My Rating:

E Commerce Question and Answer For MAKAUT Syllabus ( 2 Marks Question)

UNIT – 1

1) Define electronic commerce.

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services, or the transmitting of funds or data, over an electronic network, primarily the internet.

2) What is E-commerce? How does it differ from traditional commerce?

E-commerce is the process of conducting business activities electronically, primarily over the internet. It differs from traditional commerce in that it eliminates many barriers to entry, such as geographical limitations, and often involves faster transactions, lower costs, and greater convenience for both businesses and consumers.

3)List the different phases of an e-commerce market element.

The different phases of an e-commerce market element typically include:

• Online presence establishment
• Online marketing and promotion
• Order placement and processing
• Payment processing
• Delivery or fulfillment
• Customer service and support

4) Define B2B e commerce. Give an example for this

B2B e-commerce (Business-to-Business) involves transactions between businesses conducted electronically. An example of B2B e-commerce is when a manufacturer sources raw materials from a supplier through an online platform.

5) Define B2C e commerce. Give an example for this.

B2C e-commerce (Business-to-Consumer) involves transactions between businesses and consumers conducted electronically. An example of B2C e-commerce is when a customer purchases a product from an online retailer like Amazon.

6) Define C2B e commerce. Give an example for this.

C2B e-commerce (Consumer-to-Business) involves transactions where individuals offer products or services to businesses. An example of C2B e-commerce is when a freelance designer offers their services to a company through an online platform like Upwork.

7) Define C2C e commerce. Give an example for this.

C2C e-commerce (Consumer-to-Consumer) involves transactions between consumers conducted electronically. An example of C2C e-commerce is when individuals buy and sell goods to each other through platforms like eBay or Craigslist.

8) Give any 2 applications of e commerce.

Two applications of e-commerce include online retailing (e.g., Amazon, Alibaba) and online banking (e.g., Chase Bank, PayPal).

9) Explain the role of e commerce in the field of education and learning.

E-commerce plays a significant role in education and learning by providing access to online courses, digital textbooks, educational resources, and remote learning platforms, allowing students to learn at their own pace and convenience.

10) Explain the role of e commerce in the field of advertising and marketing.

E-commerce contributes to advertising and marketing by providing businesses with platforms to reach a wider audience through targeted advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, and influencer partnerships.

11) Explain the role of e commerce in the field of trading.

In the field of trading, e-commerce facilitates online buying and selling of goods and services, including stocks, currencies, commodities, and digital assets, through electronic trading platforms and marketplaces.

12) Explain the role of e commerce in the field of banking and finance.

In banking and finance, e-commerce enables online banking services, electronic funds transfer, mobile banking, online payment systems, and financial trading platforms, providing customers with convenient and secure ways to manage their finances.

13) Define a business model.

A business model defines the structure and strategy of how a company creates, delivers, and captures value. It outlines how the company generates revenue and sustains profitability over time.

14) List the categories of e commerce business models.

The categories of e-commerce business models include B2B (Business-to-Business), B2C (Business-to-Consumer), C2B (Consumer-to-Business), and C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer).

15) Draw the taxonomy of e commerce business models categories.

1. Taxonomy of e-commerce business model categories:

• Business-to-Business (B2B)
• Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
• Consumer-to-Business (C2B)
• Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)

16) What are native content business models? List the different types of models in this category.

Native content business models involve creating and distributing original content. Types of models in this category include advertising model, subscription model, and freemium model.

17) What is Information Content Model? Give an example for this model.

The Information Content Model involves providing valuable information or knowledge to users. An example of this model is a website that offers educational articles and tutorials for free but generates revenue through advertising.

18) What is a Freeware Model? Give an example for this model.

The Freeware Model offers basic services or software for free while charging for advanced features or premium versions. An example is the Dropbox model, where users can use the basic cloud storage service for free but pay for additional storage space.

19) What is an Information Exchange Model? Give an example for this model.

The Information Exchange Model involves facilitating the exchange of information or data between users. An example is a platform where users can share research papers or industry reports for a fee.

20) What are native transaction business models? List the different types of models in this category.

Native transaction business models involve facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers. Types of models in this category include online marketplace model, digital products merchant model, and auction model.

21) What is a Digital products merchant Model? Give an example for this model.

The Digital Products Merchant Model involves selling digital goods or services online. An example is iTunes, where users can purchase and download digital music and movies.

