Description

The book introduces electronic commerce (EC) from a managerial perspective—what it is, how organizations use and manage it, and its opportunities, limitations, issues, and risks. Chapter 1 is “Overview of Electronic Commerce.”

1. Meaning of Electronic Commerce

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the use of electronic networks, particularly the Internet, to conduct business transactions and exchange products, services, information, and payments.

2. Main types

• B2C: Business → Consumer
• B2B: Business → Business
• C2C: Consumer → Consumer
• C2B: Consumer → Business
• B2E: Business → Employee

These categories describe the different parties involved in electronic transactions.

3. Why e-commerce is important

E-commerce enables organizations to:

• Reach customers globally
• Operate 24 hours a day
• Reduce some transaction costs
• Communicate quickly
• Improve customer convenience