Introduction to Ecommerce

• Overview of Subject
  • Instructor: Dr. Peter Ejebalfo
  • University: Charles Sturt University
  • Location: Port Macquarie Campus, New South Wales
  • Acknowledgment of Indigenous Peoples
• Expectations
  • Understanding student expectations and motivations for enrolling in the course
  • Encouragement for students to share experiences with ecommerce platforms
  • Invitation to the class discussion forum for introductions if unable to attend live session

Course Objectives

• Learning Outcomes
  • Evaluate the application of electronic commerce in organizations
  • Analyze barriers to implementation of ecommerce technologies
  • Identify technology's effects on business outcomes
  • Measure technology contributions to firm performance
  • Address problems related to ecommerce such as security and legal regulations
• Focus Areas
  • Security concerns for businesses and customers
  • Legal jurisdictions and regulations governing ecommerce
  • Discussion of government policies affecting social media and ecommerce in Australia

Course Structure

Models of Study

1. Model 1: Introduction to Ecommerce
   • General overview of ecommerce
   • Introduction to e-marketplaces
   • Characteristics and expectations of internet customers
2. Model 2: Ecommerce in Action
   • Business strategy for ecommerce
   • Supply chain processes involved in ecommerce
   • Electronic payment platforms and their relevance
   • Security concerns and ecommerce infrastructure
3. Model 3: Social Commerce and New Media
   • Mobile commerce
   • Legal, ethical, and social impacts of ecommerce

Subject Assessments

• Assessment Requirements
  • Four assessments in total:
  1. Online quizzes (Assesment 1 & 3)
     • Value: 10 marks each
     • Available: Starting the week prior to the due date
     • Duration: 7 days to complete
     • Due on Sundays
  2. Report on ecommerce business model (Assessment 2)
     • Analyze an ecommerce business
     • Provide recommendations for improvement
  3. Ecommerce business plan (Assessment 4)
     • Develop a video presentation (15 minutes)
     • Submit on Panopto via Brightspace
• Support for new students with Brightspace
  • Contact Dr. Ejebalfo for guidance

Definitions and Concepts

Ecommerce Definition

• Ecommerce: Conducting business transactions via the Internet, mobile apps, or browsers on various devices
  • Must involve:
  • Digitally enabled commercial transactions
  • Exchange of value (payment)

Distinction between Ecommerce and E-Business

• Ecommerce vs. E-Business
  • Ecommerce: Transactions involving the internet and commercial transactions
  • E-Business: Digital technologies used for management without necessarily involving transactions

Importance of Studying Ecommerce

• Digital growth and globalization
• Marketing access and automation
• Cost reduction in supply chains
  • Direct connection between producers and consumers
• New revenue business models

Features of Ecommerce Technologies

• Ubiquity: Businesses can reach global customers online
• Universal standards: Consistent product quality across platforms
• Richness: Quality of customer engagement through enhanced content
• Interactivity: Direct connection between business and customer
• Dense information: Detailed product descriptions available online
• Personalization: Tailored marketing messages based on customer behavior
• Social technology: Customer reviews impact purchasing decisions

Types of Ecommerce Models

1. Business to Consumer (B2C)
   • Online retail (e.g., Uber Eats, Amazon)
2. Business to Business (B2B)
   • Wholesale platforms (e.g., Alibaba)
3. Consumer to Consumer (C2C)
   • Marketplaces (e.g., eBay, Etsy)
4. Mobile Ecommerce
   • Engaging customers via mobile applications (e.g., WhatsApp, WeChat)
5. Social Ecommerce
   • Monetizing social networks (e.g., Instagram, Facebook)

Online Shopping Trends

• Growth in online retail in various categories:
  • Electronics, Apparel, Furniture, and Health products
• Service categories include financial services and travel apps
  • Ecommerce platforms used for ticketing and booking services

Key Success Factors in Ecommerce

1. Selection and Value
2. Performance and Service
3. Attractive Interfaces
4. Advertising and Incentives
5. Personal Attention

Relevant Academic Disciplines in Ecommerce

• Marketing
• Computer Science
• Operations Management
• Finance and Accounting
• General Management

Conclusion

• Ecommerce enhances traditional businesses by expanding market reach
• Distinction between ecommerce and e-business is vital
• Future sessions will involve practical analysis and recommendations for ecommerce strategies
• Readings: Chapters 1 and 9 of the prescribed textbook for further information

Next Steps

• Reminder of Assessment 1 due on March 22, 2026

• Further engagement encouraged in Brightspace discussion forums

• Look for announcements regarding the course schedule

• Thank you and have a wonderful evening!