Business Environment

Business Environment CASE STUDY (20 Marks) Trade slot reduced the cost and risk of converting international enquiries by using online meeting and teleconferencing software which offered a more viable solution than more traditional methods. Now, online meetings are hosted through CitrixOnline’s ‘ GoTo Meeting’ offering and all telephony enquires are facilitated using Skype. Trade slot has achieved a low cost operating model by virtualising client facing communications and thereby embracing a low-carbon economy. Further, Trade slot’s clients are also being educated in the practical ways in which they too could progress to a low-carbon economy in the future. The additional benefits of this change in communication methods include improved customer service and the ability for Trade slot to have a viable global presence.

Client facing teleconferencing is applicable to all business operations and is simple to use. While the environmental benefits of not travelling can be measured (and are increasingly important), it is the savings of direct travel costs and lost time that make this a viable and beneficial practice. Featured Organizations Trade slot is a leading provider of allocation mechanism technology and carbon management software. Trade slot was looking for a cost effective way to manage international enquiries. The Problem to be Addressed Traditional techniques for managing international relationships were both too costly and risky to be considered as a viable option. New, low cost techniques using easily available technology were required in order to effectively nurture an international enquiry into a converted customer. The Proposed Solution Use of easily accessible online meeting and teleconferencing software was integrated into key business development activities. The aim was to find a cost- effective way to progress customer enquiries.

Now, online meetings are hosted through CitrixOnline’s ‘Go To Meeting’ offering and all telephony enquires are facilitated using Skype. What Were the End Benefits? (Efficiencies, Productivity, Financial, Cultural or Other) The implementation of online meeting tools into the lead generation process has been essential for Trade slot to demonstrate its leadership in the low-carbon economy. Not only is Trades lot now seen to be ‘walking-the-talk’ by embracing approaches to reduce travel related emissions, the company is now educating its clients in simple ways to adapt to a low- carbon economy. Other benefits include: Improved customer service. Face-to-face contact is only required for key negotiations, thereby maximizing the time available to speak with clients. Online demonstrations have provided the opportunity for Trade slot staff to enhance their understanding of client queries and provide a tailored response to show the capability of its software. Viable global presence.

The use of online meeting tools enabled Trade slot to serve the global market place, where it was previously too costly to do so. Trade slot staff have had minimal issues as a result of using online meeting tools to nurture initial enquires into converted customers. An initial setup is required for customers new to this type of format, however, this is quickly resolved as soon as all headset/s and microphone/s are working correctly. Meetings are then activated with a click of a button at which time customers can be guided through the demonstration.

Answer the following question. Q1. How Trade slot was able to reduce the cost and risk of converting international enquiries? Discuss. Q2. Debate the other benefits the company received by adopting Teleconferencing.