E-Commerce and Digital Business Technologies

Posted on May 5, 2024 in Other subjects

Q1. What is E-commerce and the Technology Used in E-commerce Systems?

Answer:

E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, involves buying and selling products or services online. It encompasses various businesses, from retail sites to auction platforms and B2B exchanges. E-commerce systems rely on sophisticated technologies such as:

  • Web Hosting Services: For storing website data and ensuring 24/7 accessibility.
  • Shopping Cart Software: Enables customers to collect items before checkout.
  • Payment Gateways: Securely process payments and protect sensitive information.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Help manage and update website content easily.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: Track customer interactions and preferences.
  • Mobile Apps and Responsive Design: Ensure accessibility on smartphones and tablets.

These technologies collectively support the e-commerce infrastructure, enhancing user experiences and operational efficiency.

Q2. What is E-Marketing and its Merits and Demerits?

Answer:

E-marketing, or digital marketing, promotes products or services online using technologies like the web and mobile devices. Key techniques include email marketing, social media promotion, SEO, and online advertising.

Merits of E-Marketing:

  • Reach: Access to a global audience.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Generally less expensive than traditional marketing.
  • Targeting: Sophisticated targeting options for effective campaigns.
  • Analytics: Precise tracking and measurement of campaign success.

Demerits of E-Marketing:

  • Competition: Increased competition in digital spaces.
  • Dependence on Technology: Reliant on internet connectivity and technology.
  • Security and Privacy Issues: Requires robust data protection measures.
  • Overload: Consumers may feel overwhelmed by excessive marketing communications.

Q3. What is Customer Relationship Management and the Needs of Electronic CRM?

Answer:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) manages and analyzes customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle to improve service, retention, and sales growth. Electronic CRM (e-CRM) uses digital platforms for customer engagement.

Needs of e-CRM:

  • Enhanced Accessibility: Accessible from any device with internet connectivity.
  • Improved Customer Service: Provides personalized and efficient service.
  • Data Management and Analysis: Enables data collection, storage, and analysis for better understanding of customer behavior.
  • Cost Efficiency: Automates customer communication and support processes.
  • Scalability: Adapts to handle increasing amounts of customer data and interaction.

Q4. What is Supply Chain Management and its Detailed Functions?

Answer:

Supply Chain Management (SCM) oversees a product’s lifecycle from production to distribution. It involves planning, coordination, and execution of sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and customer service.

Functions of Supply Chain Management:

  • Procurement: Sourcing raw materials and goods for production.
  • Production Planning and Management: Ensuring efficient and timely production processes.
  • Inventory Management: Maintaining optimal inventory levels.
  • Logistics and Distribution: Transporting goods from manufacturers to consumers.
  • Customer Service: Handling customer queries and complaints efficiently.
  • Returns Management: Ensuring a smooth process for handling returns.

Q5. Need for M-commerce

Answer:

M-commerce, or mobile commerce, involves buying and selling goods and services through mobile devices. Its significance is growing due to:

  • Convenience: Shop anytime and anywhere.
  • Increased Reach: Reach a wider audience, including those in remote locations.
  • Personalization: Deliver personalized shopping experiences.
  • Enhanced Customer Engagement: Engage users with push notifications and in-app offers.
  • Speed of Transaction: Facilitate quick transactions with stored payment information.

Q6. Steps to Design a Website

Answer:

Designing a website effectively involves these steps:

  1. Objective Definition: Define the website’s goals and target audience.
  2. Planning: Develop a site map and plan the user journey.
  3. Design Mockups: Create visual mockups that reflect the intended look.
  4. Content Creation: Write engaging content tailored to the audience and SEO best practices.
  5. Web Development: Convert designs into code using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  6. Testing: Test the site for usability, speed, and functionality.
  7. Launch: Deploy the website and perform a final check.
  8. Maintenance: Update content, monitor performance, and make adjustments based on feedback.

Q7. Digital Signature

Answer:

A digital signature ensures the authenticity and integrity of digital documents using cryptography. It involves a private key for signing and a public key for verification, confirming the document’s integrity and the signer’s identity.

Q8. Digital Payment System

Answer:

A digital payment system enables electronic money exchange, bypassing physical currency. It utilizes technology to facilitate transactions through platforms like mobile wallets, online banking, and payment services. Key components include a user interface, a payment gateway, and a backend for managing transactions. Security measures like encryption and tokenization protect user data and prevent fraud.