Critical Evaluation of 10 Websites for Business Manager

You are required to write a report on the critical evaluation of 10 Websites in 5 given groups (types of e-commerce) for a business manager.

You should determine 10-15 evaluation criteria based on the principles and guidelines for building effective e-commerce Websites and the business models discussed in the unit materials and gained from your own research. While there are criteria that are applicable for all e-commerce websites, there may be criteria that are only applicable for some type(s) of sites. You should discuss the difference.

You should evaluate the Websites according to the above determined criteria by comparing the sites in the same group, and between different groups. You should use tables for comparison.

You should identify major strengths and weaknesses of each site, and provide recommendations for the design and development of the sites to improve their performance.

Critical Evaluation

Technology has developed with leaps and bounces with companies encouraging innovation and government funding creativity communication technology has improved to a new level. Along with this improvement in the technological field the rates of internet data charges has also decreased drastically which has also encouraged people to use the facility and service. E-commerce is the business model that has been developed in these above stated circumstances. Human beings are usually inquisitive and curious in nature which is the reason why people tend to accept new innovation (Laudon & Traver, 2013). E-commerce is the process by which a market is created in the virtual world so that buyers and sellers of a product or service and meet and transaction can be made. One of the most popular e-commerce platforms is Amazon and E-bay etc are some of the websites that have been regarded as the pioneers and benchmarking sites. Electronic commerce (E-commerce) was initially used to exchange documents among the companies. The platforms that are used to conduct transactions can be of many types for example: online catalogs and email shopping carts, EDI, File Transfer Protocol, and web services. These platforms are used to conduct business in the B2B module as well as C2B and B2C module. Some of the advantages of e-commerce that it eliminated the location barrier form the business as a person form India can surf a website and place an order form an American website. In the process of operation incorporation of e-commerce lowers cost as the logistics and the procedure is lower than the cost of building a physical store (Fang et al., 2014).

There are some of the basic principles that can be said to be responsible for creating successful e-commerce sites are, these principles are further going to be regarded as the evaluation criteria for the websites that are going to be analyzed.

User Friendly nature: The websites should be user friendly in nature which means that the consumers should not be confused when they visit the site. The navigation of the website should be smooth and easy.
Creativity: There should be the element of uniqueness in the websites but it should not be vague and too much for the consumers (Fang et al., 2014)..
Security level is premium: because reliability and credibility are one of the major limitation of the e-commerce business sector, making the portal secure for monetary transaction is very important to gain trust of the consumers who are the consumers or have the potential to become consumers.
The process of transaction should be linear: In order to avoid confusion during the transaction, the website should be designed in such a way that it follows a linear path and is not redirected to other unrelated or previous pages (Huang & Benyoucef, 2013).
Minimum time consumption: Consumer behavioral patter show that the people are less patient and they do not like to wait for the pages to load. Hence the websites should not be heavy and should not take time to load. In order to create the E-Commerce website more appealing to the consumers in terms of the previous point that has been discussed, designers usually use flash files which are featured with heavy HTML coding. These files are so heavy they take a long time to load, this should be avoided.
The feature of search: most of the time people are looking for something that they do not want to go in the sub categories and look for it hence, the search option of the website comes in handy. For example for a online shopping portal a person can input the gender and the category in the search bar and straight into the category of clothing without extra surfing (Fang et al., 2014).
Target market: The target market of the company should be kept in mind while designing the website as it will add to the appeal and serve them in a more convenient way. The company and the designers should be aligned with the requirements of the consumers and should create the website in the way that pleases the target market and makes them attracted.
Detailed product description: This segment of the criteria is different for different forms of e-commerce platforms. For example for shopping platforms the description is usually very systematic and based on the facts regarding the material and size and style tips etc. A content provider will have no product description rather the site is dedicated to content of the genre that the website follows. On the other hand a transaction broker will have very different and technically driven content for the site (Huang & Benyoucef, 2013).
Simple layout: The process of transaction in the e-commerce is deemed as complex by many and the issue of credibility still persists in the minds of potential consumers hence the layout of the website should be minimalistic and should eliminate the redundant elements of the design. It is always a good idea to keep it simple so that every customer easily understands the theme of the website (Fang et al., 2014).
Compatibility with various tools and instruments: With the advent of modern technology the companies are now adopting to platforms such as IOS and android to conduct the business with the help of mobile applications to increase the traffic of the website.

Apart from these explained criteria depending on the group there are certain segments like: variety or range and authenticity of products, description of the site, organization pattern of the content, communication with the members etc (Huang & Benyoucef, 2013).

