BEG1601

Introduction to electronic commerce

Mr Graham Behrendorff

6 points · 3-4 hours per week · Distance, approximately 12 hours per week · First and second semesters · Gippsland

Objectives On completion of the subject students will have understood and differentiated various interpretations of electronic commerce; knowledge of the enabling technologies underlying the strategies and requirements of electronic commerce; begun development of the critical, analytical and technical skills necessary for dealing with electronic commerce applications; insight into the impact of electronic commerce in changing business processes; a sound knowledge of the state of development and global trends of electronic commerce in Australia and overseas; an awareness of the major legal and security issues affecting senders and receivers of electronic communications; knowledge of the issues which will influence the widespread adoption of electronic commerce technologies; practical experience in the use of the Internet and its applications and uses.

Synopsis The subject provides an introductory overview of electronic commerce and its enabling technologies. These include Email, EDI, EFT, bar-coding, electronic catalogues, smart cards and CALS. Associated electronic processes and systems including on-line business, the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) will be covered in some detail. Other issues include business processes in relation to electronic commerce; the developments and issues in electronic commerce in Australia and overseas with particular emphasis on the role and importance of international standards, ethics, privacy, accounting, legal and security issues ; the impact on the workplace; corporate, national and global information infrastructures; aligning information technology to business strategy; electronic marketing worldwide; internationalisation issues of electronic commerce; and government policies, strategies and leadership.

Assessment Practising electronic commerce: 20% · Assignment 1 (research report - 2500 words): 30% · Examination (3 hours): 50% · Successful completion of this subject will be contingent on the student demonstrating a satisfactory level of performance in each element of assessment.

Prescribed texts

Shaw J Doing business in the information age Electronic Commerce Strategies Inc., 1995
Kalakota R and Whinston A B Frontiers of electronic commerce Addison-Wesley, 1996

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