22) What is the role of an ISP in an Internet access provision Model?

In an Internet access provision model, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) plays a role by providing users with access to the internet through various means such as dial-up, broadband, or fiber optic connections.

23) What is the use of web hosting model? Give an example for this model.

Web hosting model involves providing server space and services for hosting websites. An example is Bluehost, a company that offers web hosting services to businesses and individuals.

24) What is a Metered Service Model? Give an example for this model.

The Metered Service Model charges customers based on their usage of a service or resource. An example is a cloud computing provider that charges customers based on the amount of data storage or processing power they use.

25) What is the role of a Metamediary site? Give an example for this model.

A Metamediary site acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, providing value-added services such as aggregation, comparison, and transaction facilitation. An example is Expedia, which aggregates travel-related services and offers them to consumers.

26) What are transplanted content business models? List the different types of models in this category.

Transplanted content business models involve adapting traditional business models to the digital environment. Types of models in this category include subscription model, advertising model, and syndication model.

27) What is a Subscription Model? Give an example for this model.

The Subscription Model charges users a recurring fee for access to a product or service over a period of time. An example is Netflix, which offers streaming content for a monthly subscription fee.

28) How does an advertising model work? Which are the different types of advertising methods?

In an advertising model, revenue is generated by displaying advertisements to users. Different types of advertising methods include display ads, search ads, video ads, and native ads.

29) What is the use of an Infomediary site? Give an example for this model.

An Infomediary site collects, analyzes, and sells information about consumers and their behaviors to businesses. An example is Nielsen, which provides market research and audience measurement services to advertisers and media companies.

30) What is the role of an Affiliate Model? Give an example for this model.

In an Affiliate Model, individuals or businesses earn a commission by promoting and selling products or services on behalf of another company. An example is the Amazon Associates program, where affiliates earn commissions for driving sales to Amazon through their referral links.

31) What are transplanted transaction business models? List the different types of models in this category.

Transplanted transaction business models involve adapting traditional transaction-based business models to the digital environment. Types of models in this category include brokerage site model, manufacturer model, and auction model.

32) What is an Electronic Store Model? Give an example for this model

An Electronic Store Model involves selling physical goods online through an e-commerce website. An example is Walmart’s online store, where customers can purchase a wide range of products for delivery or pickup.

33) What is the role of a Brokerage Site? Give an example for this model.

A Brokerage Site acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, facilitating transactions and earning a commission on each sale. An example is Airbnb, which connects travelers with hosts who rent out accommodations.

34) What is a Manufacturer Model? Give an example for this model.

The Manufacturer Model involves selling products directly to consumers through an online platform. An example is Tesla, which sells electric vehicles and solar products through its website and stores.

E Commerce Question and Answer For MAKAUT Syllabus (Essay Type Question)

1.Explain the different phases in an e commerce market element.

The e-commerce market element typically encompasses five key phases in the consumer journey.

1. Discovery Phase: This marks the initial stage where consumers become aware of a need or desire for a product or service. It could involve exposure to marketing efforts, word-of-mouth recommendations, or online browsing.
2. Research and Consideration Phase: Here, consumers actively seek out information and evaluate various options to fulfill their needs. They may compare prices, read reviews, and assess features to make informed decisions.
3. Purchase Phase: In this stage, consumers commit to buying a product or service. They navigate through the e-commerce platform, select items, add them to their cart, and complete the transaction by providing payment and shipping details.
4. Post-Purchase Phase: Following the purchase, consumers engage in activities related to order fulfillment and product usage. This phase involves tracking shipments, receiving and inspecting goods, and seeking support if needed.
5. Feedback and Advocacy Phase: Finally, satisfied customers may provide feedback through reviews or testimonials, contributing to the reputation of the e-commerce platform. They may also become advocates by recommending products to others, fostering brand loyalty and driving future sales.

Understanding and optimizing each phase is crucial for e-commerce businesses to enhance the customer experience, encourage repeat purchases, and foster brand loyalty.

2) Explain the benefits of ecommerce.

