Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BUSI5E015: E-COMMERCE

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI5E015: E-COMMERCE

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap
Tied to N1KE12
Tied to N2KE12
Tied to N2KF12

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide students with the opportunity to study key topics in E-commerce at an advanced level.

Content

  • Historical Overview of E-Commerce
  • Technologies and infrastructures
  • Legal and regulatory issues
  • Models of Competitive Environments
  • The Strategic Environment for E-business
  • Business to business e-commerce
  • Building and managing websites

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • Be familiar with the language and technology of E-commerce;
  • Understand the critical elements of managing E-commerce in a competitive environment;
  • Have a critical appreciation of the contribution of E-commerce to business success;
  • Have a critical appreciation of the theoretical constructs surrounding e-commerce applications;
  • Be aware of how e-commerce can be linked to other organisational issues;
  • Have a critical awareness of the regulatory and legal issues that surround E-commerce;
  • Understand the specification process for E-commerce procurement.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • Be able to apply relevant theory in order to identify appropriate solutions;
  • Be able to articulate the business case for e-commerce;
  • Be able to source e-commerce information.
Key Skills:
    Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, facilitated discussion sessions, small group and individual case study analysis, and guided reading.
  • Assessment of this module is by summative assignment, designed to: test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge; test conceptual understanding and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 9
Group work 9
Preparation & Reading 132
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written assignment 3000 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

Feedback on group and individual activities undertaken during contact hours. Feedback on learning set reflections and action points related to this module.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University