Module 2 E- Commerce & Digitital Marketing

Q1 Mention the significance of E- Bussiness.

Ans E-business, or electronic business, holds significant importance in the modern business
landscape for several reasons:
1) Global Reach: E-business transcends geographical boundaries, allowing companies to reach
a global audience without the need for physical presence or extensive infrastructure. This
enhances market potential and opens up new opportunities for growth.
2) Cost Efficiency: Conducting business online often reduces operational costs associated with
traditional brick-and-mortar setups. This includes savings on rent, utilities, and other overhead
expenses. E-business models can be more cost-effective, especially for startups and small
businesses.
3) 24/7 Accessibility: E-business enables round-the-clock availability, providing customers with
the flexibility to browse, shop, or engage with services at any time. This accessibility enhances
customer satisfaction and can lead to increased sales.
4) Efficient Transaction Processing: Online transactions are typically faster and more efficient
than traditional methods. E-business facilitates secure and swift payment processes,
contributing to improved customer experiences and streamlined operations.
5) Data Analytics and Customer Insights: E-business platforms generate vast amounts of data
that can be analyzed to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and market
trends. This data-driven approach empowers businesses to make informed decisions and tailor
their offerings to meet customer expectations.
6) Marketing and Advertising Opportunities: The digital nature of e-business allows for targeted
marketing campaigns, reaching specific demographics with personalized content. Social media,
search engine optimization, and other online marketing strategies play a crucial role in
promoting e-businesses.
7) Customer Relationship Management (CRM): E-businesses often implement CRM systems to
enhance customer interactions and build lasting relationships. CRM tools help manage
customer data, track interactions, and provide personalized experiences, fostering customer
loyalty.
8) Adaptability to Market Changes: The digital nature of e-business allows for quick adaptation
to market changes and emerging trends. Businesses can respond rapidly to shifts in consumer
behavior, technology advancements, and competitive landscapes.

Q2 Merits and Demerits of ERP.

Ans ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. It's a type of software that
organizations use to manage and integrate various aspects of their business processes, such
as finance, human resources, procurement, and more, into a unified system.ERP systems aim
to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and data accuracy across the entire organization, providing
a centralized and real-time view of key business activities.

*Merits of ERP
1) Integrated Information: ERP systems provide a centralized platform that integrates data from
various departments, leading to a more cohesive and accurate flow of information throughout
the organization.
2) Improved Efficiency: By automating repetitive tasks and providing real-time data, ERP
systems enhance operational efficiency, reducing manual efforts and the risk of errors.
3) Enhanced Decision-Making: Access to accurate and timely information allows for better
decision-making at all levels of the organization, supporting strategic planning and quick
responses to changes in the business environment.
4) Standardized Processes: ERP encourages standardized processes across different
departments, ensuring consistency and best practices throughout the organization.
5) Cost Savings: Although implementing ERP can be costly initially, it often leads to long-term
cost savings by optimizing processes, reducing errors, and improving resource utilization.
6) Improved Customer Service: ERP systems facilitate better customer service by providing a
comprehensive view of customer interactions, enabling timely responses and personalized
services.

*DEMERITS of ERP
1) High Initial Costs: The implementation of ERP systems can be expensive, involving software
licensing, hardware upgrades, and consulting services. This initial cost can be a significant
barrier for some organizations.
2) Extended Implementation Time: ERP deployment often takes a considerable amount of time,
causing disruptions to regular business activities and potentially affecting employee morale.
3) Resistance to Change: Employees may resist the changes introduced by an ERP system,
leading to challenges in user adoption. Training and change management efforts are crucial to
overcoming this resistance.
4) Customization Challenges: While customization is often necessary to align the ERP system
with specific business processes, excessive customization can lead to difficulties in upgrading
the system and may result in higher maintenance costs.
5) Continuous Maintenance and Upgrades: ERP systems require ongoing maintenance,
updates, and upgrades. Failing to keep the system up to date can lead to security vulnerabilities
and compatibility issues.

Q3 Elaborate BRICKS and CLICKS model.

Ans The BRICKS and CLICKS model refers to a business strategy that combines both
physical (BRICKS) and online (CLICKS) presences. "BRICKS" represent traditional
brick-and-mortar stores, while "CLICKS" represent online or e-commerce channels. This model
aims to leverage the strengths of both offline and online retail strategies to create a seamless
and integrated customer experience. Businesses adopting this model often provide customers
with options to interact with the brand through physical stores, online platforms, or a
combination of both, aiming to enhance customer convenience and reach a broader audience.
With the growth of ecommerce, most large retailers have implemented the bricks and clicks
business model—running retail stores as well as selling their products online.
Here are some examples of well-known bricks-and-clicks businesses:
1. Walmart: Walmart is an often-cited example of a large business that successfully employs a
bricks-and-clicks strategy. As a traditional retailer that has always maintained a strong physical
presence across the U.S., adding ecommerce to its repertoire helped it expand its reach.
2. Starbucks: Starbucks embraces a bricks-and-clicks model by having coffee shops worldwide
(bricks) and a mobile app for online ordering and rewards (clicks). Customers can enjoy the
in-store atmosphere or order and pay through the app.

Q4 Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Procurement.

Ans
* Advantages of E-Procurement:
1) Cost Savings: E-procurement can reduce costs associated with traditional procurement
processes, such as paper-based documentation, manual processing, and travel expenses.
2) Efficiency: The digital nature of e-procurement streamlines the procurement lifecycle, from
requisition to payment, leading to faster and more efficient processes.
3) Accuracy: Automated systems in e-procurement minimize errors associated with manual data
entry, resulting in more accurate procurement records.
4) Transparency: E-procurement systems provide transparency in the procurement process,
allowing stakeholders to track and monitor activities, ensuring accountability.
5) Global Reach: Organizations can engage with suppliers globally, expanding their supplier
base and potentially accessing better pricing and diverse product offerings.
6) Supplier Relationship Management: E-procurement facilitates better communication and
collaboration with suppliers, helping to build and strengthen relationships.