E-commerce, or electronic commerce, offers a multitude of benefits for both businesses and consumers:

1. Global Reach: E-commerce breaks down geographical barriers, allowing businesses to reach customers globally without the need for physical stores.
2. Lower Overheads: Operating online eliminates the need for expenses associated with brick-and-mortar stores, such as rent, utilities, and staffing, leading to significant cost savings.
3. 24/7 Availability: Online stores are accessible round the clock, providing convenience for customers who can shop anytime, anywhere, leading to increased sales potential.
4. Personalized Shopping Experience: E-commerce platforms leverage data analytics to offer personalized product recommendations and targeted marketing, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
5. Scalability: E-commerce businesses can easily scale operations to accommodate growth without the constraints of physical infrastructure.
6. Efficient Inventory Management: Automated inventory management systems ensure accurate tracking of stock levels, reducing the risk of stockouts and overstocking.
7. Streamlined Processes: E-commerce streamlines various processes, from order placement to payment processing and shipping, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual errors.
8. Expanded Market Opportunities: E-commerce enables niche businesses to reach specialized markets and cater to specific customer needs, fostering market expansion and diversification.
9. Customer Insights: E-commerce platforms generate valuable data on customer behavior and preferences, enabling businesses to make informed decisions and tailor offerings to meet evolving needs.
10. Environmental Impact: By reducing the need for physical stores and paper-based transactions, e-commerce contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing carbon emissions and paper waste.

Overall, e-commerce revolutionizes the way businesses operate and interact with customers, offering numerous benefits that drive growth, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in the digital age.

3) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of ecommerce. (6 marks)

Advantages of E-commerce:

1. Global Reach: E-commerce transcends geographical boundaries, enabling businesses to reach customers worldwide, expanding market opportunities and potential customer base.
2. Lower Overheads: Operating online eliminates the need for expenses associated with physical stores, such as rent, utilities, and staffing, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses.
3. 24/7 Availability: Online stores are accessible round the clock, allowing customers to shop anytime, anywhere, enhancing convenience and increasing sales potential.

Disadvantages of E-commerce:

1. Security Concerns: E-commerce transactions involve sensitive customer information, making them vulnerable to cybersecurity threats such as data breaches and identity theft, undermining consumer trust.
2. Lack of Personal Interaction: The absence of face-to-face interaction in e-commerce transactions may lead to a lack of personal touch and customer engagement, potentially impacting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Technological Challenges: E-commerce operations rely heavily on technology infrastructure, making businesses susceptible to technical issues such as website crashes, server downtime, and compatibility issues, disrupting operations and affecting customer experience.

These advantages and disadvantages highlight the complexities and considerations involved in e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, personalized customer engagement strategies, and reliable technological infrastructure for successful implementation and operation.

4) Discuss the impact of ecommerce on world business. (6 marks)

E-commerce has profoundly impacted world business in several ways:

1. Global Market Access: E-commerce has facilitated access to global markets, allowing businesses of all sizes to reach customers worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers and expanding market opportunities.
2. Cost Efficiency: E-commerce reduces the overhead costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar stores, such as rent, utilities, and staffing, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and allocate resources strategically.
3. Consumer Empowerment: E-commerce provides consumers with greater convenience, choice, and accessibility to products and services, empowering them to make informed purchasing decisions and demanding higher standards of quality and service from businesses.
4. Supply Chain Optimization: E-commerce streamlines supply chain processes, from inventory management to order fulfillment, reducing inefficiencies and improving operational agility, leading to faster delivery times and enhanced customer satisfaction.
5. Disruption of Traditional Industries: E-commerce has disrupted traditional industries and business models, challenging established norms and fostering innovation in areas such as retail, logistics, and payment systems.
6. Job Creation and Economic Growth: E-commerce has created new job opportunities in areas such as digital marketing, web development, and logistics, contributing to economic growth and prosperity globally.

Overall, the impact of e-commerce on world business has been transformative, driving efficiency, innovation, and growth while reshaping the way businesses operate and interact with consumers in the digital age.

