1.Why is implementation important? What special implementation challenges are faced by online firms? What particular difficulties do they face in the area of systems? Why are CRM systems so critical to the firm?

2.What are metrics? Why are they important to e-commerce managers? What is the performance dashboard? How can it be implemented?

3.Explain the three-tier model that most of today’s websites follow,and describe each layer. How do external systems affect this model? What is the most common form of database today? Which type is likely to become more important in the future and why?

4.What is technological convergence? Explain the factors that brought it about. Why might cable modems be the lon-term winner in the battle for the last mile? How can synergy be achieved through convergence?

5.Discuss how the entrepreneur might utilize human capital to improve his chances of success. Include the type of people he will want to employ. What are the two sources of financing available to startup businesses and an example of each? What are some of the reasons an entrepreneur would pursue venture capital funding over a commercial bank loan?

6.What are the five major regulatory issues affecting the Internet? Briefly describe each issue. How does each of these issues impact the future of e-business?