in its usage (Technovelgy, 2008).
The RFID in the future of asset protection and supply chain management had proven successful as Wal-Mart had fully implemented RFID in all of their management process and even requesting their suppliers and retailers to implement RFID technology that can bring convenience to both (Emigh, 2004).
Mainly, RFID brings a vary of benefits to both customers and businesses based on its low cost characteristics which enable it to be implemented conveniently. According to Emigh (2004), most agree that RFID offers future potential for cost-effectiveness, however, RFID is really much pricier than bar code scanning at this point.
Nowadays RFID had made a big impact in e-Commerce compare to the olden days. It affects in a way that it can bring customers and businesses the mobility, convenience and fast way in doing business transactions. The implications of RFID in the world of technology will not only effect only one industry which is business industry but also it will emerge in the world of clothing, hospitality, entertainment, automotive, education and etc. (RFID Journal, 2008).
However, every technology that can be define in the terms of communication or data storage will certainly has its own ethical issues that discuss about RFID’s security issues. Mainly, the problems existed from technical and privacy and ethics of RFID (Technovelgy, 2008).


Structure of Research Paper
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Definition of RFID
1.2 Purpose of Research
2.0 Current Revolution of RFID
3.0 Future Revolution of RFID
4.0 Implications of RFID
5.0 Ethical Issues of RFID
6.0 Case Study : RFID in Campbell’s Supply Chain
7.0 Conclusion
8.0 Recommendations
9.0 References


REFERENCES AND SOURCES
Blogger.com, 2008, HBM370 Innovation & Emerging Technologies, last viewed 2 October 2008, http://www.HBM370innovation.blogspot.com
Emigh, J., 1 February 2004, “RFID and the Future of Asset Protection”, viewed 1 October 2008, http://securitysolutions.com/mag/security_rfid_future_asset/index.html
RFID Journal, viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.rfidjournal.com
Technovelgy, “What Is RFID”, viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Technology-Article.asp?ArtNum=20#Security
The RFID Gazette, “RFID Report – The Future is Here, A Beginner’s Guide to RFID”, viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.rense.com/general62/fuure.htm
You Tube, 2008, “RFID videos”, last viewed 1 October 2008, http://www.youtube.com