In a short essay, identify the four areas in which technological advances had their greatest impact on business. Describe the impact of each area on business today

What will be an ideal response?

Perhaps the most important driver of market globalization has been technological advances in information, communications, manufacturing, and transportation. While globalization makes internationalization imperative, technological advances provide the means for it to happen.
a. Information technology: Information technology (IT) is the science and process of creating and using information resources. Its effect on business has been revolutionary. The cost of computer processing fell by 30 percent per year during the past two decades and continues to fall. IT creates competitive advantages by giving companies new ways to outperform rivals. IT benefits smaller firms too, allowing them to design and produce customized products they can target to narrow, cross-national market niches.
b. Communications: The Internet, and Internet-dependent systems such as intranets, extranets, social media, and e-mail connect billions of people and companies. Marketers use the internet to promote the widest range of products and services to customers worldwide. Transmitting voice, data, and images is essentially costless, making Seoul, Stockholm, and San Jose next-door neighbors. South Korea has nearly 100 percent Internet access and is among the fastest broadband networks worldwide. Koreans use their phones to pay bills, do banking, and watch news programs.
c. Manufacturing: Computer-aided design (CAD) of products, robotics, and production lines has transformed manufacturing, mainly by reducing production costs. Revolutionary developments facilitate low-scale and low-cost manufacturing. Firms can make products cost-effectively even in short production runs. Such developments benefit international business by allowing firms to more efficiently adapt products to individual foreign markets, profitably target small national markets, and compete more effectively with foreign competitors that enjoy cost advantages.
d. Transportation: The development of fuel-efficient jumbo jets, giant ocean-going freighters, and new transportation technology have greatly reduced shipping times and costs.