Unit 2 e-comm

1.1 Electronic Commerce:

Electronic commerce, commonly known as E-commerce is trading in products or services
using computer networks, such as the Internet.
Electronic commerce draws on technologies such as mobile commerce, electronic funds
transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction processing,
electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data
collection systems.
Modern electronic commerce typically uses the World Wide Web for at least one part of
the transaction's life cycle, although it may also use other technologies such as e-mail.

Definition of E-commerce:

Sharing business information, maintaining business relationships and conducting business

transactions using computers connected to telecommunication network is called E-Commerce.

1.2 E-Commerce Categories:

1. Electronic Markets
Present a range of offerings available in a market segment so that the purchaser can
compare the prices of the offerings and make a purchase decision.
Example: Airline Booking System
2. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
• It provides a standardized system
• Coding trade transactions
• Communicated from one computer to another without the need for printed orders and
invoices & delays & errors in paper handling
• It is used by organizations that a make a large no. of regular transactions
Example: EDI is used in the large market chains for transactions with their suppliers
3. Internet Commerce
• It is use to advertise & make sales of wide range of goods & services.
• This application is for both business to business & business to consumer transactions.
 Example: The purchase of goods that are then delivered by post or the booking of tickets
that can be picked up by the clients when they arrive at the event.

1.3 Advantages Of E-commerce:

➢ Buying/selling a variety of goods and services from one's home or business
➢ Anywhere, anytime transaction
➢ Can look for lowest cost for specific goods or service
➢ Businesses can reach out to worldwide clients - can establish business partnerships
➢ Order processing cost reduced
➢ Electronic funds transfer faster
➢ Supply chain management is simpler, faster, and cheaper using ecommerce
- Can order from several vendors and monitor supplies.
- Production schedule and inventory of an organization can be inspected by
cooperating supplier who can in-turn schedule their work

1.4 Disadvantages Of E-commerce:

➢ Electronic data interchange using EDI is expensive for small businesses
➢ Security of internet is not very good - viruses, hacker attacks can paralise
e-commerce
➢ Privacy of e-transactions is not guaranteed
 ➢ E-commerce de-personalises shopping

1.5 Threats of E-commerce:

Hackers attempting to steal customer information or disrupt the site

A server containing customer information is stolen.
Imposters can mirror your ecommerce site to steal customer money
Authorised administrators/users of an ecommerce website downloading hidden active
content that attacks the ecommerce system.
A disaffected employee disrupting the ecommerce system.
It is also worth considering where potential threats to your ecommerce site might come from,
as identifying potential threats will help you to protect your site. Consider:
Who may want to access your ecommerce site to cause disruption or steal data; for example
competitors, ex-employees, etc.
What level of expertise a potential hacker may possess; if you are a small company that
would not be likely to be considered a target for hackers then expensive, complex security
may not be needed.

1.6 Features of E-Commerce:

➢ Ubiquity
Internet/Web technology is The marketplace is extended beyond traditional available
everywhere: at work, at home, and boundaries and is removed from a temporal and elsewhere
via mobile devices, anytime. geographic location. ―Marketspace‖ is created; shopping
can take place anywhere. Customer convenience is enhanced, and shopping costs are
reduced.

➢ Global reach
The technology reaches Commerce is enabled across cultural and across national
boundaries, around the earth. national boundaries seamlessly and without modification.
―Marketspace‖ includes potentially billions of consumers and millions of businesses
worldwide.
 ➢ Universal standards
There is one set of There is one set of technical media standards technology standards,
namely Internet across the globe.
➢ Richness
Video, audio, and text messages Video, audio, and text marketing messages are are possible.
integrated into a single marketing message and consuming experience.
➢ Interactivity
The technology works Consumers are engaged in a dialog that through interaction with the
user. dynamically adjusts the experience to the individual, and makes the consumer a co-
participant in the process of delivering goods to the market.
➢ Information density
The technology Information processing, storage, and reduces information costs and raises
quality. communication costs drop dramatically, while currency, accuracy, and timeliness
improve greatly. Information becomes plentiful, cheap, and accurate.
➢ Personalization/Customization
The Personalization of marketing messages and technology allows personalized messages to
customization of products and services are be delivered to individuals as well as groups.
based on individual characteristics.
1.7 Business models of e-commerce:
There are mainly 4 types of business models based on transaction party.

Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

In a Business-to-Consumer E-commerce environment, companies sell their online goods to

consumers who are the end users of their products or services. Usually, B2C E-commerce web
shops have an open access for any visitor, meaning that there is no need for a person to login in
order to make any product related inquiry.
Business-to-Business (B2B)

In a Business-to-Business E-commerce environment, companies sell their online goods to other

companies without being engaged in sales to consumers. In most B2B E-commerceenvironments
entering the web shop will require a log in. B2B web shop usually contains customer-specific
pricing, customer-specific assortments and customer-specific discounts.

Consumer-to-Business (C2B)

In a Consumer-to-Business E-commerce environment, consumers usually post their products or

services online on which companies can post their bids. A consumer reviews the bids and selects
the company that meets his price expectations.
Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)

In a Consumer-to-Consumer E-commerce environment consumers sell their online goods to

other consumers. A well-known example is eBay.

1.8 E-Governance:
E-governance is the application of information and communication technology (ICT) for
delivering government services, exchange of information communication transactions, integration
of various stand-alone systems and services between government-to-customer (G2C),government-
to-business (G2B), government-to-government (G2G) as well as back office processes and
interactions within the entire government framework.

Through e-governance, government services will be made available to citizens in a convenient,

efficient and transparent manner. The three main target groups that can be distinguished in
governance concepts are government, citizens and businesses/interest groups. In e-governance
there are no distinct boundaries.

Business - to - Government (B2G)

B2G model is a variant of B2B model. Such websites are used by government to trade and
exchange information with various business organizations. Such websites are accredited by the
government and provide a medium to businesses to submit application forms to the government.

Government - to - Business (G2B)

Government uses B2G model website to approach business organizations. Such websites support
auctions, tenders and application submission functionalities.

Government - to - Citizen (G2C)

Government uses G2C model website to approach citizen in general. Such websites support
auctions of vehicles, machinery or any other material. Such website also provides services like
registration for birth, marriage or death certificates. Main objectives of G2C website are to
reduce average time for fulfilling people requests for various government services.
1.9 Different Types of Networking For E-Commerce:
Internet:
The Internet is a global network of computers that allows people to send email, view web sites,
download files such as mp3 and images, chat, post messages on newsgroups and forums and much
more.

The Internet was created by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the U.S.
government in 1960's and was first known as the ARPANet. At this stage the Internet's first
computers were at academic and government institutions and were mainly used for accessing files
and to send emails. From 1983 onwards the Internet as we know it today started to form with the
introduction of the communication protocol TCP/IP to ARPANet. Since 1983 the Internet has
accommodated a lot of changes and continues to keep developing.

The last two decades has seen the Internet accommodate such things as network LANs and ATM
and frame switched services. The Internet continues to evolve with it becoming available on
mobile phones and pagers and possibly on televisions in the future.

Advantages of internet:
There many advantages to using the internet such as:
E-mail
Email is now an essential communication tool in business. It is also excellent for keeping in touch with
family and friends. The advantage to email is that it is free ( no charge per use) when compared to
telephone, fax and postal services.
Information
There is a huge amount of information available on the internet for just about every subject known
to man, ranging from government law and services, trade fairs and conferences, market
information, new ideas and technical support.
Services
Many services are now provided on the internet such as online banking, job seeking and
applications, and hotel reservations. Often these services are not available off-line or cost more.
Buy or sell products.
The internet is a very effective way to buy and sell products all over the world.
Communities communities of all types have sprung up on the internet. Its a great way to meet up
with people of similar interest and discuss common issues.
A Leading-Edge Image
Presenting your company or organization as leading-edge shows your customers and prospective
customers that you are financially strong, technologically savvy, and ready for the 21st century.
And that you care enough about your customers to take advantage of new technologies for their
benefit. And finally that you have the resources to support your clients in the most beneficial
manner possible.
More and more advertisers on television, radio, magazines, and newspapers are including a Web
address. Now is the time to avoid playing catch-up later.
Improved Customer Service
The companies are available to their customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Internet never
sleeps. Whenever customer needs information about any company, products or services, they can
access the company‘s Web Page.
Market Expansion
The Internet is a global system. Latest estimates are that there are about 40 million people with
access to the Internet, and this number is growing every day. By simply posting a Web Page you
are also addressing International markets.
Low Cost Marketing
Imagine developing a full color brochure without having to incur the costs of proofs, printers,
wasted paper, long lead times between revisions, and more. Then imagine a full color product or
services brochure that is interactive and which incorporates text, graphics, audio, and/or video.
One that can be immediately updated without incurring the usual costs of product material updates.
Low Cost Selling
Without the cost of direct selling potential customers can get detailed information about your
products or services at any time. And they can easily order your products over the Internet, or
request additional information be sent to them via a request form on your Web page.
Lower Communication Costs
Your time, and your employees time, is valuable. Most businesses and organizations spend time
answering the same questions over and over again. With a Web page you can make the answers
available to everyone immediately. You can also update your Wed page with new information
quickly and easily.
Intranet:

