Chapter 4 - mobile commerce

What is the first step before starting an e-commerce presence?

Define the overall mission statement and identify the target audience and marketplace.

What is a SWOT analysis?

A SWOT analysis evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a business or project.

What is the typical cost range for a simple e-commerce website?

Up to $5000.

What is the cost range for a small startup e-commerce presence?

$25,000 to $50,000.

What is the cost for a large corporate e-commerce website?

$100,000+ to millions.

What are the main stages in the systems development process?

Systems analysis/planning, systems design, building the system, testing, and implementation & maintenance.

What are the key components of system analysis/planning?

Business objectives, system functionalities, and information requirements.

What is an example of system functionality for an e-commerce site?

Displaying goods through a digital catalog.

What is the purpose of A/B testing in e-commerce?

To compare two versions of a webpage or app to determine which one performs better.

What are some common maintenance costs for an e-commerce site?

Maintenance costs can be similar to development costs, e.g., a $40,000 site may require $40,000 annually to upkeep.

What should be avoided in e-commerce website design?

Requiring users to view ads before content, confusing navigation, and slow loading pages.

What is the significance of mobile platforms in e-commerce?

Primary internet access is now through smartphones and tablets, making mobile optimization crucial.

What are the four major types of m-commerce platforms?

Mobile website, native app, mobile web app, and hybrid app.

What is a native app?

A fully downloadable app from app stores designed for a specific platform (iOS or Android).

What is a mobile web app?

A website that behaves like an app, utilizing browser capabilities.

What is the advantage of a mobile-first design?

It creates a mobile version of the site/app first, ensuring efficiency and better performance.

What are some tools for mobile app development?

Native programming languages (Objective C for iOS, Java/Kotlin for Android) and open-source alternatives like Flutter and React Native.

What is the purpose of a shopping cart/payment system in e-commerce?

To execute transactions securely and offer multiple payment options.

How can customer information be accumulated in an e-commerce system?

Through a customer database that collects names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails.

What is the role of customer engagement in e-commerce?

Engaging customers through conversations, blogs, and forums to enhance interaction and feedback.

What is the importance of testing in the systems development process?

To ensure the system functions correctly through unit testing, system testing, acceptance testing, and more.

What is a hybrid app?

An app that runs inside a native container and works the same across different platforms.

What is the significance of maintaining up-to-date content on an e-commerce site?

To ensure relevance and improve user experience, avoiding outdated information that can deter customers.

What is the KISS rule in e-commerce design?

Keep it simple, ensuring users can complete tasks in three clicks or less.