Learners will learn about different e-commerce models and applications, and how these can be used to develop e-commerce in a small business.  They will research the stages involved in setting up e-commerce and then use e-commerce applications to meet a client brief

The unit initially focuses on understanding e-commerce principles, with emphasis placed on explaining the relationship between e-commerce principles and e-commerce models

Next, the unit discuses reasons for using e-commerce in small businesses and, in particular, it examines the opportunities and benefits that e-commerce offers a small business. Threats relating to the adoption of e-commerce are discussed and possible solutions are described. Furthermore, e-commerce strategies that have proved to be successful in small businesses are evaluated

The unit also considers e-commerce models used in small businesses, evaluating appropriate models, critically comparing e-commerce revenue models and explaining stages used to develop an online presence

The next sections are concerned with e-commerce applications, explaining their effect on different types of organisations and critically evaluating different applications that can be used to develop an e-commerce site

Finally, the unit discusses the development of e-commerce applications and, more specifically, issues relating to the creation of an e-commerce site in line with industry standards. In addition, methods used for reviewing feedback on e-commerce sites are discussed, as well as ways for presenting e-commerce applications to clients