Saudi Electronic University College of Administrative and Financial Sciences ECOM101 -E-commerce Assignment 3 E-commerce Project 2020/2021 Submission: End of week 13, Thursday 15th of April 2021 15 Marks Requirement: In this project, you are required to evaluate one of the websites below based on what you learn from this course and your perspective. The evaluation will cover the different aspects of ECommerce such as business idea, website design, marketing, security … etc. You will need to analyze the business and provide suggestions to improve the current business situation. Current e-commerce businesses: (choose one) 1. 2. 3. 4. www.karazlinen.com/ www.ekuep.com www.sorrah.sa/ www.eyewa.com/sa-ar 5. www.nv.sa/ 6. www.darzan.sa/ 7. www.rewayah.store/ 8. www.etarstore.com/ 9. www.sahaba.store/ 10. www.notahstore.com/ 11. www.natureland.net/ksa_ar/ 12. www.aratopia.sa The following questions require critical thinking to be answered successfully. The answers to these questions will drive the ways of improvement of the current e-commerce business. ? ? ? ? ? 1. Know the business 3.5 marks What is the business? (your choice) What is the idea? (the visioning process) ‘Introduce the e-commerce business you have chosen. o Provide an overview of the business idea ‘Product and type of services. o What are the different types of products? Explain o What kinds of services does the online store provide? [ customer service, exchange and return, delivery, and payment options] Explain ‘Business statement. ‘Business vision. ‘Business objective. Where is the money? o What is the company’s business model? o What is the revenue model? Give a general idea of how the business generates revenues Who and where is the target audience? Explain demographics, lifestyle, consumption patterns, etc. Characterize the marketplace. o Size, growth, demographics, structure, competition o Research the market and give an idea about each point ? Describe the content of the business website ? Conduct a SWOT analysis for the business (Explain each point) o At least three points for each ? Develop an e-commerce presence map. o (For example: website, email … etc.) o What activities does the company use these platforms for? (E.g. marketing, customer service, news…etc.) 2. Explain the design of the system 1.5 marks ? Explain in detail the design of the system (business objectives, system functionality, information provided) Business Objective System Functionality Information provided Ex: Display goods Digital Catalog Dynamic text and graphics catalog ‘What can be improved or added into the system design? 3. Explain the current business e-commerce features 1 mark ? What are the current website features? ? What types of these features can be annoying to customers? Provide pictures. ‘What can you do to improve the current features on the website? 4. Explain the business e-commerce process 1 marks ? Explain in detail all the steps from the time user enters the website until the final user buys a product. ‘What can be improved in the process? 5. Site Design 1.5 marks ? Evaluate the website design focusing on the eight most important factors in successful ecommerce site design (ease of use, ease of purchase, simple graphics … etc.). You are required to evaluate each factor. o What can be improved in the site design to be one of the most successful e-commerce websites? 6. Business software 1 marks The development of an e-commerce website requires more interactive functionalities, such as the ability to respond to user input (name and address forms), capturing customer orders for goods and services, clearing credit card transactions on the fly, consolidating price and product databases, and even adjusting advertising on the screen based on user characteristics. ? Explain the different types of software used on the website to perform the current functionalities. ‘What can be done to improve the software? 7. Payment and Security 1.5 marks ? What are the methods of payment available in the online store? o What other methods can be added? Explain why? ? What are the technologies used on the website to secure the online transactions? o What other technologies can be added? Explain why? ? What is the current privacy policy of the online store? Outline how the information is collected and used? o What can be added to the privacy policy? Explain why? 8. Categorize marketing and advertising strategy and method. 1 mark ? Explain the current online, offline, and social media marketing strategies of the e-commerce business? ‘What can be done to improve the marketing aspects of the business? 9. Know your competitors. 2 marks ? Choose a website of one competitor in the same industry (locally or globally) and compare it with your chosen company’s site. Indicate why the competitor’s website is better or worse than the chosen company’s website. Provide screenshots with explanation. o What can be done by learning from your competitor’s experience? 10. Conclude your report. 1 mark Summarize the above points and include your recommendation to improve the e-commerce business. Guidelines for the assignment: ? The answer sheet must include the following: o Cover page o Questions o Answers ? Make sure to include the cover page with all information required. One mark will be deducted if there is no cover page ? This is a group project (3-4 students), which is part of your course score. It requires effort, research, and critical thinking. ? You are required to choose one current business from the list. ? Each website can be chosen by one group only. ? Use font Times New Roman, 12 font size ? Use 1.5 line spacing with adjust to all paragraphs (alignment). ? Use the footer function to insert page number. ? Ensure that you follow the APA style in your project and references. ? The minimum number of required references is 5 references using APA style. ? Your whole project report length should be between 2200 to 2800 words. ? You must check the spelling and grammar mistakes before submitting the assignment. ? Up to 20% of the total grade will be deducted for providing a poor structure of assignment. Structure includes these elements paper style, free of spelling and grammar mistakes, referencing and word count. ? Your file should be saved as Word Doc. [Example]: Your name_CRN_ECOM101_ Project Assignment

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.