Aftab Hussain

One of the most important developments in business in recent times has been the increasing use of e-commerce. It has revolutionised many marketplaces and opened up opportunities never before imagined. Businesses that are not exploring the use of e-commerce are in danger of finding themselves being overtaken by those who are utilising this technology. E-commerce uses the internet to build and enhance relationships with customers, partners and other businesses. This can involve processing orders electronically, handling customer service and cooperating with business partners.

E-commerce can be conducted using the internet, intranets, extranets, or a combination of these.

The unit starts by looking at the benefits and drawbacks for society of e-commerce and then investigates the technologies involved in e-commerce. This is followed by exploring the security issues surrounding the use of e-commerce, both from the business and the user perspective.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit a learner should:

LO1 Examine the strategies employed and the impact of E-Commerce on business organisations.

LO2 Analyse the hardware, software, web-based and database technologies involved in setting up a secure E-Commerce site.

LO3 Design an E-Commerce strategy based on a given end user requirement or specification.

LO4 Implement an E-Commerce strategy based on a given end user requirement or specification.