5) Briefly explain the different categories of ecommerce. (10 marks)

E-commerce encompasses various categories, each catering to different types of transactions and participants:

1. Business-to-Business (B2B): Involves transactions between businesses, such as manufacturers selling products to wholesalers. B2B e-commerce typically involves large order quantities and long-term business relationships.
2. Business-to-Consumer (B2C): Involves transactions between businesses and individual consumers. Examples include online retail stores like Amazon, where consumers purchase goods directly from sellers.
3. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): Involves transactions between individual consumers, facilitated by an online platform. Examples include online marketplaces like eBay or classified ads websites where individuals buy and sell goods to each other.
4. Consumer-to-Business (C2B): Involves transactions where individuals offer products or services to businesses. This model is common in freelance platforms like Upwork, where individuals provide services such as graphic design or copywriting to businesses.
5. Mobile Commerce (M-commerce): Involves transactions conducted through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. M-commerce enables users to shop, make payments, and engage in other e-commerce activities on-the-go.
6. Business-to-Government (B2G): Involves transactions between businesses and government entities. This could include government procurement of goods and services from private suppliers through online platforms.
7. Consumer-to-Government (C2G): Involves transactions where individuals provide products or services to government entities. This could include individuals paying taxes or fees online through government websites.
8. Government-to-Business (G2B): Involves transactions where government entities provide products or services to businesses. An example could be a government agency selling licenses or permits to businesses through an online portal.
9. Government-to-Consumer (G2C): Involves transactions where government entities provide products or services directly to individual consumers. Examples include online portals for paying utility bills or renewing driver’s licenses.
10. Peer-to-Peer (P2P): Involves direct transactions between individuals without the involvement of businesses or intermediaries. Examples include peer-to-peer lending platforms or sharing economy platforms like Airbnb.

These categories represent the diverse landscape of e-commerce, catering to various types of transactions and participants, and driving the digital economy forward.

6) Explain the B2B e commerce with all the steps involved in the transaction. (6 marks)

Business-to-Business (B2B) e-commerce involves transactions between businesses, typically in large quantities and often involving negotiation. Here are the steps involved in a typical B2B e-commerce transaction:

1. Identification of Needs: The buying business identifies a need for a product or service, which may arise from factors like inventory replenishment, new project requirements, or operational improvements.
2. Product or Service Sourcing: The buying business searches for potential suppliers or vendors who can fulfill their requirements. This may involve researching existing suppliers, seeking recommendations, or issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) to solicit bids from multiple vendors.
3. Vendor Evaluation and Selection: The buying business evaluates potential vendors based on criteria such as price, quality, reliability, and past performance. This may involve conducting supplier assessments, comparing proposals, and negotiating terms.
4. Negotiation of Terms: Once a vendor is selected, the buying business negotiates the terms of the transaction, including pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and any other contractual terms or conditions.
5. Order Placement: After reaching agreement on terms, the buying business places an order with the selected vendor. This may involve submitting a purchase order (PO) specifying the details of the transaction, such as product quantities, delivery dates, and payment terms.
6. Payment Processing and Fulfillment: Upon receipt of the order, the vendor processes the payment according to the agreed-upon terms. The vendor then fulfills the order by preparing and packaging the products for shipment or delivering the agreed-upon services.
7. Delivery and Receipt of Goods or Services: The vendor delivers the goods or services to the buying business according to the agreed-upon delivery schedule. The buying business receives and inspects the goods or services to ensure they meet the agreed-upon specifications and quality standards.
8. Post-Purchase Support and Feedback: After receiving the goods or services, the buying business may require post-purchase support, such as technical assistance, warranty services, or product training. Additionally, the buying business may provide feedback to the vendor on their experience with the transaction, which can inform future business dealings.

By following these steps, B2B e-commerce transactions can be conducted efficiently and effectively, ensuring that both the buying business and the vendor achieve their desired outcomes.

7) Explain the B2C e commerce with an example. (6 marks)

Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce involves transactions between a business and individual consumers, where the business sells products or services directly to the end-users. An example of B2C e-commerce is purchasing a book from an online bookstore like Amazon.

Here’s how the B2C e-commerce process typically works:

1. Product Selection: The consumer visits the online bookstore’s website and browses through the available books, using search filters or categories to find specific titles or genres.
2. Product Information and Reviews: The consumer clicks on a book of interest to view detailed information such as the author, publisher, synopsis, and price. They may also read reviews and ratings from other customers to help inform their purchasing decision.
3. Add to Cart: After deciding to purchase a book, the consumer adds it to their virtual shopping cart by clicking the “Add to Cart” button.
4. Checkout Process: The consumer proceeds to the checkout process, where they provide shipping and billing information, select a payment method, and review their order before confirming the purchase.
5. Payment Processing: The online bookstore securely processes the payment using the chosen payment method, such as credit card, debit card, or digital wallet.
6. Order Confirmation: Once the payment is processed successfully, the consumer receives an order confirmation email or notification, confirming their purchase and providing details such as the order number and estimated delivery date.
7. Order Fulfillment and Delivery: The online bookstore fulfills the order by packaging the book and arranging for its delivery to the consumer’s specified address. Depending on the chosen shipping method, the book may be delivered digitally (e.g., e-book download) or physically (e.g., shipping via courier).
8. Customer Support: If the consumer has any questions or issues with their order, they can contact the online bookstore’s customer support team for assistance, whether it’s tracking a shipment, requesting a refund, or resolving any other inquiries.

