As technology advances and consumer behaviour changes, the world of commerce is rapidly evolving. The future of commerce is about embracing innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity. If you’re a prospective student in Johannesburg interested in pursuing a career in the business field, you might be wondering what the future of commerce holds for you. In this article, we’ll explore the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities in commerce and how you can prepare for the future with the programmes offered at IIE MSA.

Introduction to the Future of Commerce

The future of commerce is about creating value for customers in a way that is sustainable, ethical, and innovative. It’s about leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and drive growth. In essence, the future of commerce is about putting customers at the centre of everything you do.

eCommerce

One of the key drivers of the future of commerce is e-commerce. E-commerce has revolutionized the way we shop, pay, and communicate with businesses. According to Statista, global e-commerce sales are projected to reach 6.5 trillion US dollars (over R117 trillion) by 2023. This growth presents tremendous opportunities for businesses to reach new markets, improve customer experience, and reduce costs.

Artificial Intelligence

Another trend that is shaping the future of commerce is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is transforming the way we do business by automating repetitive tasks, personalising the customer experience, and providing insights for decision-making. For example, chatbots are becoming increasingly popular as a way to interact with customers in real time and provide personalized recommendations.

Blockchain

Blockchain is another technology that has the potential to transform commerce by enhancing trust, transparency, and security in transactions. Blockchain enables secure and transparent record-keeping and can be applied to various industries, from finance to logistics to healthcare.

How the Future of Commerce will Impact Job Prospects and Career Paths for Students

As the business world evolves, so do job prospects and career paths. The future of commerce will require a diverse set of skills, from digital marketing to data analysis to sustainability. Graduates who have a solid understanding of the latest trends and technologies in commerce will be in high demand in the job market.

The future of commerce also presents opportunities for entrepreneurship. With the rise of e-commerce and the gig economy, more people are starting their own businesses or working as freelancers. The future of commerce will reward those who are proactive, adaptable, and creative in identifying and fulfilling customer needs.

Overview of IIE Programmes in Commerce offered at IIE MSA

The IIE MSA campus offers a range of IIE undergraduate and IIE postgraduate programmes in commerce that are designed to prepare you for the future of commerce. The faculty of commerce at IIE MSA offers the following IIE programmes:

  • Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Business Science (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance
  • Master of Business Administration