Integrated University

Code: UITB503CM   Title: E-Commerce Strategy       Version: 1

Level: M                                   UIT credit rating: 3

Module type: Standard

Valid from: March 2003

Contributes towards: MBA (see notes)

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:
On completion of this module successful participants should be able to:
a)         Knowledge and Understanding explain the strategic and organisational implications of e-commerce identify the main economic, social, technological and legal implications of e-commerce and e-technologies recommend actions that a business might take to successfully introduce e-technologies within the work place analyse and critically reflect on the implications that e-commerce has for commercial organisations and society as large.

b)         Subject-specific Skills
demonstrate an understanding of the strategic issues and the implemented strategies by organisations engaged in e-commerce in a range of sectoral context develop a strategy for e-commerce in a selected organisation.

c)         Cognitive Skills
demonstrate that you have the skills to analyse and make sense of complex and unpredictable contexts evaluate and critique the methodologies and theories that are emerging in the field of e-commerce effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis to specialist and non-specialist audience.

d)         Transferable Skills
demonstrate technological awareness and effective use of information and communication technologies demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, alongside a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field of e-commerce an ability to specify, select and design appropriate IT solutions within a range of professional contexts.

Syllabus outline:

●  Overview of e-commerce framework
●  Strategic and commercial challenges faced by business
●  Business models
●  Network infrastructure
●  Inter-organisational transaction
●  Marketing, communications and branding
●  Strategy formulation and implementation
●  Operational logistic of e-commerce
●  Strategic implications and valuations of e-commerce
●  Process management through e-business
●  E-government and e-governance
●  Political, economic and legal implications of an on-line society

Teaching and Learning Approaches:

The lectures provide students with the development of strategic thinking in relation to the advancement, usage and impact of electronic commerce on the global activities of international businesses.  Two hour workshop-style sessions designed to re-enforce the applications of concepts, theories and models covered in the lecturers.  You are encouraged to appropriately apply the knowledge gained throughout the module to your own working environment in a creative and contemporary manner, and to take a pro-active approach to find competent solutions to the current problems in managing e-commerce in your organisation.

Indicative readings:

Bichler, M. (2001). The Future of E-Markets, Cambridge University Press.

Bryeeson, K. (2003). E-Business for Managers, Wiley.

Chaffey, D. (2002). E-Business and E-Commerce Management, Pearson.   

Chen, S. (2001). Strategic Management of e-Business, Wiley.

Lawrence, E. and et al (2003). Internet Commerce: Digital Models for Business, 3^rd Edition, Wiley.

May, P. (2000). The Business of E-Commerce, Cambridge University Press.

Morris, M.H. and et al (2001). Business to Business Marketing, 3^rd Edition, Sage Publication.

Plant, R. (2000). E-Commerce: Formulation of Strategy, Prentice Hall.

Rayport, J. & Jaworski, B. (2002). Introduction to e- Commerce, McGraw Hill.

Shapiro, C. and Varian, H.R. (1999). Information Rules: A Strategic Guide to the Network Economy, Harvard Business School Press.

Stamm, B.V. (2003). Managing Innovation, Design and Creativity, Wiley.

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B:                A = 50% ; B = 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A
Description of each element                                                                 Element weighting
1. Essay (1,500 words)                                                                                         1

Component B
Description of each element                                                                         
1. Examination                                                                                                       1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further participation is not required)

Component A
Description of each element
1. Essay (1,500 words)                                                                                        1

Component B
Description of each element                                                                         
1. Examination                                                                                                       1

Specification confirmed by……………………………………Date……………………..
Faculty Dean/Programme Manager