// ACADEMIC CONTENT PORTAL · Computer Science

Thesis Topic Ideas: E-Commerce Platform for Rural Nepali Artisans

Level: BachelorDifficulty: Beginner★ Popular Choice

Applicable Universities:Kathmandu University (KU)Tribhuvan University (TU)

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1. Introduction & Problem Statement

Overview: Design and develop a full-stack e-commerce platform specifically tailored for rural Nepali artisans — handicrafts, pashmina, Thangka paintings. Includes Nepali language support and eSewa/Khalti payment integration.

Background Context (Nepal): Nepal has rich handicraft traditions, yet rural artisans face market isolation and dependency on intermediaries. Digital platforms with localized UI and payment options empower direct craft trade.

2. Research Objectives

›Develop bilingual (English/Nepali) responsive e-commerce web application
›Integrate local payment gateways (eSewa / Khalti sandbox APIs)
›Implement craft seller dashboard for inventory and order tracking
›Optimize web performance for low-bandwidth 3G mobile connections
›Conduct usability testing with non-technical craft makers

3. Proposed Methodology

Contextual inquiry and user interviews with artisan co-operatives in Bhaktapur and Palpa
Entity-Relationship (ER) modeling and RESTful API architecture design
Frontend engineering using Next.js with localized i18n support
Backend persistence with MongoDB/PostgreSQL and payment webhooks
Usability evaluation using System Usability Scale (SUS)

$ Worked Example / Sample Scenario

Sample Scenario: A Palpa Dhaka weaver uploads product photos via a simplified Nepali merchant portal. A buyer in Kathmandu orders via Khalti payment, triggering an automated SMS notification to the courier service.

4. Thesis Chapter-by-Chapter Outline

Chapter 1: IntroductionTU/KU/NEB standard

Background, problem statement, research questions, objectives, scope, limitations, and significance of the study

Chapter 2: Literature ReviewTU/KU/NEB standard

Theoretical framework, conceptual models, previous empirical studies in Nepal and developing nations, review of e-commerce frameworks and local payment APIs, and gap analysis

Chapter 3: Research MethodologyTU/KU/NEB standard

Research design, population/sampling framework, data collection instruments, analytical tools, and ethical considerations

Chapter 4: Data Analysis & ResultsTU/KU/NEB standard

Empirical findings, statistical testing, model estimations, SUS usability scores and mobile page speed audits, and detailed discussion

Chapter 5: Conclusion & RecommendationsTU/KU/NEB standard

Summary of key findings, theoretical contributions, policy recommendations, and future research directions

5. Recommended Tools & Technologies

To implement the practical, technical, or analytical portions of this thesis topic, the following software tools, libraries, or APIs are recommended:

Next.jsTypeScriptNode.jsMongoDB / PostgreSQLeSewa APIKhalti APITailwind CSS

6. Core References & Academic Sources

[1]Department of Cottage & Small Industries (Nepal) — Handicraft Promotion Guidelines
[2]Nepal Rastra Bank — Payment Systems Department Circulars & Sandbox Guidelines
[3]IEEE Xplore / Google Scholar — E-commerce adoption in developing nations

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I test eSewa/Khalti integration without a business registration?

Both eSewa and Khalti provide developer sandbox credentials and merchant test keys for educational and thesis projects.

Q: What is the best stack for a CS student doing full-stack e-commerce?

Next.js with Tailwind CSS on the frontend and Node.js/Prisma with PostgreSQL on the backend offers excellent developer velocity.

Q: How can I handle low-bandwidth users in rural districts?

Implement Next.js image optimization, lazy loading, lightweight CSS, and local browser storage caching.

Q: Is international shipping integration required for a Bachelor thesis?

For a BSc CSIT/BCA scope, national shipping simulation and local payment integration are fully sufficient.