IMS5007 Electronic commerce - Semester 2 , 2006 unit guide

Semester 2, 2006

Chief Examiner

Adi Prananto

Lecturers

Caulfield : Adi Prananto

Outline

This unit will involve the study of the main theoretical and practical issues of e-commerce, its policies and management, and the particular problems of implementing and managing e-commerce systems.

Through a series of lectures, seminar discussions, case studies and guest speaker presentations the unit will focus on examining some of the ways in which e-commerce technologies are currently being used to improve organisational performance and relationship with customers and clients. The focus will embrace public and not for profit sectors as well as the commercial sector. Topics will include: the changing nature of electronic commerce; the main technologies used for e-commerce including the Internet, XML, electronic data interchange and electronic payment systems; emerging theories, frameworks and models for understanding e-commerce; organisational and inter-organisational impacts of e-commerce technologies (including Intranets, Extranets, and mobile computing - m-commerce); formulation of e-commerce strategy and the development of an implementation plan: business and management issues associated with e-commerce, including organisational communication and structure; security; legal/taxation; and ethical/privacy issues.

Objectives

Knowledge and Understanding

Have knowledge and an understanding of:

C1. The theories and principles of e-commerce

C2. The main technologies which enable and support the practice of e-commerce

C3. The economic and Information Systems theories on which the concepts of e-commerce are based

C4. The meaning and nature of e-commerce and the "new economy" in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors

C5. Changes to the management of business functions and processes as a result of new e-commerce capabilities, particularly those functions/processes related to customer relationships and supply chains

C6. Other corporate and social impacts of e-commerce

C7. Strategies used by organizations to maximise the benefit of new and emerging e-commerce technologies

Attitudes, Values and Beliefs

A1. Recognition of the sometimes conflicting demands of stakeholders involved in the introduction of e-commerce systems and technologies

A2. Recognition of the possibilities of strategic gain from e-commerce systems and technologies and the challenge of maintaining competitive and cooperative relationships concurrently

Practical Skills

P1. Applying economic and e-business theory to the practice of e-commerce

P2. Applying a range of strategy formulation tools and techniques to e-commerce strategy formulation

P3. Selection of appropriate e-commerce strategies for a variety of real-world situations, and delineation of the implementation issues that will need to be addressed by these strategies

Relationships, Communication and TeamWork

R1. Students will have enhanced team work skill.

Prerequisites

Before attempting this unit you must have satisfactorily completed

24 credit points of IMS 9000-level units, or equivalent; or 24 credit points of graduate level units in the Master of Information Management and Systems, Master of Information Management and Systems (Professional), Master of Information Technology or the Master of Business Systems, or equivalent; or an approved undergraduate degree in information systems (IS) or information management (IM) or equivalent

, or equivalent. You should have knowledge of

Foundation knowledge in information management and systems fundamentals

Unit relationships

IMS5007 is a core unit of the MIMS and MIMS Pro degrees.

It is a prerequisite/corequisite for Before attempting this unit you must have satisfactorily completed

24 credit points of IMS 9000-level units, or equivalent; or 24 credit points of graduate level units in the Master of Information Management and Systems, Master of Information Management and Systems (Professional), Master of Information Technology or the Master of Business Systems, or equivalent; or an approved undergraduate degree in information systems (IS) or information management (IM) or equivalent

, or equivalent. You should have knowledge of

Foundation knowledge in information management and systems fundamentals

.

 

You may not study this unit and

IMS3280, SYS3280, SYS3290, SYS4280, SYS4290, BUS5020, GCO2803

in your degree.

 

Texts and software

Required text(s)

Jelassi, T. and Enders, A. (2005). Strategies for e-business: Creating value through electronic and mobile commerce. Prentice Hall, Edinburgh, UK. ISBN no 0273688405

 

Textbook availability

Text books are available from the Monash University Book Shops. Availability from other suppliers cannot be assured. The Bookshop orders texts in specifically for this unit. You are advised to purchase your text book early.

