Unit 7: Social Networks, Auctions, and Portals

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. Define a social network. What are its key characteristics?

  2. What is an online community? How does it differ from a social network?

  3. Explain the concept of network effects in social networks.

  4. What is an online auction? Name the different types of auctions.

  5. Define an e-commerce portal. Give two examples.

  6. What is a C2C marketplace? Give an example from Nepal.

  7. Explain the concept of social commerce.

  8. What are the revenue models used by social networking platforms?

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Discuss the business models of major social networking platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter). How do they generate revenue? (8 marks)

  2. Explain the different types of online auctions: English, Dutch, sealed-bid, and reverse auctions. Provide examples for each. (6 marks)

  3. Describe the features and functions of an e-commerce portal. How do portals create value for users and businesses? (6 marks)

  4. Discuss the challenges and opportunities for C2C marketplaces like Hamrobazar in Nepal. (5 marks)

Case Study Question (10 marks)

  1. Case Study: Facebook Marketplace in Nepal

    Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for informal buying and selling in Nepal.

    a) What factors have contributed to its popularity in Nepal? (3 marks) b) What challenges does it face compared to dedicated platforms like Hamrobazar? (3 marks) c) How might Facebook Marketplace evolve to better serve the Nepali market? (4 marks)

Unit 8: B2B E-commerce

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. Define B2B e-commerce. How does it differ from B2C?

  2. What is an e-procurement system? List its benefits.

  3. Explain the concept of a supply chain. What are its key components?

  4. What is EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)? Where is it used?

  5. Define a B2B marketplace. Give an example.

  6. What is a private industrial network? How does it differ from a B2B marketplace?

  7. Explain the concept of Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory management.

  8. What is collaborative commerce? Give an example.

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Compare B2B e-commerce with B2C e-commerce. Discuss differences in transaction size, buying process, customer relationships, and technology requirements. (8 marks)

  2. Explain how e-procurement systems work. Discuss their benefits for organizations and how they improve the procurement process. (6 marks)

  3. Discuss the major trends in supply chain management. How has technology transformed supply chain operations? (6 marks)

  4. Describe the structure and functions of a B2B marketplace. What services do they provide to buyers and sellers? (5 marks)

Case Study Question (10 marks)

  1. Case Study: B2B Marketplace for Construction Materials

    A startup wants to create a B2B marketplace connecting construction material suppliers with contractors in Nepal.

    a) What features should the marketplace include? (3 marks) b) How would the pricing and revenue model work? (3 marks) c) What challenges might they face in the Nepali market? (4 marks)

Comprehensive Questions (For Final Exam)

Essay Questions (15 marks each)

  1. “E-commerce has fundamentally changed how businesses operate.” Discuss this statement with reference to B2C and B2B models, providing examples from Nepal’s e-commerce landscape.

  2. Describe the complete e-commerce ecosystem, from infrastructure and security to marketing and business models. How do all these elements work together to enable successful e-commerce?

  3. Discuss the future of e-commerce in Nepal. What opportunities and challenges do you foresee in the next 5 years?

Answer Guidelines

Unit 7 Key Points

  • Network effects: Value increases as more users join
  • Auction types: English (ascending), Dutch (descending), sealed-bid, reverse
  • Portal features: Search, content aggregation, personalization, e-commerce integration

Unit 8 Key Points

  • B2B vs B2C: Transaction size, negotiation, longer relationships, complex buying process
  • Supply chain components: Suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, customers
  • E-procurement benefits: Cost reduction, efficiency, transparency, better supplier management