An intranet is a computer network that uses Internet Protocol technology to share

information, operational systems, or computing services within an organization. This term
is used in contrast to extranet, a network between organizations, and instead refers to a
network within an organization.
The objective is to organize each individual's desktop with minimal cost, time and effort to
be more productive, cost efficient, timely, and competitive.
An intranet may host multiple private websites and constitute an important component and
focal point of internal communication and collaboration.
Any of the well known Internet protocols may be found in an intranet, such as HTTP (web
services), SMTP (e-mail), and FTP (file transfer protocol). Internet technologies are often
deployed to provide modern interfaces to legacy information systems hosting corporate data.

Uses of Intranet:

Increasingly, intranets are being used to deliver tools, e.g. collaboration (to facilitate working
in groups and teleconferencing) or sophisticated corporate directories, sales and customer
relationship management tools, project management etc., to advance productivity.
Intranets are also being used as corporate culture-change platforms. For example, large
numbers of employees discussing key issues in an intranet forum application could lead to new
ideas in management, productivity, quality, and other corporate issues.
In large intranets, website traffic is often similar to public website traffic and can be better
understood by using web metrics software to track overall activity. User surveys also improve
intranet website effectiveness. Larger businesses allow users within their intranet to access
public internet through firewall servers. They have the ability to screen messages coming and
going keeping security intact.
When part of an intranet is made accessible to customers and others outside the business, that
part becomes part of an extranet. Businesses can send private messages through the public
 network, using special encryption/decryption and other security safeguards to connect one part
of their intranet to another.
Intranet user-experience, editorial, and technology teams work together to produce in-house
sites. Most commonly, intranets are managed by the communications, HR or CIO departments
of large organizations, or some combination of these.
Because of the scope and variety of content and the number of system interfaces, intranets of
many organizations are much more complex than their respective public websites. Intranets
and their use are growing rapidly.

Advantages:

Workforce productivity: Intranets can help users to locate and view information faster and
use applications relevant to their roles and responsibilities. With the help of a web browser
interface, users can access data held in any database the organization wants to make available,
anytime and — subject to security provisions — from anywhere within the company
workstations, increasing employees' ability to perform their jobs faster, more accurately, and
with confidence that they have the right information.
Time: Intranets allow organizations to distribute information to employees on an as-needed
basis; Employees may link to relevant information at their convenience, rather than being
distracted indiscriminately by email.
Communication: Intranets can serve as powerful tools for communication within an
organization, vertically strategic initiatives that have a global reach throughout the
organization. By providing this information on the intranet, staff have the opportunity to keep
up-to-date with the strategic focus of the organization. Some examples of communication
would be chat, email, and/or blogs. A great real world example of where an intranet helped a
company communicate is when Nestle had a number of food processing plants in Scandinavia.
Their central support system had to deal with a number of queries every day.
Web publishing: allows cumbersome corporate knowledge to be maintained and easily
accessed throughout the company using hypermedia and Web technologies. Examples include:
employee manuals, benefits documents, company policies, business standards, news feeds, and
even training, can be accessed using common Internet standards (Acrobat files,
 Flash files, CGI applications). Because each business unit can update the online copy of a
document, the most recent version is usually available to employees using the intranet.
Business operations and management: Intranets are also being used as a platform for
developing and deploying applications to support business operations and decisions across
the internetworked enterprise.
Cost-effective: Users can view information and data via web-browser rather than
maintaining physical documents such as procedure manuals, internal phone list and requisition
forms. This can potentially save the business money on printing, duplicating documents, and
the environment as well as document maintenance overhead.
Enhance collaboration: Information is easily accessible by all authorised users, whichenables
teamwork.
Cross-platform capability: Standards-compliant web browsers are available for Windows,
Mac, and UNIX.
Built for one audience: Many companies dictate computer specifications which, in turn, may
allow Intranet developers to write applications that only have to work on one browser (no
cross-browser compatibility issues).
Promote common corporate culture: Every user has the ability to view the same information
within the Intranet.
Immediate updates: When dealing with the public in any capacity, laws, specifications, and
parameters can change. Intranets make it possible to provide your audience with "live" changes
so they are kept up-to-date, which can limit a company's liability.
Supports a distributed computing architecture: The intranet can also be linked to a
company‘s management information system, for example a time keeping system.

