Online Business: Multiple Disciplinary Skills Required

Michael Laleye

September 27, 2007


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Online Businesses, unlike many on-site businesses, require entrepreneurs to not only have a background in business, but also computers. Yes, on-site businesses function on computer systems, too, but they don’t rely solely on computer technology for their operation. No matter how shrewd or savvy an entrepreneur may be, if s/he doesn’t have a strong grasp on how computer technology works regarding ecommerce; the utilization of marketing strategy through online systems; hypertext languages; a knowledge of other forms of software, such as Adobe, Flash and Java; and other essential aspects of business networking, the online business is sure to fail.

This is why a whole new type of business study has emerged in recent years: Online business. Yes, double majors in Computer Science and Business would prepare those who wish to primarily work online, but business schools now have incorporated a computer-oriented dimension to their programs on all levels, not only because computer technology has become an important integration in society in general, but also because online businesses, revolving around ecommerce, have become a prominent and necessary community in the overall scheme of global business altogether. It is crucial for all business students to know about computer technology, whether they intend to eventually work online or not. Many on-site businesses today are also available online, so Internet interaction is inevitable for everyone involved in business.

As it stands now, any business person who is unable to maneuver successfully through online communities is likely already destined to fail. Such graduates from Business schools are arguably incomplete in their learning.

Those who wish to set up their own business site must know how to establish and work through online banking systems; download software an files essential for business site management like templates and tutorials, upload files, such as image files; moderate forums for technical support; integrate registration and merchandise ordering software for interactive purposes; write in basic HTM, HTML, PHP and/or other hypertext languages; incorporate clipart and icons applications as necessary; and effectively initiate advertising and other marketing strategies. Conducting online business is much different than offline because the community in which it thrives operates according to its own distinct set of rules and mannerisms. Being able to maneuver through the landscapes constructed by such distinctions with ease and to one’s own advantage will lead to success in that community. This is even true for the Internet.

It can also be argued these days that those who learn about online business first are likely the more valuable because of their technical capabilities. Computer technology is just as appreciatively vital and important in business as it is in Computer Science, and every single business, whether online or offline, will be looking for those with such experience, inclusive and/or aside from any academic achievements. Anyone in business having both academic degrees and experience with Internet technology are understandably most ideal.