Software requirements

No specific software requirements except for wordprocessing, presentation software and internet-based software to access the library resources

Hardware requirements

Students studying off-campus are required to have the minimum system configuration specified by the Faculty as a condition of accepting admission, and regular Internet access. On-campus students, and those studying at supported study locations may use the facilities available in the computing labs. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook. You will need to allocate up to n hours per week for use of a computer, including time for newsgroups/discussion groups.

Recommended reading

P

Kalakota, R., Robinson, M. & Tapscott, D. (1999). E-Business roadmap for success (2nd Edn). Addison-Wesley.

Kalakota, R. & Whinston, A.B. (1997). E-Business: A manager's guide. Addison-Wesley.

Kalakota, R. & Whinston, A.B. (1996). Frontiers of e-Business. Addison-Wesley.

Keen, P.G.W. & Balance, C. (1997). On-line profits: A manager's guide to e-Business. Harvard Business School.

Keen, P.G.W. & Cummings, J.M. (1994). Networks in action: Business choices and telecommunications decisions. Wadsworth.

McKay, J. & Marshall, P. (2004). Strategic Management of E-Commerce. Wiley.

Mougayar, W. (1998). Opening digital markets: Battle plans and business strategies for Internet commerce. McGraw-Hill.

Tapscott, D. (1996). Digital economy. McGraw-Hill.

Turban, E., King, D., Lee, J.K., and Viehland, D. (2003). Electronic Commerce: A Managerial Perspective (3rd ed.). Prentice Hall, New Jersey, ISBN no 0130094935.

Library access

You may need to access the Monash library either personally to be able to satisfactorily complete the subject.  Be sure to obtain a copy of the Library Guide, and if necessary, the instructions for remote access from the library website.

Study resources

Study resources for IMS5007 are:

The unit website, the library's collection and online databases

Unit website

http://www.sims.monash.edu.au/subjects/ims5007/

Structure and organisation

Week Topics Key Dates
1 Introduction to IMS5007 and Overview of E-Commerce No tutorial in week 1
2 E-commerce “Business Models” Formation of groups. Rep/pres topics assigned
3 Retailing in E-Commerce
4 E-Marketplaces and Business to Business E-Commerce
5 E-Commerce Strategy
6 Self Study week Critical Essay due for submission
7 CRM: Service, Relationships, Satisfaction, and Loyalty
8 Logistics and Supply Chain Management
9 E-Commerce Applications and Infrastructure Weekly Presentation starts
10 E-Commerce Security
Non teaching week
11 Mobile commerce
12 Legal issues in e-business Major Report due for submission
13 Revision

Timetable

The timetable for on-campus classes for this unit can be viewed in Allocate+

Assessment

Assessment weighting

The assignments (50% of total) and a three-hours examination (50% of total) will be used to assess whether you have achieved the objectives of this unit. Minimum performance requirements are indicated in the first paragraph of Assessment Notes below.

Four assessable components (total assessment value 50%)

Component 1, Value: 10%, Due Week 6, Critical Essay.

Component 2, Value: 20%, Due Week 11, Research Report

Component 3, Value 10%, Due date to be agreed, Formal presentation (starting on week9) of the findings of the research on assigned topic to your tutorial group peers.

Component 4, Value 10%, Participation throughout the semester in the form of contribution during the tutorial.

The Critical Essay and the Research Report must be submitted during your allocated tutorial directly to your tutor. Late submissions, if accepted, will be penalised at the rate indicated in section 2.3 Extensions below. If you believe that your assignment will be delayed because of circumstances beyond your control, such as illness, you should apply for an extension before the due date. Proper documentation (i.e., genuine, authentic and believable) supporting your application will be required BEFORE any consideration of extension would be given. When an extension request is made near or on the due date, a significant amount of work on the assignments MUST have been completed and submitted together with the documentations needed.

