E-Commerce Solved Question Paper 2024 [Gauhati University BCom 2nd Semester NEP FYUGP Solved Paper]

In this post, we have provided the Gauhati University BCom 2nd Semester FYUGP NEP E-COMMERCE Solved Question Paper 2024. This resource will help students understand the exam pattern, practice important questions, and prepare effectively for their exams.

B.COM FYUGP SEMESTER-II

2024

E-COMMERCE (SOLVED PAPER)

(Skill Enhancement Course)

Full Marks: 30

Time: 1 hr 30 minutes

The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions.

1. Answer the following (1×5=5)

(i) Which of the following is not an e-commerce activity?
(a) B2B
(b) B2C
(c) C2C
(d) A2B ✅

*The original answer (A2B) is correct because "A2B" is not an established e-commerce model.

(ii) e-Bay is one of the example of type of e-commerce.
(a) B2C
(b) C2B
(c) C2C ✅
(d) B2G

(iii) Which of the following may be called the most basic security activity?
(a) Encryption✅
(b) Phishing
(c) Malware
(d) Authentication

*Encryption is a fundamental security activity that ensures data confidentiality by converting it into a coded format. Authentication is also essential, but encryption forms the basis of securing online transactions and sensitive data.

(iv) Which of the following is not a function of e-commerce?
(a) Marketing
(b) Warehousing ✅
(c) Advertising
(d) None of these

(v) Which of the following is not an example of e-payment?
(a) Smart Card
(b) Digital Cheque
(c) Cash ✅
(d) Electronic Billing

2. Answer the following (2×5=10)

(a) What is Firewall?
Answer: A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted one.

(b) Mention any four technologies used in e-commerce.
Answer: The four technologies used in e-commerce are:

1. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) – Encrypts data for secure transactions.

2. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) – Automates the exchange of business documents.

3. Payment Gateway – Facilitates secure online payments.

4. Cloud Computing – Provides scalable and efficient data storage and processing.

(c) What is Digital Certificate?
Answer: A digital certificate is an electronic document issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) to verify the authenticity of a website or user. It ensures secure communication over the internet.

(d) Write the full form of FTP and HTTP.
Answer:

• FTP: File Transfer Protocol

• HTTP: HyperText Transfer Protocol

(e) What is encryption?
Answer: Encryption is the process of converting plaintext data into a coded form to prevent unauthorized access. It ensures data security and confidentiality.

(f) Write two advantages of online banking.
Answer:

1. Convenience – Users can access their bank accounts 24/7 from anywhere.

2. Time-saving – Eliminates the need to visit a physical bank branch.

(g) Write the full form of RTGS and NEFT.
Answer:

• RTGS: Real-Time Gross Settlement

• NEFT: National Electronic Funds Transfer

(h) Write two advantages of a Credit Card.
Answer:

1. Buy now, pay later – Allows users to make purchases and pay later.

2. Rewards and cashback – Provides benefits like discounts, reward points, and cashback offers.

3. Answer any three of the following.5 X 3 =15

(a) Write the five functions of e-commerce.

Answer: E-commerce plays a crucial role in modern business operations. It enables online transactions, digital marketing, and automated services. The five key functions of e-commerce are:

1. Buying and Selling of Goods and Services – E-commerce provides a platform for businesses and consumers to buy and sell products or services over the internet. Online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart facilitate such transactions, allowing users to make purchases from anywhere, anytime.
   
   

2. Marketing and Advertising – Digital marketing is an essential function of e-commerce. Businesses use search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email campaigns, and paid advertisements to reach a wider audience. This helps in promoting products, attracting potential customers, and increasing sales.
   
   

3. Payment Processing – Secure online payment methods ensure smooth financial transactions between buyers and sellers. Various payment options, such as credit and debit cards, digital wallets like Google Pay and PayPal, and net banking, make transactions more convenient. Payment gateways like Razorpay and PayU help businesses process payments securely.
   
   

4. Customer Service and Support – E-commerce businesses provide customer support through various channels such as chatbots, emails, and helplines. Artificial intelligence-powered chat assistants help resolve queries, track orders, and offer product recommendations, improving the overall shopping experience.
   
   

5. Logistics and Order Fulfillment – Managing inventory, packaging, shipping, and tracking orders is another important function of e-commerce. Businesses collaborate with logistics companies like FedEx and Blue Dart to ensure timely deliveries. Advanced warehouse management systems help in efficient stock management, reducing delays and errors.

(b) Mention the different e-commerce models. Explain any one of them.

Answer: There are four main e-commerce models based on the type of transactions between buyers and sellers:

1. B2B (Business to Business) – This model involves transactions between two businesses. For example, a manufacturer selling raw materials to a wholesaler or a wholesaler supplying products to retailers. Alibaba is a well-known example of a B2B platform.
   
   

2. B2C (Business to Consumer) – In this model, businesses sell products or services directly to end consumers. Online retail stores like Amazon and Flipkart follow the B2C model, where customers browse products, place orders, and receive doorstep delivery.
   
   

3. C2C (Consumer to Consumer) – This model allows consumers to sell goods or services to other consumers through online platforms. Websites like eBay, OLX, and Facebook Marketplace enable individuals to list items for sale and connect with buyers.
   
   

4. C2B (Consumer to Business) – In this model, individuals offer products or services to businesses. Freelancers and content creators working on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork fall under this category. Businesses hire them for tasks like graphic design, content writing, and digital marketing.

Explanation of B2C (Business to Consumer) Model:

The B2C model is one of the most common forms of e-commerce, where businesses sell products or services directly to individual consumers. In this model, customers can visit an online store, select products, add them to their cart, make payments online, and receive home delivery.

For example, when a customer buys a smartphone from Flipkart, the platform processes the order, collects payment, and ensures the product is delivered. This model is widely used in online retail, food delivery, and travel booking websites. It offers advantages such as convenience, product variety, personalized recommendations, and easy return policies, making it a preferred choice for modern consumers.

(c) Mention the different security threats to e-commerce. Explain any one of them.

Answer: E-commerce platforms face several security threats that can compromise customer data and business operations. The major threats include:

1. Phishing Attacks – These attacks involve fraudulent emails, messages, or websites that trick users into providing sensitive information like passwords and credit card details.
   
   

2. Malware and Viruses – Malicious software can infect e-commerce platforms, leading to data theft, system crashes, or unauthorized access to customer information.
   
   

3. Hacking and Data Breaches – Cybercriminals exploit security vulnerabilities in websites to steal confidential data, including user credentials and financial records.
   
   

4. Identity Theft – Fraudsters steal personal details such as names, addresses, and payment information to conduct unauthorized transactions.
   
   

5. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks – Hackers overload an e-commerce website with excessive traffic, causing it to slow down or become inaccessible, resulting in loss of sales and reputation.

Explanation of Phishing Attacks:

Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats to e-commerce platforms. In this attack, cybercriminals impersonate legitimate businesses, banks, or service providers and send fake emails or messages to customers, tricking them into entering their sensitive information. These fraudulent emails often contain links to fake websites that closely resemble authentic sites.

For example, a customer may receive an email appearing to be from their bank, asking them to update their account details by clicking on a link. If the customer enters their details on the fake website, the hacker gains access to their bank account, leading to financial fraud.

To prevent phishing attacks, users should always verify the sender’s email address, avoid clicking on unknown links, use two-factor authentication (2FA), and ensure they are visiting secure websites with HTTPS encryption. Businesses also implement security measures such as email filtering and cybersecurity awareness programs to protect customers from phishing scams.

(d) Mention the different methods of e-payment in e-commerce. Explain any of them.

E-payment methods allow customers to make online transactions securely and conveniently. The different methods of e-payment in e-commerce are:

1. Credit and Debit Cards – These are the most commonly used e-payment methods, allowing users to make purchases by entering card details. Popular cards include Visa, MasterCard, and RuPay.

2. Digital Wallets – Apps like Google Pay, Paytm, Apple Pay, and PayPal store user payment details and allow quick transactions.

3. Net Banking – Banks provide direct online transaction facilities where users log in to their bank accounts and authorize payments.

4. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) – A real-time payment system that allows instant bank-to-bank transfers through apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and BHIM.

5. Electronic Cheques – Digital versions of paper cheques where payments are processed electronically.

6. Cryptocurrency Payments – Some businesses accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for transactions.

Explanation of Digital Wallets:

A digital wallet is an electronic application that allows users to store payment details and make transactions without entering card or banking details each time. Apps like Paytm, Google Pay, and Apple Pay enable fast and secure transactions through QR codes, mobile numbers, or NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.

One major advantage of digital wallets is convenience, as users do not need to carry physical cards or cash. Additionally, they offer strong security features such as biometric authentication and encryption. However, reliance on internet connectivity and the risk of cyber fraud are potential disadvantages.

(e) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce.

E-commerce has transformed the way businesses operate, providing various benefits while also posing certain challenges.

Advantages of E-Commerce:

1. Convenience – Customers can shop anytime, anywhere, without visiting physical stores.

2. Wider Reach – Businesses can sell products to a global audience without geographic restrictions.

3. Cost Savings – Online businesses save costs on rent, staff, and inventory management, leading to competitive pricing.

4. Multiple Payment Options – Customers can use credit/debit cards, UPI, digital wallets, and other secure payment methods.

5. Personalized Shopping Experience – AI-based recommendations help customers find products based on their preferences.

Disadvantages of E-Commerce:

1. Security Risks – Online transactions are vulnerable to hacking, phishing attacks, and fraud.

2. Lack of Physical Interaction – Customers cannot physically examine products before purchasing, leading to dissatisfaction in some cases.

3. Shipping Costs and Delays – Unlike physical stores, e-commerce businesses rely on shipping, which may cause delays and additional charges.

4. Internet Dependency – Without internet access, customers cannot shop online, making it inaccessible to those in remote areas.

5. High Competition – Businesses face intense competition, requiring constant innovation and marketing efforts.

Despite these challenges, e-commerce continues to grow due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness.

(f) Explain the risks and challenges involved in the e-payment system.

E-payment systems have made financial transactions easier, but they also come with risks and challenges that need to be addressed for secure operations.

Risks in E-Payment Systems:

1. Fraud and Cybercrime – Hackers use phishing, card skimming, and malware to steal payment information and conduct unauthorized transactions.

2. Identity Theft – Personal and financial details can be misused if security measures are weak, leading to financial losses.

3. Technical Failures – System crashes, server downtime, and internet connectivity issues can disrupt transactions.

4. Chargeback Fraud – Some customers falsely claim that they did not receive a product or service and request refunds from banks.

Challenges in E-Payment Systems:

1. Security Concerns – Businesses must invest in encryption, firewalls, and two-factor authentication to protect customer data.

2. Digital Divide – Many people, especially in rural areas, lack access to digital payment methods due to a lack of smartphones or internet connectivity.

3. Regulatory Compliance – E-payment providers must follow banking regulations, anti-money laundering laws, and data protection guidelines.

4. User Trust – Many customers are hesitant to use online payments due to fear of fraud and lack of awareness about secure payment practices.

To overcome these risks, businesses and users must adopt strong cybersecurity measures, educate customers on safe transactions, and ensure regulatory compliance to build trust in digital payments.

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