5.1 Business Environment

Organisations are created to achieve specific goals.

• Providing a service – such as IT support companies, healthcare providers, or transport services
• Providing a product – such as manufacturers of computers, phones, or software applications

Example: An IT helpdesk company provides technical support services, while a computer manufacturer provides physical products.

Private sector organisations are owned by individuals or shareholders.

• Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) – fewer employees and local or regional focus
• Large enterprise – operates nationally or internationally
• Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) – independent organisation often focused on social issues

Examples:

• A local IT repair shop (SME)
• A multinational technology company (large enterprise)
• An international digital inclusion NGO

Public sector organisations are funded and operated by the government. Their purpose is to provide essential services for citizens.

Examples:

• Local councils providing digital services
• Public healthcare IT systems
• Government education services

Voluntary and charity organisations operate on a not‑for‑profit basis. Their main focus is supporting communities or causes rather than making money.

Examples:

• A charity providing refurbished computers to schools
• A not‑for‑profit organisation offering digital skills training

B2C organisations sell products or services directly to individual customers.

Example: An online retailer selling laptops directly to consumers.

B2B organisations sell products or services to other businesses rather than individual customers.

Example: An IT company providing network support services to offices.

B2M organisations deliver services or products to large audiences simultaneously, often through digital platforms.

Example: A cloud service provider offering online tools to thousands of users.

Internal stakeholders are individuals within the organisation who are directly involved in its operations.

• Owners
• Directors
• Employees

External stakeholders are people or organisations outside the business who are affected by its actions.

• Customers or clients
• Suppliers
• Shareholders
• Outsourced service providers
• Investors or funders
• Government and regulatory bodies