Criteria	coop.com.au	umart.com.au
1. User Friendly	The landing page or the home page of this website is confusing as the options for navigation are not clear. Another issue that is evident is the font size of the website is small and the color is also faint making it difficult to read (coop.com.au, 2017).	Comparing the two websites this one has a more user friendly approach. The category of items is on the home page and if the consumer hovers over the mouse on the all category option immediately the list pops up. All these features take place simultaneously (umart.com.au, (2017).
2. Creativity	The elements that are there on the website are unique form the logo of the company to the way the advertisements are placed. The association with a cause adds to the creative approach.	All the information that is required for the consumer to navigate the website is all up front. The designer used the space of the landing page in a very creative there are a lot of info-graphics used.
3. Security protocol	The security protocol and the payment options are secure. In order to ensure the consumer is authentic the person has to log in first and create an account before accessing (coop.com.au, 2017).	The security protocol of this website is also similar (umart.com.au, 2017).
4. Linear Process	Yes, the process is linear	The process can be a little misleading because once an option is selected the next page looks a little misleading as the filter options come first without showing the actual products
5. Automated search	Available	Available
6. Fast loading of the page	Time taken to load the pages even with high internet connectivity	Takes lesser time to load and direct the consumers to pages that are selected
7. Appealing the Target market	The website is designed in a way which doesn’t speak with the customer; it is difficult to understand the type of products that are available in the website (coop.com.au, 2017).	The website design is made in such a way that the target market of the business will be intrigued and attracted to find out more and explore the website.
8. Detailed product description or content	Products in the website are described in a very brief and specific way. This works for the products as the specification of the products are not very complicated.	As the products that are available in the website are mostly related to technology a very comprehensive description regarding the specification and compatibility is required (umart.com.au, (2017).
9. Layout complexities	The layout and the color combination is mostly white along with pastel shades which to keep up with the types of products that are available in the website. The range of products in this website cannot be categorized. This diverse nature can also lead to confuse the consumers (coop.com.au, 2017).	The layout is minimalistic and simple and the types of products can be said to fall under the broad category of electronic and technology (umart.com.au, (2017).
10. Compatibility with various devices and platforms	Not compatible	Not compatible

Criteria	northernstar.com.au	acm.org
1. User Friendly	Easy to navigate and as a news portal the latest news are on the home page (northernstar.com.au, (2017).	This website belongs to an institution and hence the home page of the website states the options to navigate along with some information regarding the association. One of the drawbacks of the website is that it has too much information for the visitor which can be sometimes misleading (acm.org, 2017).
2. Creativity	The website is simple and does not have any single element of creativity. The logo of the company is also simple.	The appeal of the website is creative; the backdrop along with the information is also laid out in a creative and one of a kind way.
3. Security protocol	Not applicable for this group	Not applicable for this group
4. Linear Process	The process is linear, if a visitor clicks on a link the extension of the same article loads promptly without redirecting to any advertisement or any other page northernstar.com.au. (2017).	The website offers a linear surfing process which makes it easier for the reader to navigate (acm.org, 2017).
5. Automated search	Available	Available
6. Fast loading of the page	The pages do not take any time to load as there are not heavy elements in the designing of the website	The pages load instantly and are very prompt (acm.com, 2017).
7. Appealing the Target market	The straightforward layout of the website is appropriate for the readers.	The information provided in the website is specified for the target market, the layout and the theme of the website is also aligned with the people who are visiting the site.
8. Content quality and presentation	The website offers news and the quality of the content Is crisp to the point, stating facts regarding particular occurrences.	The content is very technical and related to the subject. It is helpful for the readers as well (acm.org, 2017).
9. Layout complexities	The layout is simple and minimalistic which adds to the nature of the site northernstar.com.au. (2017).	The layout is navigable easily to the visitors as the website has a simple layout.
10. Organization of the content	Organized according to the genre of news	Well organized and segregated according to the topic of discussion (acm.org, 2017).

Criteria	forums.whirlpool.net.au	meetup.com
1. User Friendly	Not user friendly the layout and the navigation process is complex and it is also difficult to find out what the visitor is looking for in the forum (whirlpool.net.au, 2017).	Looks attractive and is user friendly as well. The visitor is able to sing up and login immediately ( meetup.com, 2017).
2. Creativity	Formal in approach and has an unattractive layout the font is also unappealing.	Attractive, informal and is appropriate for platform.
3. Security protocol	The visitor has to login and create an Id for participating in the forum. There are also guest visitors allowed (whirlpool.net.au, 2017).	Similar protocol, but guest visiting is not featured.
4. Linear Process	The process is linear
5. Automated search	Available	Unavailable and is also not required
6. Fast loading of the page	Yes the pages load promptly and are very smooth navigation. In whirlpool forum the pages are designed in a simple way hence it is easy (whirlpool.net.au, 2017).
7. Appealing the Target market	The target market of the website will be not visiting the platform to socialize.	The website is very appealing as it connects to the people with the help of visual medium.
8. Content in the website	The website is straight forward and content driven, but the quality of the content is not very good as it can be upgraded and posted by anyone who is a member	The content is crisp and clear and flows with the other elements in the website (meetup.com, 2017).
9. Layout complexities	The layout is very simple	The layout is complex yet it has a touch of creativity and elegance (meetup.com, 2017).
10. Communication with the members	Detached and very formal in approach (whirlpool.net.au, 2017).	Personal and based on a feedbacks.

