Final answer:
c. E-commerce strategy
The general formula for a business to compete in a global marketplace using technology is through an e-commerce strategy, which involves online platforms for reaching global suppliers and customers, potentially affecting market competition and firm size.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general formula for how a business is to use computer networks and information systems to compete in a global marketplace is an e-commerce strategy. This involves leveraging technology improvements such as the internet for business-to-business and consumer interactions, enabling businesses to expand their reach beyond local markets and compete internationally. With the growth of online platforms, companies can connect with suppliers and customers globally, intensifying competition among local retailers and even influencing the size and dominance of firms within various markets.
In this context, the potential for both small and large firms to thrive or consolidate is a topic of interest to economists and business strategists. New technologies might encourage a proliferation of small, nimble competitors able to serve niche markets, or they could lead to winner-take-all scenarios where dominant players control large market shares.