The executive participants represented companies large and small in a full range of industries - manufacturing, computer networking, hardware and software, professional and consumer services, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, telecommunications, banking and financial services, and venture capital, among others. In each of the panels, faculty members moderated discussions among the corporate guests and students from the college's graduate programs in accounting, economics and management. Hawk declared that electronic commerce eventually will affect all kinds of markets and industries. Buyers reap lower selection costs and faster response times.
Sellers can increase sales opportunities and production efficiencies.
And everyone mutually benefits from lower transaction costs and reduced volatility, Hawk said. Relaying lessons learned from IBM's extensive consulting work with clients, Hawk encouraged the audience to be risk-takers. Don't wait, he said. Start over if you need to. Focus on the business goals, not on the technology.