The examination and assignment activities will test whether you have met the objectives indicated in this outline.

Formal supervised assessment (50%).

The formal supervised assessment for this unit will be a three hours “closed book” examination scheduled in the formal examination period following the last week of semester. You are required to be available for the exam and for any necessary supplementary assessment procedures until the end of the assessment period. Alternative times for exams will not be approved without formal application through the Faculty Office on the appropriate form. Medical Practitioner certification of a significant illness, or equivalent evidence is required.

Note:

· Assignments in this unit are no less important than those of other units. Your inability to manage your time or computing resources will not be accepted as a valid excuse. (Several assignments falling due at the same time is often unavoidable.)

· Backup copies are required to be made of all assignments and are required to be retained for 12 months, in case of loss.

· Hardware failures are not normally recognised as a valid reason for obtaining an extension or for submitting a late assignment.


Assessment Policy

To pass this unit you must:

The 40% rule applies to units and determines the final result for a student where the student's performance in either the examination or assignment component of the unit is unsatisfactory. Students need to be aware of the 40% rule which is:

In order to pass a unit, a student must gain all of the following:

· at least 40% of the marks available for the examination component: i.e. the final examination and any tests performed under exam conditions, taken as a whole

· at least 40% of the marks available for the assignment component: i.e. the assignments and any other assessment tasks (such as presentations) taken as a whole

· at least 50% of the total marks for the unit

Where a student gains less than 40% for either the examination or assignment component, the final result for the unit will be no greater than ‘44-N’.

Your score for the unit will be calculated by:

Total marks = critical essay + research report + presentation + participation + exam

Assessment Requirements

Assessment Due Date Weighting
Critical Essay Week 6 10%
Research Report Week 12 20 %
Presentation Week 9-13 10 %
Discussion Participation Week 2-13 10 %
The closed book exam is 3 hours long Exam period (S2/06) starts on 23/10/06 50 %

Assignment specifications will be made available IMS5007 website assignment page.

Assignment Submission

Assignments will be submitted by paper submission to your tutor. On-campus Students Submit the assignment directly to their tutor during their tutorial of the submission week, with the appropriate cover sheet correctly filled out.

Extensions and late submissions

Late submission of assignments

Late assignments submitted without an approved extension may be accepted (up to one week late) at the discretion of your lecturer, but will be penalised at the rate of 10% of total assignment marks per day (including weekends). Example:

  • Total marks available for the assignment = 100 marks
  • Marks received for the assignment = 70 marks
  • Marks deducted for 2 days late submission (20% of 100) = 20 marks
  • Final mark received for assignment = 50 marks

This policy is strict because comments or guidance will be given on assignments as they are returned, and sample solutions may also be published and distributed, after assignment marking or with the returned assignment. 

Extensions

It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are seldom regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions. 

Extension for this subject is not normally given. Requests for extensions must be made in writing to the tutor and/or the unit controller at least two days before the due date. You will be asked to forward original medical certificates in cases of illness, and may be asked to provide other forms of documentation where necessary. A copy of the email or other written communication of an extension must be attached to the assignment submission.

Grading of assessment

Assignments, and the unit, will be marked and allocated a grade according to the following scale:

Grade Percentage/description
HD High Distinction - very high levels of achievement, demonstrated knowledge and understanding, skills in application and high standards of work encompassing all aspects of the tasks.
In the 80+% range of marks for the assignment.
D Distinction - high levels of achievement, but not of the same standards. May have a weakness in one particular aspect, or overall standards may not be quite as high.
In the 70-79% range.
C Credit - sound pass displaying good knowledge or application skills, but some weaknesses in the quality, range or demonstration of understanding.
In the 60-69% range.
P Pass acceptable standard, showing an adequate basic knowledge, understanding or skills, but with definite limitations on the extent of such understanding or application. Some parts may be incomplete.
In the 50-59% range.
N Not satisfactory failure to meet the basic requirements of the assessment.
Below 50%.