*DISADVANTAGES of E-Procurement.
1) Initial Implementation Costs: Implementing e-procurement systems can be expensive,
involving software acquisition, training, and infrastructure upgrades.
2) Security Concerns: E-procurement systems may face security challenges, including the risk
of data breaches and unauthorized access, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures.
3) Supplier Resistance: Suppliers may resist adopting e-procurement systems due to concerns
about changing established processes, costs of integration, or lack of technical expertise.
4) Integration Issues: Integrating e-procurement systems with existing enterprise resource
planning (ERP) or other systems can be complex and may require significant customization.
5) Dependence on Technology: Organizations become reliant on technology for procurement
activities, making them vulnerable to disruptions such as system failures or cyberattacks.
6) Lack of Standardization: Inconsistencies in e-procurement standards across industries or
regions can create interoperability issues and hinder seamless collaboration.

Q5 Benefits of EDI.
Ans Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a computer-to-computer exchange of business
documents between organizations in a standardized electronic format. It facilitates the
automated exchange of information such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices,
eliminating the need for paper-based processes. EDI enhances efficiency, reduces errors, and
streamlines business transactions across diverse industries.
*Benefits of EDI
1) Increased Efficiency: EDI automates the exchange of business documents, reducing manual
data entry and processing time, leading to faster and more efficient transactions.
2) Cost Savings: The automation of document processing in EDI helps organizations save costs
associated with paper, printing, postage, and manual labor.
3) Error Reduction: With standardized formats and automated processes, EDI minimizes the risk
of errors that often occur in manual data entry and document handling.
4) Faster Transactions: EDI accelerates the exchange of information, allowing for quicker
processing of orders, invoices, and other business documents.
5) Improved Accuracy: Standardized data formats and automated validation mechanisms
contribute to higher accuracy in the exchange of information between trading partners.
6) Enhanced Visibility: EDI provides real-time visibility into the status of transactions, enabling
organizations to track the movement of goods and monitor key business processes.
7) Better Supplier Relationships: By streamlining communication and reducing lead times, EDI
contributes to improved relationships with suppliers, fostering collaboration and responsiveness.
8) Environmental Impact: The reduction of paper usage and manual processes in EDI aligns
with environmental sustainability goals, contributing to a greener and more eco-friendly
business approach.

Q6 Which areas can EDI be implemented?

Ans EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) can be implemented in various areas, including:
1) Supply Chain Management (SCM): EDI is widely used in SCM for exchanging purchase
orders, invoices, shipment notifications, and other critical documents between manufacturers,
suppliers, distributors, and retailers.
2) Retail: In the retail sector, EDI facilitates efficient order processing, inventory management,
and collaboration between retailers and suppliers. It streamlines transactions for products and
services.
3) Manufacturing: EDI is implemented in manufacturing for automating the exchange of
production schedules, shipment notices, and other documents between manufacturers and
suppliers.
4) Healthcare: In the healthcare industry, EDI is utilized for claims processing, patient record
exchange, and communication between healthcare providers, insurers, and other stakeholders.
5) Finance and Banking: EDI is employed in financial transactions such as electronic funds
transfers, payment processing, and other banking activities to enhance speed and accuracy.
6) Government: Governments use EDI for various purposes, including tax filings, customs
declarations, and regulatory compliance. It streamlines interactions between government
agencies and businesses.
7) Telecommunications: In the telecommunications industry, EDI is applied for ordering
equipment, managing inventory, and facilitating billing processes between telecom providers
and suppliers.
8) Insurance: EDI is employed in insurance for processing claims, policy administration, and
communication between insurers, brokers, and other entities in the insurance ecosystem.
9) Education: EDI can be implemented in educational institutions for automating processes such
as student enrollment, transcript exchange, and communication with other educational entities.

Q7 Principles of Website Design.

Ans A website is a collection of web pages accessible through the internet. These pages
are typically linked together and can contain various types of content such as text, images,
videos, and interactive elements. Websites are created using web development languages and
are hosted on servers, making them accessible to users worldwide via web browsers. They
serve a wide range of purposes, including providing information, facilitating communication, and
supporting online activities.
By using these principles, web designers can create websites that not only look visually
appealing but also provide a positive and effective user experience.
1) User-Centric Design:
Prioritize the needs and preferences of the target audience.
Create a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation.
2) Clear Purpose:
Clearly define the purpose and goals of the website.
Ensure that the design aligns with the site's objectives.
3) Responsive Design:
Design websites to be responsive, ensuring a seamless experience across various devices and
screen sizes.
4) Consistency:
Maintain consistency in design elements, including fonts, colors, and layout, to provide a
cohesive and professional appearance.
5) Hierarchy and Readability:
Establish a clear visual hierarchy to guide users through the content.
Prioritize readability with appropriate font styles, sizes, and contrast.
6) Accessibility:
Ensure the website is accessible to users with disabilities, following web accessibility standards.
7) Visual Hierarchy:
Emphasize important content using visual hierarchy, guiding users to focus on key elements.
8) Mobile-Friendly Design:
Prioritize a mobile-friendly design, considering the increasing number of users accessing
websites on mobile devices.
9) Security:
Prioritize the security of user data and implement SSL certificates for secure connections.
10) Adaptability:
Design with future updates and changes in mind to keep the website adaptable to evolving
needs.