In this example, the online bookstore serves as the business entity, while the individual consumer is the end-user purchasing the book. The B2C e-commerce model enables seamless and convenient transactions between businesses and consumers, providing consumers with access to a wide range of products and services from the comfort of their homes.

8) Explain the C2B e commerce with an example. (6 marks)

Consumer-to-Business (C2B) e-commerce involves transactions where individual consumers offer products or services to businesses. Unlike traditional commerce models where businesses offer goods or services to consumers, C2B flips the dynamic by putting consumers in the position of suppliers or service providers.

An example of C2B e-commerce is freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Here’s how it works:

1. Service Offerings: Individuals with specific skills or expertise, such as graphic design, programming, writing, or marketing, create profiles on freelance platforms, showcasing their services and rates.
2. Project Posting: Businesses or employers post projects or job listings on the platform, specifying their requirements, budget, and deadlines. These projects could range from graphic design for a company logo to content writing for a website.
3. Proposal Submission: Individual freelancers browse through the posted projects and submit proposals or bids for the ones that match their skills and interests. They outline their qualifications, relevant experience, proposed approach, and cost estimates in their proposals.
4. Selection and Negotiation: The business reviews the submitted proposals and selects the freelancer that best fits their needs and budget. They may negotiate terms such as project scope, deadlines, and payment milestones before finalizing the agreement.
5. Project Execution: Once the terms are agreed upon, the freelancer begins working on the project, using their skills and expertise to deliver the requested services. They may communicate with the client throughout the project to provide updates and address any feedback or revisions.
6. Payment Processing: Upon completion of the project or agreed-upon milestones, the business releases payment to the freelancer through the platform’s payment system. The platform typically deducts a service fee or commission from the freelancer’s earnings.

In this example, individual consumers (freelancers) offer their services to businesses (clients) through a C2B e-commerce platform, facilitating transactions and collaborations between the two parties. C2B e-commerce provides opportunities for individuals to monetize their skills and expertise while offering businesses access to a diverse pool of talent and resources.

9) Explain the C2C ecommerce with an example. (6 marks)

Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) e-commerce involves transactions where individual consumers buy and sell products or services directly to and from each other, typically facilitated by an online platform. An example of C2C e-commerce is online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist. Here’s how it works:

1. Listing Products: Individual consumers who have items to sell create listings on the online marketplace, providing details such as product descriptions, photos, prices, and shipping options.
2. Browsing and Searching: Other consumers browse through the listings on the platform, using search filters or categories to find specific products or items of interest.
3. Making Offers or Purchases: Interested buyers may choose to make offers or purchase items directly from the sellers through the platform’s interface. They may negotiate prices or terms with the sellers before finalizing the transaction.
4. Payment Processing: Once a purchase is agreed upon, the buyer makes payment to the seller through the platform’s payment system. Payment methods may include credit/debit cards, digital wallets, or other online payment services.
5. Shipping and Delivery: The seller prepares the item for shipping and arranges for its delivery to the buyer’s specified address. Depending on the platform and seller preferences, shipping may be handled by the seller directly or through third-party shipping services.
6. Feedback and Ratings: After the transaction is completed, both the buyer and seller may leave feedback and ratings for each other based on their experience. This feedback system helps build trust and credibility within the C2C e-commerce community.

In this example, individual consumers act as both buyers and sellers, engaging in transactions with each other through the C2C e-commerce platform. C2C e-commerce provides a convenient and accessible platform for individuals to buy and sell a wide range of products and services, facilitating peer-to-peer commerce on a global scale.

