ABSTRACT
The convergence of the Internet age and the new global economy has led to an era of unprecedented
opportunity and challenges for organizations wishing to compete in the global arena. Traditional brick-
and-mortar methods of doing business have given way to global information networks; “virtual
companies” (which exist solely in “Internet space” without a unifying physical presence); and every
possible combination of business partnership imaginable, ranging from traditional customer-supplier
relationships to multi-level outsourcing deals. The impact of this rapid change is that companies have
been forced to seek new ways to achieve sustainable profitability in the face of increasing competition
from overseas. At the same time, uncertain economic conditions have resulted in extensive cost-cutting
efforts and downsizing at many traditionally stable organizations. Opportunities to increase productivity
while lowering expenses are cheered equally in the boardroom and on the trading floor.
