Which of the following correctly lists all seven stages of the Seven E's in eTransformation strategic model in the right order?
📘 Explanation
The correct sequence of the 7Es model is: (1) Environmental Analysis (SWOT + Porter's Five Forces) → (2) eBusiness Goals/Strategies (positioning & eBusiness models) → (3) eReadiness (internal/external readiness assessment) → (4) eTransformation Roadmap (identifying current position and path) → (5) eTransformation Methodology (iterative BPR & process enhancement) → (6) eSystems (ICT policies, security, maintenance) → (7) Evolution – Change Management (McKinsey 7S model). You must understand the business strategy before you can determine readiness, which is why Stage 2 precedes Stage 3.
02
BPR vs eTransformation
A manufacturing company plans to overhaul its order-processing workflow by completely eliminating old steps and redesigning from scratch based on best practices — without considering existing legacy systems. This approach is best described as:
📘 Explanation
The key distinction is the approach and scope:
BPR uses a "clean slate" method — processes are reimagined from scratch ignoring the current state, focusing on radical redesign for efficiency. Technology is an enabler, not the primary driver.
eTransformation is iterative and builds on existing processes incrementally, with digital technology as the central component. It covers business model transformation, customer experience, AI, cloud, and analytics — well beyond process redesign.
The scenario describes a clean-slate process redesign → that is BPR, not eTransformation.
03
Stage 3 – eReadiness
"Chocos" — a Sri Lankan chocolate company — wants to assess its eReadiness before committing to eTransformation. Which of the following is NOT considered an internal eReadiness factor?
📘 Explanation
eReadiness is assessed across two dimensions:
Internal factors: Business processes, Applications & Infrastructure, Web presence (existence/usage), Skills (IT skill levels of employees), Executive management commitment/support, External connectivity (channels), Future directions/expansion plans.
External factors: Readiness of customers, suppliers, and potential users.
Therefore, option C — readiness of customers, suppliers and potential users — is an external eReadiness factor, not an internal one. This distinction is commonly tested at university level.
04
Stage 7 – Change Management (7S Model)
After eTransforming, "Chocos" wants to restructure how its management team communicates goals and how formal reporting lines are defined. According to the McKinsey 7S model used in Stage 7, which element primarily addresses this concern?
📘 Explanation
The 7S Model (McKinsey) elements and their focus areas:
Strategy: Key actions in marketing, product/service development, alliances.
Structure: How organisational units relate, formal/informal communication channels, reporting hierarchy — network vs hierarchical.
Systems: Information flow, IT and organisational processes, methods, procedures, controls.
Style: Behaviour of key managers and their relationship with employees.
Staff: Types, positions, numbers, adequacy of people employed.
Skills: Skills, aptitude, training needs of staff.
Shared Values: Guiding concepts and values that direct all personnel.
The question asks about reporting lines and communication channels → that is Structure.
05
Stages 1, 2 & 4 — Integrated Application
"BabyLove" day-care centre currently has only a basic informational website. Mrs. Joy wants to add online payment, parent progress reports, and social media marketing. Using the eTransformation Roadmap, what is BabyLove's current position and what is the immediate next step for its external (B2C) transformation?
📘 Explanation
The eTransformation Roadmap (B2C external path) progresses through these stages:
Basic Website → static, informational only (BabyLove's current state)
Interactive Site → two-way interaction, forms, inquiries, content updates
eCommerce Site → online transactions, payments, bookings
Convergence → full integration of internal and external systems
New Processes → entirely new digital-only business processes
BabyLove has only a basic informational website → it sits at Basic Website. The immediate next step is to become an Interactive Site (adding parent portals, messaging, progress tracking) before it can handle full eCommerce like online payments. Skipping stages would be risky — the roadmap is iterative by design.