10) Discuss the applications of ecommerce technologies? (6 marks)

E-commerce technologies have numerous applications across various industries, driving innovation, efficiency, and growth. Some key applications include:

1. Online Retail: E-commerce technologies enable businesses to set up online stores, allowing customers to browse, select, and purchase products remotely. This application encompasses a wide range of industries, from fashion and electronics to groceries and home goods.
2. Digital Payments: E-commerce technologies facilitate secure online payment processing, allowing customers to make purchases using credit/debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, or other electronic payment methods. This application streamlines transactions and enhances convenience for both businesses and customers.
3. Mobile Commerce (m-commerce): With the proliferation of smartphones and mobile devices, e-commerce technologies extend to mobile platforms, enabling customers to shop and make purchases via mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. M-commerce offers enhanced accessibility and flexibility, catering to the growing trend of mobile-centric shopping.
4. Supply Chain Management: E-commerce technologies optimize supply chain operations by integrating inventory management, order processing, and logistics systems. This application improves inventory visibility, reduces order processing times, and enhances overall supply chain efficiency.
5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): E-commerce technologies facilitate customer engagement and relationship management through CRM systems. These platforms track customer interactions, manage leads, and personalize marketing efforts to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
6. Data Analytics and Personalization: E-commerce technologies leverage data analytics to analyze customer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns. This application enables businesses to segment their customer base, tailor product recommendations, and personalize marketing campaigns for maximum impact.

Overall, the applications of e-commerce technologies span various aspects of business operations, from online retail and digital payments to supply chain management and customer relationship management. By leveraging these technologies effectively, businesses can enhance their competitiveness, improve operational efficiency, and deliver superior customer experiences in the digital marketplace.

11) What are the challenges faced by the traditional marketing of a product as compared to e-commerce marketing? (4 marks)

Challenges faced by traditional marketing compared to e-commerce marketing include:

1. Limited Reach: Traditional marketing methods such as print ads or TV commercials have limited reach compared to the global audience accessible through e-commerce platforms.
2. Higher Costs: Traditional marketing often requires significant investments in advertising, printing, and distribution, whereas e-commerce marketing can be more cost-effective, with options like targeted online ads or social media marketing.
3. Less Targeted: Traditional marketing efforts may lack the precision of e-commerce marketing in targeting specific demographics or audience segments, resulting in lower conversion rates and wasted resources.
4. Slower Feedback Loop: Traditional marketing campaigns may have longer feedback loops, making it difficult to track and measure their effectiveness in real-time compared to the immediate feedback available with e-commerce marketing analytics.

12) How does Supply chain management take place using e commerce? (4 marks)

Supply chain management in e-commerce involves the integration and coordination of various processes, from procurement and production to inventory management and distribution, within the context of online retail operations. Here’s how supply chain management takes place using e-commerce:

1. Order Processing: Orders placed by customers on the e-commerce platform are processed electronically, triggering the supply chain management process.
2. Inventory Management: E-commerce platforms maintain real-time visibility of inventory levels, allowing businesses to track stock levels, monitor product availability, and manage replenishment efficiently.
3. Supplier Integration: E-commerce platforms integrate with suppliers and vendors to automate procurement processes, streamline sourcing, and ensure timely delivery of goods to meet customer demand.
4. Logistics and Fulfillment: E-commerce businesses coordinate with logistics partners to manage order fulfillment and shipping operations. This involves picking, packing, and shipping orders to customers using various shipping methods and carriers.

By leveraging e-commerce technologies and platforms, businesses can optimize supply chain management processes, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction through timely delivery and effective inventory management.

13) What are the services provided by web hosting and internet services model? (5 marks)

Web hosting and internet services models provide a range of services to individuals and businesses seeking to establish an online presence. These services typically include:

1. Website Hosting: This involves providing server space and infrastructure for hosting websites and web applications. Web hosting services ensure that websites are accessible on the internet 24/7.
2. Domain Registration: Web hosting providers often offer domain registration services, allowing customers to secure unique domain names for their websites.
3. Email Hosting: Many web hosting services include email hosting, enabling businesses to create and manage custom email addresses associated with their domain name (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com).
4. Website Building Tools: Some web hosting providers offer website building tools and templates to help customers design and create professional-looking websites without requiring coding skills.
5. Technical Support: Web hosting services typically provide technical support to assist customers with issues related to server configuration, website maintenance, security, and troubleshooting.

These services form the foundation of an online presence, allowing individuals and businesses to establish and maintain websites, communicate with customers via email, and leverage online tools for marketing, sales, and communication.

