E-commerce, E-business, DBMS, MIS & SQL Concepts

Posted on Apr 2, 2025 in Law and Journalism

E-commerce vs. E-business: Key Differences

E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods or services over the internet.

E-business encompasses all business activities conducted online, including E-commerce but also internal processes like inventory management and human resources.

Advantages of E-commerce

  • Access to global markets.
  • Reduced operational costs.
  • Convenience and flexibility for customers.

Disadvantages of E-commerce

  • Security and privacy concerns.
  • Dependence on technology.
  • High competition and lack of customer loyalty.

Advantages of E-business

  • Improved communication and collaboration.
  • Increased efficiency through automation.
  • Enhanced customer service and engagement.

Disadvantages of E-business

  • High initial setup cost.
  • Security risks in handling data.
  • Need for continuous technological updates.

Understanding E-commerce Limitations

  • Security risks: Increased chances of fraud and data breaches.
  • Lack of personal interaction: Can lead to lower customer satisfaction.
  • Dependence on internet: Requires a stable and fast internet connection.
  • Logistics issues: Shipping and returns can be challenging and costly.

B2B and B2C E-commerce Models Explained

B2B (Business-to-Business): Transactions between businesses (e.g., manufacturers and wholesalers).

  • Models: Volume-based pricing, subscriptions.

B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Transactions directly between businesses and consumers (e.g., online retail).

  • Models: Sales revenue, advertising, and freemium models.

Database Management Systems (DBMS) Basics

A DBMS (Database Management System) is software for managing and organizing data in a structured format. It helps users create, manage, and manipulate databases.

Why Organizations Need DBMS

  • Efficient data storage and retrieval.
  • Data integrity and security.
  • Improved decision-making through data analysis.

For example: Retailers use DBMS programs to track customer purchases and manage inventory to support day-to-day operations.

Advantages of DBMS

  • Data centralization and easy access.
  • Enhanced security and data privacy.
  • Data integrity through constraints.

Disadvantages of DBMS

  • High cost of setup and maintenance.
  • Complexity and need for skilled personnel.
  • Risk of data loss or corruption in case of system failure.

The Role of the DBMS Storage Manager

The Storage Manager is the part of a DBMS responsible for storing, retrieving, and updating data.

Job of the Storage Manager

  • Manages physical data storage.
  • Allocates memory and storage space.
  • Ensures data integrity and security during storage and retrieval.
  • Optimizes performance.

Management Information Systems (MIS) Explained

An MIS (Management Information System) is a system that provides essential information for decision-making within an organization.

Why Managers Need MIS

  • Helps in strategic planning.
  • Improves efficiency in decision-making.
  • Monitors and manages business operations effectively.

Advantages of MIS

  • Enhances productivity and efficiency.
  • Provides accurate and timely information.
  • Aids in effective problem-solving.

Essential SQL Commands for Data Management

For practical SQL tasks, focus on:

  • Writing SQL queries for data retrieval (using SELECT, WHERE, JOIN).
  • Data manipulation (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
  • Creating and altering tables (CREATE, ALTER statements).
  • Basic aggregate functions (SUM, AVG, COUNT).

1. Select Statement

To retrieve all records from a table:

SELECT *
FROM table_name;

Example:

SELECT *
FROM students;

2. Delete Statement

To delete rows based on a condition:

DELETE FROM table_name
WHERE condition;

Example: Delete students with StudentID greater than 100:

DELETE FROM students
WHERE StudentID > 100;

3. Insert Statement

To insert values into specified columns in a table:

INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, column3)
VALUES (value1, value2, value3);

Example: Insert a new student record:

INSERT INTO students (StudentID, name, age)
VALUES (101, 'Sagar', 20);

4. Update Statement

To update values in specific columns with a condition:

UPDATE table_name
SET column1 = value1, column2 = value2
WHERE condition;

Example: Update a student’s age based on their StudentID:

UPDATE students
SET age = 21
WHERE StudentID = 101;

5. Drop Table Statement

To delete an entire table along with its data:

DROP TABLE table_name;

Example: Delete the students table:

DROP TABLE students;

6. Create Table Statement

To create a new table with specified columns and data types:

CREATE TABLE table_name (
    column1 datatype constraint,
    column2 datatype constraint,
    ...
);

Example: Create a students table with columns for StudentID, name, and age:

CREATE TABLE students (
    StudentID INT PRIMARY KEY,
    name VARCHAR(50),
    age INT
);