1.10 Wireless Application Protocol:

WAP is a technical standard for accessing information over a mobile wireless network.
A WAP browser is a web browser for mobile devices such as mobile phones that uses the
protocol.
WAP is a specification for a set of communication protocols to standardize the way that
wireless devices, such as cellular telephones and radio transceivers, can be used for Internet
access, including e-mail, the World Wide Web, newsgroups, and instant messaging.
The WAP layers are:

Wireless Application Environment (WAE)

Wireless Session Layer (WSL)
Wireless Transport Layer Security(WTLS)
Wireless Transport Layer (WTP)

Web security:
It is a branch of Information Security that deals specifically with security of websites, web
applications and web services.
At a high level, Web application security draws on the principles of application security but
applies them specifically to Internet and Web systems. Typically web applications are
developed using programming languages such as PHP, Java EE, Java, Python, Ruby,
ASP.NET, C#, VB.NET or Classic ASP.
2.1 Advantages of Internet/E-Commerce Integrated Supply Chain:
The primary advantages of Internet utilization in supply chain management are speed, decreased
cost, flexibility, and the potential to shorten the supply chain.
➢ Speed:
A competitive advantage accrues to those firms that can quickly respond to changingmarket
conditions. Because the Internet allows near instantaneous transfer of information between
various links in the supply chain, it is ideally suited to help firms keep pace with their
environments. Many businesses have placed a priority upon real-time information regarding
the status of orders and production from other members of the supply chain.

➢ Cost decrease:
Internet-based electronic procurement helps reduce costs by decreasing the use of paper and
labor, reducing errors, providing better tracking of purchase orders and goods delivery,
streamlining ordering processes, and cutting acquisition cycle times.
➢ Flexibility:
The Internet allows for custom interfaces between a company and its different clients,
helping to cost-effectively establish mass customization. A manufacturer can easily create a
custom template or Web site for a fellow supply chain member with pre-negotiated prices
for various products listed on the site, making re-ordering only a mouse click away. The
 information regarding this transaction can be sent via the Internet to the selling firm‘s
production floor and the purchasing firm‘s purchasing and accounting departments. The
accuracy and reliability of the information is greater than the traditional paper and pencil
transaction, personnel time and expense is reduced, and the real-time dissemination of the
relevant information to interested parties improves responsiveness. These advantages can
benefit both firms involved in the transaction.
➢ Shortening the supply chain:
Dell computers has become a classic example of the power the Internet can have on a supply
chain. Dell helped create one of the first fully Internet-enabled supply chains and
revolutionized the personal-computer industry by selling directly to businesses and
consumers, rather than through retailers and middlemen. In mid-1996, Dell began allowing
consumers to configure and order computers online. By 1998, the company recorded
 roughly $1 billion in ―pure‖ Internet orders. By reducing sales costs and
attracting customers who spend more per transaction, Dell estimates that it yields 30
percent greater profit margins on Internet sales compared to telephone sales.

2.2 Disadvantages of Internet/E-Commerce Integrated Supply Chain:

➢ Increased interdependence:
Increased commoditization, increased competition, and shrinking profit margins are
forcing companies to increase outsourcing and subcontracting to minimize cost. By
focusing on its core competencies, a firm should be able to maximize its economies of
scale and its competitiveness. However, such a strategy requires increased reliance and
information sharing between members of the supply chain. Increased dependency on
various members of the supply chain can have disastrous consequences if these supply
chain members are unable to handle the functions assigned to them.

➢ The costs of implementation:

Implementation of a fully-integrated Internet-based supply chain is expensive. This
expense includes hardware cost, software cost, reorganization cost, and training costs.
While the Internet promises many advantages once it is fully integrated into a supply
chain,a significant up front investment is needed for full deployment.

➢ Keeping up with the change in expectations:

Expectations have increased as Internet use has become part of daily life. When
customers send orders electronically, they expect to get a quick confirmation and
delivery or denial if the order can not be met. Increasingly, in this and other ways,
customers are dictating terms and conditions to suppliers. The introduction of Internet-
based supply chains make possible the change to a ―pull‖ manufacturing strategy
replacing the traditional ―push‖ strategy that has been the standard in most industries.

