5 Questions · All Stages
The Seven E's in eTransformation
Based on UCSC lecture slides
The 7Es is a cyclical, iterative strategic model. You must understand business priorities before determining how to transform them. The full sequence with key tools for each:
| # | Stage Name | Key Tools / Methodology |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environmental Analysis | SWOT Analysis, Porter's Five Forces |
| 2 | eBusiness Goals / Strategies | Porter's Generic Strategies, eBusiness Models (Direct-to-Customer, Supply Chain, Full-Service Provider, Revenue Sharing, Digital Value Hub, Global Trade Platform) |
| 3 | eReadiness (Internal/External) | Assessment of processes, infrastructure, web presence, skills, management commitment, external connectivity |
| 4 | eTransformation Roadmap | UWS Roadmap — positioning (Basic Website → Interactive → eCommerce → Convergence → New Processes) |
| 5 | eTransformation Methodology | BPR, Business Process Modelling, Change Management (internal); Purpose/Design/Promotion cycle (external) |
| 6 | eSystems | ICT infrastructure, IT policies, security, disaster recovery, maintenance/support |
| 7 | Evolution – Change Management | McKinsey 7S Model (Structure, Strategy, Systems, Style, Staff, Skills, Shared Values) |
Stage 2 must precede Stage 3 because you can only assess readiness once you know what your strategic goals are. Stage 7 (Evolution) runs across all stages, linking and implementing changes as they arise.
| BPR | eTransformation |
|---|---|
| Radically redesigns existing processes from scratch ("clean slate") | Iterative and builds incrementally on existing processes |
| Technology is an enabler — not the primary driver | Technology is the central component (AI, cloud, analytics, automation) |
| Focuses on efficiency, effectiveness and quality of processes | Encompasses business model transformation, customer experience, digital innovation |
| Ignores current state of legacy systems | Takes into account current state and integrates new digital solutions into existing infrastructure |
| Change management addresses employee resistance to redesigned roles | Change management covers cultural, organisational and behavioural shifts; promotes digital mindset |
Exam tip: If a scenario describes a "clean slate" redesign ignoring current systems → BPR. If it describes adopting digital tools, enhancing customer experience, or transforming business models → eTransformation.
Stage 3 checks whether the organisation is actually ready to eTransform before committing resources. It covers seven internal aspects plus external assessment:
Why this matters: No eTransformation model can succeed if partners and customers are not themselves digitally ready to engage with the new system. That is why external readiness is assessed separately from internal capability.
Stage 7 uses the McKinsey 7S model to implement all internal changes that arise from eTransformation. It runs across all stages, linking them together. If a question asks about reporting lines or communication channels → answer is Structure.
Exam tip: "Shared Values" is at the centre of the 7S diagram because all other six elements align around it. Always identify which S element a scenario is describing based on what aspect of the organisation it concerns.
The eTransformation Roadmap (developed by the University of Western Sydney) maps a company's IT sophistication against two axes: External Business (B2C) and Internal Business (B2E). Progress is iterative — stages cannot be skipped.
B2C External Path (most commonly examined):
How to answer roadmap questions: Identify what the company currently has online → match to a stage → the next box on the roadmap is the immediate next step. Never skip stages.