UNIT -2

E Commerce Question and Answer For MAKAUT Syllabus ( Short Question )

1. Define EDI.

EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange. It refers to the electronic exchange of business documents and information between trading partners in a standardized format. EDI enables the seamless transmission of data such as purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices, and other business documents between computer systems, allowing for automated and efficient communication and transaction processing between businesses. EDI eliminates the need for paper-based documents, reduces manual data entry errors, speeds up document processing times, and improves overall efficiency and accuracy in business-to-business transactions.

 2.Define EFT.

EFT stands for Electronic Funds Transfer. It refers to the electronic transfer of money from one bank account to another, either within the same financial institution or between different institutions. EFT transactions can include various types of payments, such as direct deposits, wire transfers, online bill payments, and electronic payroll deposits. EFT eliminates the need for paper-based transactions, allowing for faster and more efficient processing of payments while reducing the risks associated with handling physical checks or cash. EFT transactions are commonly used for payroll processing, bill payments, online purchases, and transferring funds between accounts.

3.What is the purpose of the data transport layer in EDI? Give an example.

The data transport layer in EDI serves the purpose of securely transmitting standardized electronic documents between trading partners. It ensures that EDI documents are exchanged reliably and efficiently over electronic networks, such as the internet or dedicated EDI networks.

One example of the data transport layer in EDI is the use of secure communication protocols like AS2 (Applicability Statement 2). AS2 provides a standardized method for transmitting EDI documents securely over the internet using encryption and digital signatures. It ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity of EDI transactions, making it suitable for sensitive business documents such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices. AS2 enables trading partners to exchange EDI documents reliably and securely, regardless of their geographical locations or underlying communication infrastructures.

4.What is VAN? Give any 2 services of VAN.

VAN stands for Value-Added Network. It is a third-party service provider that facilitates the exchange of electronic data between trading partners in a secure and reliable manner. VANs act as intermediaries in EDI transactions, providing a range of services to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of electronic data interchange.

Two services provided by VANs include:

1. Data Translation: VANs offer data translation services to convert EDI documents between different formats or standards. This service ensures seamless communication between trading partners who may use different EDI standards or versions.
2. Security and Compliance: VANs provide robust security measures to protect sensitive EDI data during transmission. They implement encryption, authentication, and access controls to safeguard information from unauthorized access, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA or GDPR.

By offering these and other value-added services, VANs enable trading partners to exchange EDI documents reliably, securely, and efficiently, facilitating seamless business transactions and collaboration.

5.What are the differences between TCP and IP protocols?

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol) are two distinct protocols that work together to facilitate communication over the Internet and other networks. Here are the key differences between TCP and IP:

1. Purpose:
   • IP: IP is responsible for routing packets of data across networks. It handles the addressing and routing of data packets between devices on different networks.
   • TCP: TCP is responsible for ensuring reliable and ordered delivery of data packets between devices. It manages the establishment, maintenance, and termination of connections between devices.
2. Functionality:
   • IP: IP provides the basic framework for sending and receiving packets of data, but it does not guarantee delivery or order of packets.
   • TCP: TCP operates at a higher level than IP and adds reliability to the communication process. It ensures that data packets are delivered in the correct order and without errors by using mechanisms such as acknowledgment, retransmission, and flow control.
3. Connection-Oriented vs. Connectionless:
   • IP: IP is connectionless, meaning it does not establish a direct connection between sender and receiver before transmitting data. Each packet is routed independently based on its destination address.
   • TCP: TCP is connection-oriented, meaning it establishes a connection between sender and receiver before transmitting data. It sets up a virtual circuit between the two endpoints, ensuring reliable data delivery through acknowledgments and retransmissions.
4. Header Size:
   • IP: The IP header is smaller and contains essential information such as source and destination IP addresses.
   • TCP: The TCP header is larger and includes additional information such as source and destination port numbers, sequence numbers, acknowledgment numbers, and flags for controlling the communication process.
5. Reliability:
   • IP: IP does not provide reliability mechanisms for data transmission. It relies on higher-level protocols like TCP to ensure reliable delivery.
   • TCP: TCP provides reliability mechanisms such as acknowledgment, retransmission, and error detection to ensure that data is delivered accurately and in the correct order.

In summary, while IP handles the routing of data packets across networks, TCP provides reliability and ensures ordered delivery of data between devices by establishing connections and managing data transmission. Both protocols are essential for the functioning of the Internet and other networks.

My Rating: