e-business Course Project

To better prepare you to build an ebusiness solution, we have created an optional course project for you.
The course project revolves around a fictitious ebusiness, called DN (DispersedNet) Bolts.
You are asked to imagine yourself as the eBusiness architect consultant.The course project consists of five exercises.
It asks you to examine various aspects of DN (DispersedNet) Bolts business: its early beginnings, its online existence as a Web site and its transition to a fully fledged online business. More specifically, in the first exercise you will be asked to respond to questions and concerns of the eBusiness stakeholders as to the viability of an eBusiness solution. In the remaining exercises, you will consider the requirements for operational change, technical infrastructure, planning and design.
Submit Report In each exercise, you will be asked to submit a report. In all exercises, you will have a set of resources to help you respond to the problems in question. These resources include the following kinds of information:

1. Company history
2. Site architecture
3. Fulfillment and distribution
4. Email
5. Current data

In 2024, ecommerce trends, consumer behavior, and digital capabilities are far more advanced than they were during the dot.com era. For an ecommerce store like Global Knitters, adapting its product offerings to match contemporary demand while leveraging modern technology and marketing strategies is key. Here are some marketable product ideas:

1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Knitting Supplies
   • Organic Yarns: Biodegradable, plant-dyed, or recycled yarns that align with growing environmental awareness.
   • Bamboo or Recycled Needles: Durable, eco-conscious alternatives to plastic or metal knitting tools.
   • Zero-Waste Kits: Bundles of materials designed for specific projects with minimal leftovers.
2. DIY Kits for Beginners and Experts
   • Beginner Kits: Step-by-step kits with pre-measured yarn, needles, and instructions tailored for newcomers.
   • Themed Kits: Projects for seasonal items, such as Christmas stockings, summer hats, or winter scarves.
   • Collaborative Kits: Products designed in collaboration with famous knitting influencers or designers.
3. Smart Knitting Devices
   • Row Counters or Smart Rings: Gadgets that integrate with mobile apps to track knitting progress.
   • AI-Driven Pattern Generators: Tools that allow users to create custom knitting patterns via AI assistance.
4. Personalized Knitting Products
   • Custom Yarn Colors: Let customers order yarn dyed in specific colors or patterns.
   • Engraved Knitting Tools: Personalize needles, stitch markers, or knitting bags with names or designs.
   • Pattern Customization Services: Allow customers to upload or modify patterns to suit their preferences.
5. Knitting Accessories
   • Stylish Project Bags: Functional yet fashionable bags to carry knitting projects.
   • Ergonomic Knitting Tools: Tools designed to reduce hand strain and improve comfort for long knitting sessions.
   • Stitch Markers and Organizers: Fun, colorful, or luxury markers for tracking projects.
6. Digital Knitting Patterns
   • PDF Patterns: Downloadable, digital patterns with interactive features such as video tutorials.
   • Subscription Services: A monthly access plan offering exclusive patterns and guides.
   • Augmented Reality (AR) Guides: AR apps to visualize how patterns will look when completed.
7. Lifestyle Knitting Products
   • Knitting Apparel and Decor: T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags with knitting-related slogans or designs.
   • Seasonal Gift Boxes: Yarn and accessories curated for holidays or special occasions.
   • Home Decor DIY Kits: Materials to create knitted rugs, wall hangings, or cushion covers.
8. Virtual and Community-Based Products
   • Knitting Courses: Online tutorials or virtual classes led by professional knitters.
   • Knitting Communities: Paid memberships to access forums, webinars, and exclusive content.
   • Virtual Try-On Tools: Allow customers to see how knitted items (e.g., sweaters, scarves) would look using AR.
9. Cross-Selling with Related Hobbies
   • Crochet and Weaving Supplies: Cater to adjacent crafts that knitting enthusiasts often enjoy.
   • Macramé Kits: Popular for home decor and complementary to knitting.
   • Craft Room Organization: Specialized furniture or tools to organize knitting and crafting materials.
10. NFTs and Digital Collectibles
    • Digital Knitting Patterns as NFTs: Limited-edition patterns sold as non-fungible tokens.
    • Virtual Yarn Colors: Create unique digital yarns for knitting enthusiasts in the metaverse.

By aligning with modern technology, sustainability trends, and customer engagement strategies, Global Knitters can expand its appeal and remain competitive in the 2024 ecommerce landscape.

Stakeholders	Greatest concern	Questions to anticipate
The Management Board	To ensure the ongoing and increasing profitability and viability of the enterprise	What will the enterprise gain from the implementation? Can the implementation be achieved without negative impact on the business?
Operations and Customer Service	To maintain or improve service levels at the lowest possible cost	Will volumes increase or decrease in any part of the operation? How will customer service need to change to accommodate the solution?
Sales and Marketing	To achieve a greater penetration of the targeted customer base and how to increase sales	How will this solution affect my customers? Will the image of the business be enhanced or damaged? How will branding be affected?
Finance	To reduce unit costs	What are the implementation and running costs of the eBusiness solution? What other costs will be affected and how?
Systems	To provide and maintain reliable and adequate systems for all aspects of the enterprise	Is the proposed solution viable from a systems' perspective? Do we have the necessary skills available to develop and run the solution?
Legal	To ensure the enterprise operates within the law and does not expose itself to unnecessary risks	What are the legal and regulatory requirements of operating in the virtual world? What new risks are introduced by the eBusiness solution?

With each response, you will get feedback from a mentor about your solutions to the problems presented.
The first part of the course will be introduced in the next module.