REPUBLIQUE DU BENIN

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MINISTERE DE L’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPERIEUR ET DE LA

RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

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ECOLE SUPERIEURE DE MANAGEMENT (ESM BENIN)

THEME :

THE INTERNET, WEB, ELECTRONIC COMMERCE :

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES.

Course : Business English

Students Teacher:

1- AGO Paterne Dr. Kossi Joiny TOWA-SELLO

2- HOUNSOULIN Béni Jonathan
3- TOGODO Aymar
4- TOSSOU-GUINNOU Amour

Academic Year: 2023-2024

 INTRODUCTION

The Internet, The Web, And E-Commerce have dramatically changed the way we
live and interact with the world. In this digital age, they've brought incredible
convenience, global connections, and countless opportunities for both people and
businesses. However, these changes also come with important issues like security,
privacy, and potential impacts on our traditional values. This presentation aims to
explore the many benefits and drawbacks of these technological advances in our
evolving digital landscape.

I. DEFINITIONS

Internet: the internet is a vast global network of interconnected computers and

servers that allows for the exchange of information and data across the world.

Web: the web is a specific part of the internet that consists of interconnected web
pages and websites.

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and

services online

II. ADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET, THE WEB, AND ELECTRONIC

COMMERCE

The internet, the web, have brought about many advantages for both individuals
and businesses. Here are some of the most notable:

For individuals:

Convenience: The internet allows people to access information and services from
anywhere in the world, at any time of day or night. This is especially beneficial
for people who live in remote areas or who have limited mobility.

Choice: The internet offers a wider range of products and services than traditional
brick-and-mortar stores. This allows people to compare prices and find the best
deals.
Information: The internet is a vast repository of information on a wide range of
topics. This makes it easy for people to learn new things and stay informed about
current events.

Communication: The internet makes it easy for people to communicate with each
other, regardless of their location. This is done through email, social media, and
instant messaging platforms.

For businesses:

Global reach: The internet allows businesses to reach customers all over the
world. This is especially beneficial for small businesses that may not have the
resources to open physical stores in multiple locations.

Reduced costs: The internet can help businesses to reduce their costs in a number
of ways. For example, businesses can save money on advertising and marketing
by using online channels.

Increased efficiency: The internet can help businesses to improve their efficiency
by automating tasks and streamlining processes.

Improved customer service: The internet can help businesses to improve their
customer service by providing 24/7 support and making it easy for customers to
contact them.

E-commerce has grown rapidly in recent years, and it is now a major part of the
global economy. E-commerce offers a number of advantages for both consumers
and businesses.

For consumers:

Convenience: E-commerce allows consumers to shop from the comfort of their

own homes, at any time of day or night.

Choice: E-commerce offers a wider range of products and services than

traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Consumers can also compare prices and find
the best deals more easily online.

Lower prices: Online retailers often have lower prices than traditional brick-and-
mortar stores. This is because they have lower overhead costs and can sell
products to a wider customer base.
Easy returns: Most online retailers offer easy returns, making it easy for
consumers to return products if they are not satisfied with them.

For businesses:

Global reach: E-commerce allows businesses to reach customers all over the
world.

Reduced costs: E-commerce can help businesses to reduce their costs in a number
of ways. For example, businesses can save money on rent and utilities by
operating online.

Increased sales: E-commerce can help businesses to increase their sales by

reaching a wider customer base and offering a wider range of products and
services.

Improved customer service: E-commerce can help businesses to improve their

customer service by providing 24/7 support and making it easy for customers to
contact them.

III. DISADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET, THE WEB, AND

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE

While the internet, the web, and electronic commerce offer a number of
advantages, they also have some disadvantages. Here are some of the most
notable:

For individuals:

Addiction: The internet can be addictive, and people can spend hours online
without realizing it. This can lead to problems with work, school, and
relationships.

Online scams: There are many online scams that can trick people into giving
away their personal information or money.

Privacy concerns: The internet collects a lot of data about our online activity.
This data can be used by companies to target us with advertising, or it can be sold
to third-party companies.
For businesses:

Security risks: Businesses are at risk of cyberattacks, such as data breaches and
malware infections. These attacks can be costly and damaging to a business's
reputation.

Competition: The internet has made it easier for new businesses to enter the
market. This has increased competition for businesses of all sizes.

Cost: Businesses need to invest in technology and infrastructure in order to

operate online. This can be a significant cost, especially for small businesses.

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) also has some disadvantages, both for

consumers and businesses.

For consumers:

Shipping costs: Shipping costs can add up, especially for large or heavy items.

Delayed delivery: Products may take several days or even weeks to arrive,
depending on the shipping method used.

Return costs: Some online retailers charge consumers for returning products.
This can be expensive, especially if the product is large or heavy.

Counterfeit products: There is a risk of buying counterfeit products online.

These products may be of poor quality or even dangerous.

For businesses:

Fraud: E-commerce businesses are at risk of fraud, such as chargebacks and

identity theft. This can lead to financial losses for the business.

Customer acquisition costs: It can be expensive to acquire new customers

online. Businesses need to invest in marketing and advertising in order to reach
potential customers.

Returns: E-commerce businesses have to deal with a high volume of returns. This
can be costly and time-consuming.
 CONCLUSION
The internet, the web, and e-commerce have transformed our world, offering a
multitude of advantages such as access to information, global communication, and
easy online shopping. However, they have also introduced challenges related to
security and privacy so their use requires constant consideration of how to
maximize their benefits while minimizing their drawbacks.