Social media platforms play a crucial role in business marketing by providing brands with
unique opportunities to engage with their audiences, build brand awareness, and drive sales.
Here's a breakdown of popular social media platforms and how businesses use them for
marketing:

1. Facebook
 • User Base: Over 2.8 billion monthly active users.
• Marketing Use:
o Advertising: Facebook Ads allow businesses to target specific demographics,
interests, and behaviors.
o Content Marketing: Businesses post content (images, videos, articles) to engage
followers.
o Groups and Communities: Brands can create or join niche groups to interact with
like-minded individuals.
o Messenger for Business: Customer service and direct communication through
Messenger.
o E-commerce: Facebook Shops allow businesses to sell products directly on the
platform.

2. Instagram
• User Base: Over 1 billion monthly active users.
• Marketing Use:
o Visual Branding: Instagram is ideal for brands with strong visual elements, such as
fashion, food, and lifestyle.
o Influencer Marketing: Collaborations with influencers to promote products or
services.
o Instagram Ads: Targeted ads via Instagram Stories, Reels, and feeds.
o Shoppable Posts: Businesses can tag products in posts, making it easier for users to
purchase directly from the platform.
o Stories & Reels: Short, engaging content that can increase brand visibility.

3. LinkedIn
• User Base: Over 900 million members (professional and business-focused platform).
• Marketing Use:
o B2B Marketing: Ideal for targeting businesses and professionals in specific
industries.
o LinkedIn Ads: Sponsored content, InMail, and text ads to target professionals by
industry, job title, and more.
o Content Sharing: Articles, whitepapers, and business updates to establish thought
leadership.
o Networking & Recruitment: Companies use LinkedIn to recruit talent and build
professional networks.
o LinkedIn Groups: Engage in industry-specific discussions and network with
potential clients.

4. Twitter
• User Base: Around 400 million monthly active users.
• Marketing Use:
o Real-time Engagement: Brands can participate in trending conversations, live
events, or hashtags.
o Customer Service: Many brands use Twitter as a customer support channel.
o Twitter Ads: Promote tweets, trends, and accounts to reach wider audiences.
o Influencer Marketing: Partnering with Twitter personalities to boost reach.
o Polls and Engagement Tactics: Encourage followers to participate in polls or
retweet for increased visibility.
5. TikTok
• User Base: Over 1 billion monthly active users.
• Marketing Use:
o Viral Content: Short, engaging videos that can easily go viral, especially among
younger demographics.
o TikTok Ads: In-feed ads, branded hashtag challenges, and branded effects to reach
users.
o Influencer Collaborations: Partner with TikTok influencers for product promotions
and trends.
o User-Generated Content: Brands encourage users to create content related to their
products, boosting organic reach.
o Entertainment and Creativity: TikTok’s focus on creativity makes it ideal for
brands with fun, interactive content.

6. YouTube
• User Base: Over 2 billion monthly active users.
• Marketing Use:
o Video Content: Long-form content, tutorials, product reviews, and testimonials.
o YouTube Ads: In-stream ads, discovery ads, and bumper ads to target specific
audiences.
o Influencer Collaborations: Product placements in videos or sponsorship of
YouTube channels.
o YouTube Channels: Brands create their channels for video content marketing,
tutorials, and vlogs.
o SEO Benefits: YouTube is owned by Google, and videos often rank highly in
Google search results.

7. Pinterest
• User Base: Over 400 million monthly active users.
• Marketing Use:
o Visual Content Marketing: Best for industries like fashion, home décor, food, and
crafts.
o Pinterest Ads: Promoted Pins to drive traffic to websites or e-commerce platforms.
o Shoppable Pins: Direct product listings that users can purchase via Pinterest.
o Inspiration and Discovery: Brands use Pinterest for trend-based content, how-tos,
and DIY guides.

8. Snapchat
• User Base: Over 500 million monthly active users.
• Marketing Use:
o Snap Ads: Vertical video ads that integrate seamlessly into user stories.
o Snapchat Discover: Brands can publish content to be featured in the Discover feed.
o Sponsored Lenses and Filters: Interactive lenses and filters to create engaging brand
experiences.
o Geofilters: Location-based filters for local marketing campaigns or events.
o Storytelling: Brands use Snapchat Stories for real-time, behind-the-scenes content.

9. WhatsApp
 • User Base: Over 2 billion monthly active users.
• Marketing Use:
o Direct Messaging: Businesses use WhatsApp Business for customer support and
communication.
o WhatsApp Business API: Enables businesses to send order updates, reminders, and
customer support messages.
o Group Engagement: Brands can create groups or broadcast lists to share updates
with customers.
o Catalogs: Businesses can showcase products directly within the app, enhancing e-
commerce potential.

