Economics Project Abstract

AN ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER AND COMMERCIAL CONFIDENCE IN THE WEB DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY

AN ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER AND COMMERCIAL CONFIDENCE IN THE WEB DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY FOLLOWING THE TECH WRECK OF 2000-2001

Presenters:

Sravisht Iyer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; sravisht@imsa.edu

Alan Xiang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; yjxiang@imsa.edu

Advisor:

Michael DeHaven, History and Social Science, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; dehaven@imsa.edu; 630-907-5889

Abstract:

The Tech Wreck is a term for the collapse of the technological sector that occurred in late 2000 early 2001. Since that time but prior to September 11, consumer confidence as measured by the Conference Board fell more than 25%. It was our intention then to measure how receptive the private and commercial sectors were to investing in the web industry, an Internet related field. To do this, we formed a group of web site technicians and solicited business from the two sectors. By distributing questionnaires to our clients, we hoped to gain an insight into why they chose to invest in the Internet and if they didn't want our services, why they chose that. After attempting all this we were only able to convince one client, and we are currently in contact with one more, both of whom own businesses. Thus, we have deduced that people are hesitant to invest in web development, and that those who are members of the business community, where there is a potential return on investment.