A01 chaf6542 06 se fm indd

environ-

mental scanning

. This often occurs as an ad hoc process, but if there is no reporting mecha-

nism then some major changes may not be apparent to managers. Environmental analysis is 

required to evaluate information and respond accordingly.

Environmental 

scanning

The process of 

continuously monitoring 

the environment and 

events and responding 

accordingly.

Activity 4.1

Introduction to social, legal and ethical issues

List all the social, legal and ethical issues that the manager of a  sell‑  side e‑commerce 

website needs to consider to avoid damaging relationships with users of his or her site 

or which may leave the company facing prosecution. You can base your answer on 

current issues which may concern you, your friends or your family when accessing a 

website.

Answers to activities can be found at www.pearsoned.co.uk/chaffey

Figure 4.1

‘Waves of change’ – different timescales for change in the environment

Infrastructure:

road, railways

Government

Commerce

Technology

Social

Pop culture

The natural

environment

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