10. Reddit
• User Base: Over 430 million monthly active users.
• Marketing Use:
o Niche Marketing: Brands can engage with highly specific communities (subreddits)
related to their industry.
o Reddit Ads: Promoted posts that fit naturally within subreddit feeds.
o AMAs (Ask Me Anything): Brands or individuals can host AMAs to interact
directly with the community and build transparency.
o Organic Participation: Being part of discussions in relevant subreddits can build
brand credibility.

Benefits of Social Media in Business Marketing:

• Targeted Advertising: Ability to reach highly specific demographics.
• Brand Awareness and Engagement: Regular content helps maintain visibility and
interaction with consumers.
• Lead Generation and Sales: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow direct purchases
through ads and shoppable posts.
• Customer Insights: Social media analytics tools provide valuable insights into consumer
behavior and preferences.
• Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to traditional marketing, social media often provides a
better return on investment (ROI).

Each platform offers unique features, and choosing the right one depends on the business's
target audience, industry, and marketing goals.

MS project

Microsoft Project is a project management software developed by Microsoft, designed to

help project managers and teams plan, execute, and monitor projects more effectively. It
offers tools for scheduling, resource management, budgeting, and progress tracking, making
it a popular choice for businesses managing complex projects.

Key Features:

1. Project Planning and Scheduling:

o Gantt Charts: Microsoft Project’s Gantt charts allow users to create visual timelines
that track task progress, deadlines, and dependencies.
 o Task Management: You can break down projects into tasks, assign them to team
members, set deadlines, and establish task dependencies.
o Milestones: Mark significant events in the project timeline to track major phases or
accomplishments.
2. Resource Management:
o Resource Allocation: Users can assign resources such as employees, equipment, and
materials to specific tasks, ensuring optimal utilization.
o Capacity Planning: Manage workload and avoid resource overallocation by
balancing the assignment of tasks across team members.
o Cost Tracking: Track costs associated with resources and ensure that the project
stays within budget.
3. Collaboration and Communication:
o Task Assignments: Assign tasks to team members, allowing everyone to know their
responsibilities and deadlines.
o Progress Updates: Team members can update the status of their tasks in real-time,
providing a clear overview of project progress.
o Integration with Microsoft Teams: For enhanced communication, users can
collaborate using Microsoft Teams, allowing seamless integration of project
discussions and task management.
4. Project Tracking and Reporting:
o Real-time Reporting: MS Project provides customizable reports to track progress,
costs, and performance against the project plan.
o Baselines: Set project baselines to compare the actual progress of the project against
the original plan.
o Critical Path Analysis: Identify the critical path to determine the longest sequence
of dependent tasks and manage them closely to ensure the project stays on track.
5. Budget Management:
o Cost Estimation and Tracking: Manage and forecast project costs, allocate budgets
to different tasks, and track expenditure to avoid budget overruns.
o Financial Reports: Generate detailed financial reports for stakeholders to keep them
informed about the project’s financial status.
6. Integration and Customization:
o Microsoft 365 Integration: Seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 tools like
Excel, SharePoint, and Teams for better data sharing and collaboration.
o Custom Fields and Views: Users can create custom fields and views tailored to the
specific needs of their project, providing greater flexibility in managing project data.
7. Multiple Project Management:
o Portfolio Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously and allocate
resources across projects to optimize overall performance.
o Program Management: Group related projects into programs to manage
dependencies and risks across the organization.

Use Cases:
• Construction Projects: To plan phases, allocate resources, track progress, and ensure
deadlines are met.
• Software Development: For managing development tasks, tracking bug fixes, and
monitoring progress in Agile or Waterfall methodologies.
• Marketing Campaigns: To organize tasks, timelines, and budgets for complex marketing
initiatives.

Benefits:
 • Comprehensive Tool: MS Project provides a full suite of project management tools, from
planning to tracking and reporting, making it suitable for projects of all sizes.
• Flexibility: The software can be tailored to fit different industries and project types through
customization options.
• Scalability: Suitable for both small teams and large enterprises managing complex, multi-
phase projects.
• Collaboration-Friendly: With Microsoft 365 integration, it supports effective team
collaboration and communication.

Limitations:
• Complexity: The software has a learning curve, especially for users unfamiliar with project
management tools.
• Cost: Microsoft Project can be relatively expensive, especially for small businesses or
freelancers.
• Overload for Simple Projects: For very small or straightforward projects, MS Project may
offer more features than necessary.