Unit 1: Introduction to Electronic Commerce
1. Concepts of e-Commerce
Electronic Commerce (e-Commerce) refers to the buying and selling of goods and services using
the internet. It also includes electronic fund transfers, supply chain management, internet marketing,
and online transactions.
2. Aims of e-Commerce
- Global Reach: Expanding businesses beyond geographical boundaries.
- Convenience: 24/7 accessibility for buyers and sellers.
- Cost Reduction: Lower operational costs compared to physical stores.
- Efficient Transactions: Faster processing of orders and payments.
- Personalization: Use of AI to recommend products based on user preferences.
3. e-Commerce Framework
The e-Commerce framework consists of multiple components:
- Business-to-Business (B2B): Transactions between businesses (e.g., Alibaba).
- Business-to-Consumer (B2C): Direct sales from businesses to consumers (e.g., Amazon).
- Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): Individuals selling to other individuals (e.g., eBay).
- Government-to-Business (G2B): Government services to businesses (e.g., tax portals).
- Government-to-Citizen (G2C): Government services for citizens (e.g., online bill payments).
4. e-Commerce Consumer Applications
- Online Shopping: Buying products through platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
- Online Banking: Managing bank accounts and transactions online.
- Digital Wallets: Payment solutions like PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
- Online Ticket Booking: Booking flights, trains, and movie tickets online.
5. e-Commerce Organizational Applications
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Integrating business processes using software.
- Supply Chain Management (SCM): Managing product flow from manufacturers to customers.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Maintaining customer interactions.
- E-Marketplaces: Platforms where multiple sellers and buyers interact (e.g., eBay, Alibaba).
6. Introduction to m-Commerce
Mobile Commerce (m-Commerce) is a subset of e-Commerce that allows transactions via mobile
devices. Examples include:
- Mobile Banking: Transactions through mobile apps.
- Mobile Payments: Google Pay, Apple Pay, and QR code payments.
- Mobile Shopping: Purchasing goods using apps like Amazon and Flipkart.