Criteria	graysonline.com	alibaba.com
1. User Friendly	The websites have a similar approach in the way the website looks, it is easily navigable and the home page has a lot of information and visual elements that attract the consumers.
2. Creativity	The creative element in the website is absent the visuals are also of the products that are available (graysonline.com, 2017).	Similarly this website also have a non creative straight forward approach ( alibaba.com., 2017).
3. Security protocol	Strict security protocol for both the websites as there are several methods of secured payment options like net banking and sending OTPs etc.
4. Linear Process	There is no redirection to other pages which leads to confusion
5. Automated search	Available for both the sites
6. Fast loading of the page	For both the websites there are no heavy flash files that burden the navigation process of the visitor
7. Range of products	The range is circumference under the broad category of hardware items starting from mining and agriculture to jewelry and watches. The website also offers alcoholic beverages (graysonline.com, 2017).	There is an array of choice in the category itself. The website offers clothing, makeup and skincare to hardware items as well.
8. Detailed product description or content	The image and the details of the products are well mentioned and are not misleading. Catalogues are uploaded by the seller in order to supply the customers with detailed information.	The images are sometimes misleading and the description are a lot and not in a very organized as all the products do not follow the same pattern of description. The seller information and all relevant data are supplied but in a haphazard manner ( alibaba.com., 2017).
9. Layout complexities	The design layout of both the websites are simple and the color scheme is also based on white which enables the visitors to read the content without any problem.
10. Authenticity of the products	There is an array of security and authentication guidelines that the sellers have to go through before being able to list the products (graysonline.com, 2017).	There has been a lot of criticism received in terms of quality and authenticity of the products ( alibaba.com., 2017).

Criteria	webjet.com.au	ticketmaster.com.au
1. Description	This site deals with tourism and offers tickets for various modes of transportation and holiday packages (webjet.com.au, 2017).	Offers tickets of events related to music sports, arts, theater, family attraction etc.
2. User Friendly	Both the sites are user friendly and have been constructed keeping in mind the user and their purpose of using the website. It is self explanatory and is easily navigable.
3. Creativity	This website is creative in term of placing the elements as per the purpose of the user, the icons and logos used help the user navigate through the site (webjet.com.au, 2017).	Very straight forward approach with visuals and content which works for the company (ticketmaster.com.au, 2017).
4. Security protocol	Secured in terms of payments and authenticity
5. Linear Process	Yes, the process is linear
6. Automated search	Absent but each segment has its own search option	Available on the top of the home page
7. Fast loading of the page	The pages load very fast and the visual elements do not come in the way of loading the pages.
8. Appealing the Target market	The website is defiantly created for the people who are looking for a travel guide along with new options to travel (webjet.com.au, 2017).	Created for the people who are looking forward to have a good time
9. Content	The content is embedded with the images and the information is provided in a comprehensive way.	There are feedback options and the content is very informative than being descriptive
10. Layout complexities	The layout is complex owning to the wide range of service that the website provides. The color scheme is appealing and it flows with the information hence avoiding any confusion.	The layout and the color patterns are simple and guide the visitor through the process of purchase and information (ticketmaster.com.au, 2017).

Conclusion

E-commerce has lead a revolution in the business environment, entrepreneurs with farsighted vision and strive to grow have invested in this opportunity and has received positive feedback in the past decade. On the other hand one of the biggest limitations of e-commerce is that there is a big question about the websites being reliable and credible as there is money involved people do not taking risks. While discussing about e-commerce it is important to discuss about the social media as well. Social media are platforms that use internet connectivity and digital devices that can use internet to connect people from around the world. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat are extensively used by people to carry out business operations.

Reference List:

acm.org. (2017). Home page. [online] Available at: https:// acm.org / [Accessed 8 Dec. 2017].

alibaba.com. (2017). Home page. [online] Available at: https:// alibaba.com / [Accessed 8 Dec. 2017].

coop.com.au. (2017). Home page. [online] Available at: https:// coop.com.au // [Accessed 8 Dec. 2017].

Fang, Y., Qureshi, I., Sun, H., McCole, P., Ramsey, E., & Lim, K. H. (2014). Trust, Satisfaction, and Online Repurchase Intention: The Moderating Role of Perceived Effectiveness of E-Commerce Institutional Mechanisms. Mis Quarterly, 38(2).

graysonline.com. (2017). Home page. [online] Available at: https:// graysonline.com / [Accessed 8 Dec. 2017].

Huang, Z., & Benyoucef, M. (2013). From e-commerce to social commerce: A close look at design features. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 12(4), 246-259.

Laudon, K. C., & Traver, C. G. (2013). E-commerce. Pearson.

meetup.com. (2017). Home page. [online] Available at: https:// meetup.com / [Accessed 8 Dec. 2017].

northernstar.com.au. (2017). Home page. [online] Available at: https:// northernstar.com.au / [Accessed 8 Dec. 2017].

ticketmaster.com.au. (2017). Home page. [online] Available at: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2017].

umart.com.au. (2017). Home page. [online] Available at: https:// umart.com.au/newsite// [Accessed 8 Dec. 2017].

webjet.com.au. (2017). Home page. [online] Available at: https://www.webjet.com.au/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2017].

whirlpool.net.au. (2017). Home page. [online] Available at: https:// forums.whirlpool.net.au / [Accessed 8 Dec. 2017].

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