Homework

E-Commerce Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies

Guidelines:
• For this homework you can work in a pair of two. Choose one of the 15 topics presented below and write
in the class comment!
• Ensure the topic is relevant to the chapter and explores both the technological aspect and its implications
for e-commerce. Conduct thorough research using credible sources such as academic journals, industry
reports, textbooks, and trusted websites. You must use at least 10 sources to support your arguments.
• Include real-world examples, case studies, or applications wherever possible.
• Write a paper following a research paper structure that covers the following:
o Define and explain the concept.
o Discuss how it applies to the current e-commerce landscape.
o Provide real-world examples or case studies to illustrate the topic.
o Reflect on future trends and developments.
• Cite any sources you use in APA format.

Submission Details:
• Submit your assignment as a Google Doc (Not in docx nor pdf format).
• Make sure your paper is well-organized, with clear headings and subheadings.

Grading Rubric:

Criteria Points
Introduction (clear objective and importance) 10
Overview of Technology/Concept 20
Impact on E-Commerce 20
Benefits and Challenges 15
Real-World Examples 15
Conclusion (clear summary and future outlook) 10
Research & Citations (appropriate use of sources, APA formatting) 10
Grammar, Style, and Formatting 10
Total 100

Tips for Success:

• Be specific in your analysis, avoid general statements without evidence.
• Use diagrams or figures if they help explain complex concepts (make sure to cite them properly).
• Stay within the word count while ensuring your paper is informative and well-organized.
• Proofread your paper before submission to avoid grammar or formatting errors.
 Possible Topics:
1. The Evolution of the Web: From Web 1.0 to Web 5.0
• Research and explain the differences between Web 1.0, Web 2.0, Web 3.0, Web 4.0, and the
concept of Web 5.0.
• How has each version of the web impacted e-commerce?
• Provide examples of e-commerce platforms that evolved with each web generation.
2. Wearable Technology and Its Role in E-Commerce
• Investigate how wearable technology (e.g., smartwatches, fitness trackers) is being used in e-
commerce.
• What opportunities and challenges do wearables present for online retailers?
3. Virtual Reality (VR) in E-Commerce
• Explore the use of virtual reality in e-commerce, particularly in industries like real estate, retail,
or automotive sales.
• How does VR enhance the customer experience, and what are its limitations?
4. Augmented Reality (AR) for Enhanced E-Commerce
• Discuss how augmented reality is changing the way consumers shop online.
• Analyze the role of AR in e-commerce, focusing on virtual try-ons, product visualization, and
customer interaction.
• Discuss a company that successfully utilizes AR in its online platform.
• Provide examples of e-commerce websites or apps that use AR to improve user engagement
(e.g., virtual try-on, product visualization).
5. Intelligent Personal Assistants in E-Commerce
• Analyze the role of intelligent personal assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant in e-
commerce.
• How do these assistants influence shopping behavior and streamline the buying process?
6. Chatbots in E-Commerce: Enhancing Customer Service
• Examine the use of chatbots in e-commerce for customer service, product recommendations,
and order processing.
• Compare the effectiveness of human agents versus chatbots in handling customer inquiries.
7. Mobile Payments and Their Impact on E-Commerce
• Research how mobile payment technologies like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and digital currencies
have influenced online shopping.
• What are the benefits and challenges of mobile payments for e-commerce businesses and
consumers?
8. 5G Networks: Transforming Mobile E-Commerce
• Investigate the potential of 5G networks to revolutionize mobile e-commerce.
• How will faster data speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity change the way
consumers interact with e-commerce platforms?
9. Cloud Computing in E-Commerce Infrastructure
• Discuss the role of cloud computing in supporting the infrastructure of large e-commerce
platforms.
• How does cloud computing improve scalability, security, and data storage for online retailers?
10. Data Privacy and Security Concerns in E-Commerce
• Explore the challenges of maintaining data privacy and security in the e-commerce space.
• What are the most common threats (e.g., data breaches, phishing) and how can e-commerce
platforms protect user data?
11. The Internet of Things (IoT) in E-Commerce
• Explore how IoT devices (e.g., smart appliances, voice assistants) are changing the landscape of
e-commerce.
• Provide examples of how businesses are integrating IoT with their online platforms.
12. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalizing E-Commerce
• Examine how AI is used to personalize the shopping experience through recommendation
engines and customer segmentation.
• Discuss the future of AI in e-commerce.
13. The Internet Backbone and Its Role in Global E-Commerce
• Research the structure of the Internet backbone and how it supports global e-commerce
transactions.
• What are the potential bottlenecks or challenges in maintaining this infrastructure?
14. Blockchain Technology and E-Commerce Security
• Investigate how blockchain technology can be used to enhance security in e-commerce
transactions.
• Discuss the benefits and limitations of blockchain in online retail.
15. The Impact of Streaming Media on E-Commerce
• Explore how downloadable and streaming media are reshaping the way consumers interact with
e-commerce platforms.
• Provide examples of how companies use streaming media to engage customers and drive sales.