Assignment return

We will aim to have assignment results made available to you within three weeks after assignment receipt.

Feedback

Feedback to you

You will receive feedback on your work and progress in this unit. This feedback may be provided through your participation in tutorials and class discussions, as well as through your assignment submissions. It may come in the form of individual advice, marks and comments, or it may be provided as comment or reflection targeted at the group. It may be provided through personal interactions, such as interviews and on-line forums, or through other mechanisms such as on-line self-tests and publication of grade distributions.

Feedback from you

You will be asked to provide feedback to the Faculty through a Unit Evaluation survey at the end of the semester. You may also be asked to complete surveys to help teaching staff improve the unit and unit delivery. Your input to such surveys is very important to the faculty and the teaching staff in maintaining relevant and high quality learning experiences for our students.

And if you are having problems

It is essential that you take action immediately if you realise that you have a problem with your study. The semester is short, so we can help you best if you let us know as soon as problems arise. Regardless of whether the problem is related directly to your progress in the unit, if it is likely to interfere with your progress you should discuss it with your lecturer or a Community Service counsellor as soon as possible.

Plagiarism and cheating

Plagiarism and cheating are regarded as very serious offences. In cases where cheating  has been confirmed, students have been severely penalised, from losing all marks for an assignment, to facing disciplinary action at the Faculty level. While we would wish that all our students adhere to sound ethical conduct and honesty, I will ask you to acquaint yourself with Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Faculty regulations that apply to students detected cheating as these will be applied in all detected cases.

In this University, cheating means seeking to obtain an unfair advantage in any examination or any other written or practical work to be submitted or completed by a student for assessment. It includes the use, or attempted use, of any means to gain an unfair advantage for any assessable work in the unit, where the means is contrary to the instructions for such work. 

When you submit an individual assessment item, such as a program, a report, an essay, assignment or other piece of work, under your name you are understood to be stating that this is your own work. If a submission is identical with, or similar to, someone else's work, an assumption of cheating may arise. If you are planning on working with another student, it is acceptable to undertake research together, and discuss problems, but it is not acceptable to jointly develop or share solutions unless this is specified by your lecturer. 

Intentionally providing students with your solutions to assignments is classified as "assisting to cheat" and students who do this may be subject to disciplinary action. You should take reasonable care that your solution is not accidentally or deliberately obtained by other students. For example, do not leave copies of your work in progress on the hard drives of shared computers, and do not show your work to other students. If you believe this may have happened, please be sure to contact your lecturer as soon as possible.

Cheating also includes taking into an examination any material contrary to the regulations, including any bilingual dictionary, whether or not with the intention of using it to obtain an advantage.

Plagiarism involves the false representation of another person's ideas, or findings, as your own by either copying material or paraphrasing without citing sources. It is both professional and ethical to reference clearly the ideas and information that you have used from another writer. If the source is not identified, then you have plagiarised work of the other author. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty that is insulting to the reader and grossly unfair to your student colleagues.

Communication

Communication methods

Announcements and other notification will be given either in the lecture, tutorial, and/or through the unit website

Notices

Notices related to the unit during the semester will be placed on the Notices Newsgroup in the Unit Website. Check this regularly. Failure to read the Notices newsgroup is not regarded as grounds for special consideration.

Consultation Times

No specific consultation time. Please email the unit controller to establish an appointment

If direct communication with your unit adviser/lecturer or tutor outside of consultation periods is needed you may contact the lecturer and/or tutors at:

Dr Adi Prananto
Lecturer
Phone +61 3 990 32600
Fax +61 3 990 31077

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All email communication to you from your lecturer will occur through your Monash student email address. Please ensure that you read it regularly, or forward your email to your main address. Also check that your contact information registered with the University is up to date in My.Monash.

Last updated: Jul 30, 2006