A store like coles which have two modes of sales like online and physical store, compare both of them and finally conclude which is better. As discerning individuals, we frequently engage in an...

A store like coles which have two modes of sales like online and physical store, compare both of them and finally conclude which is better. As discerning individuals, we frequently engage in an evaluation process. For example, before we make any major purchase, be it a house, a car, or a computer, we will evaluate/compare the purchase by examining similarities and differences between two or more items that make the most sense based on our own perceptions of value for money. Even a decision on which restaurant to eat at will involve comparing different features between restaurants such as the menu choice or ease of parking. For this assessment, you will engage in a thorough evaluation/comparison and write an internal document (memo) based on your findings. The purpose of this assessment is to teach you the skills of writing an effective evaluation/comparison. Assessment task Managers in almost every organisation have incorporated the Internet as a part of their information technology strategies. Most large organisations, and many small ones, are involved in some type of e-business (commonly defined as any business that takes place by digital processes over a computer network). Your boss, the CEO of Silk Road Furnishings, a retail business that imports premium home furnishings from China and India, selling them through their stores in Melbourne and Sydney, is considering expansion; however, there are two schools of thought. One is to duplicate the success with more ‘physical stores’, by expansion to Brisbane and Auckland. Others feel that the expansion and investment should be through the establishment of an online store. Until now, the online presence has been just a small website without even much of a catalogue. In order to make a decision between these two strategies, your boss has asked you to review the online presence and physical store presence of any retail company already operating in these two markets.