• Module 1 Introduction
• 1.1 An overview of e-commerce

• 1.2 The Internet, computer networks and e-commerce

  • 1.2.1 Internet speed, innovation and change
  • 1.2.2 The demographics, use and nature of the e-commerce
  • 1.2.3 How and why Australian businesses are using e-commerce

• 1.3 E-commerce advantages and disadvantages

  • 1.3.1 E-commerce advantages
  • 1.3.2 E-commerce disadvantages and constraints

• 1.4 The Internet and business

  • 1.4.1 Drivers of e-commerce and Internet growth

• 1.5 E-commerce and e-business

• 1.6 Beyond the business of the Internet

• 1.7 Summary

An introduction to e-commerce

Introduction

Electronic commerce is the conduct of commercial activities using electronic processes or tools that are enabled by information and communications technologies (ICTs). It usually involves goods and services being selected, ordered and paid for via the Internet, though it can also involve various services, electronic processes and transactions that occur within and between businesses.

E-commerce can present many new options for organising and conducting business. In an overall sense, it can be applied to:

• improve the performance of existing businesses and organisations;
• create new and different types of businesses, products and services; and,
• respond to the business and e-commerce strategies of competitors.

The purpose of this course is, firstly, to equip you with an understanding of:

• e-commerce and its underlying technologies;
• the potential of e-commerce for people, businesses and organisations; and
• ways to identify, evaluate and respond to e-commerce threats and opportunities.

Secondly, with this understanding as a foundation, the course will help you to develop your capability to make effective business decisions with respect to e-commerce.

Learning objectives

At the completion of this module you should be able to:

• outline the foundations of e-commerce
• confirm the principles underlying e-commerce
• determine the origins of the Internet
• outline the role of the Internet in business and commerce

Topics

• 1.1 An overview of e-commerce
• 1.2 The Internet, computer networks and e-commerce
  • 1.2.1 Internet speed, innovation and change
  • 1.2.2 The demographics, use and nature of the e-commerce
  • 1.2.3 How and why Australian businesses are using
    e-commerce
• 1.3 E-commerce advantages and disadvantages
  • 1.3.1 E-commerce advantages
  • 1.3.2 E-commerce disadvantages and constraints
• 1.4 The Internet and business
  • 1.4.1 Drivers of e-commerce and Internet growth
• 1.5 E-commerce and e-business
• 1.6 Beyond the business of the Internet
• 1.7 Summary

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