Course Syllabus
CP340A – E-commerce
Department of Physics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Waterloo
Fall | 2023
I acknowledge that in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Brantford we are on the traditional territory
of the Neutral, Anishnawbe, and Haudenosaunee peoples.
Instructor Information
Name: Dr. Haytham Qushtom
Contact Information: hqushtom@wlu.ca
Weekly Office Hours: Remotely - By Appointment via email
Course Information
Course Overview
This course deals with the development of the Internet and its impacts on business transactions. The
course explains key concepts and trends associated with e-commerce and online business. Participants
will be able to get familiar with various e-commerce platforms, online payment gateways, and use of
different tools with an e-commerce website.
Pre-requisites : CP213
Course Location: BA102
Time: 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Course Outline
Ch1: Introduction
Ch2: Business models in e-commerce
Ch3: Various e-commerce platforms
Ch3: Third-party tools in e-commerce
Ch4: Building an E-Commerce Presence
Ch 5: Online payment processing
Ch 5: E-commerce Security
Ch6+Ch7: SEO and Digital Marketing
Ch9: Fulfilling online orders
Ch8: Legal aspect and taxes in e-commerce
Course Goals and Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
• Understand the fundamentals of e-commerce
• Learn about various e-commerce platforms
• Become familiar with various models of business in e-commerce
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Understand the role of data analytics in e-commerce
Integrate third-party tools in an e-commerce website
Learn about various legal and tax issues in online business
Build a basic e-commerce website
Course Tools and Learning Materials
Textbook is not required. The following textbook may be useful:
E-Commerce 2021-2022: Business, Technology and Society (17th Global Edition) Kenneth C. Laudon and
Carol Guercio Traver. ISBN-13. 978-1292409313
Students may refer to slides used in the lecture. Any links/references to useful resources will be shared
during the class.
Tools required: PHP Myadmin, MySQL, Apache server, WordPress, WooCommerce
Student Evaluation
Assessment
Assignment 1
Weighting
10%
Quiz 1
15%
Assignment 2
20%
Quiz 2
15%
Assignment 3
25%
Participation
Total
15%
100%
Due Date
2023-09-24 (Sunday of
Sept. 18-24)
2023-10-06 (Friday of
Oct. 2-8)
2023-10-22 (Sunday of
Oct. 16-22)
2023-11-17 (Friday of
Nov. 13-19)
2023-12-03 (Sunday
after Nov. 20-26)
2023-12-06
Learning Activities, Assignments, Tests, Quizzes and Examinations
Apart from the regular lecture discussions, students will be given assignments and exams that would
have set weightage towards final grade of the course•
Quiz: Two quizzes will be conducted through MyLS.
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Assignment: These will be distributed based on the content covered.
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Group Presentations: students will be required to form groups of 3 or 4. These groups will
work together to prepare and present a topic that has been covered during a specific week
of the course. Each group can either choose or be assigned a week where they are willing
to present.
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Weekly Schedule(s)
Mon
8:30-9:20
BA201
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
-
Wed
8:30-9:20
BA201
-
Sept 11, 2023
Sept 13,
2023
Sept 18, 2023
Sept 20,
2023
Sept 25, 2023
Sept 27,
2023
Oct 02, 2023
Oct 04, 2023
Reading Week: Oct 09, 2023 - Oct 13, 2023
Oct 16, 2023
Oct 18, 2023
Oct 23, 2023
Oct 25, 2023
Oct 30, 2023
Nov 01, 2023
Nov 06, 2023
Nov 08, 2023
Nov 13, 2023
Nov 15, 2023
Nov 20, 2023
Nov 22, 2023
Nov 27, 2023
Nov 29, 2023
Dec 04, 2023
Dec 06, 2023
Fri
8:30-9:20
BA201
Sept 08,
2023
Sept 15, 2023
Sept 22, 2023
Sept 29, 2023
Oct 06, 2023
Oct 20, 2023
Oct 27, 2023
Nov 03, 2023
Nov 10, 2023
Nov 17, 2023
Nov 24, 2023
Dec 01, 2023
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University and Course Policies (proposed and required text)
Laurier has several senate approved policy statements it requires course instructors to include in their syllabus. Those with
specific wording approved by senate are indicated specifically below.
1. Academic Calendars (Recommended): “Students are encouraged to review the Academic
Calendar for information regarding all important dates, deadlines, and services available on
campus.”
2. Intellectual Property (Recommended): “The educational materials developed for this course,
including, but not limited to, lecture notes and slides, handout materials, examinations and
assignments, and any materials posted to MyLearningSpace, are the intellectual property of the
course instructors. These materials have been developed for student use only and they are not
intended for wider dissemination and/or communication outside of a given course. Posting or
providing unauthorized audio, video, or textual material of course content to third-party
websites violates instructors’ intellectual property rights, and the Canadian Copyright
Act. Recording lectures in any way is prohibited in this course unless specific permission has
been granted by instructors. Failure to follow these instructions may be in contravention of the
university’s Student Non-Academic Code of Conduct and/or Code of Academic Conduct, and will
result in appropriate penalties. Participation in this course constitutes an agreement by all
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parties to abide by the relevant University Policies, and to respect the intellectual property of
others during and after their association with Wilfrid Laurier University.”
3. Accessibility (Required): “Students requiring accommodation are advised to contact Laurier’s
Accessible Learning Centre for information regarding its services and resources.”
4. Plagiarism (Required): The University has approved the following wording for inclusion on all
course syllabi about the use of the institutionally supported plagiarism software tool:
“Wilfrid Laurier University uses software that can check for plagiarism. If requested to do so by
course instructors, students are required to submit their written work in electronic form and
have it checked for plagiarism.” (Approved by Senate May 14, 2002).
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In addition to the statement above you may wish to add the following text about academic
integrity:
5. Academic Integrity (Recommended): “Laurier is committed to a culture of integrity within and
beyond the classroom. This culture values trustworthiness (e.g., honesty, integrity, reliability),
fairness, caring, respect, responsibility and citizenship. Together, we have a shared responsibility
to uphold this culture in our academic and nonacademic behaviour. The University has a defined
policy with respect to academic misconduct. As a Laurier student you are responsible for
familiarizing yourself with this policy and the accompanying penalty guidelines, some of which
may appear on your transcript if there is a finding of misconduct. The relevant policy can be
found at Laurier's academic integrity website along with resources to educate and support you
in upholding a culture of integrity. Ignorance is not a defense.”
6. Late Assignment Policy (Required): Specify any penalties that will be assessed when deadlines
for the completion of course components are not met (Approved by Senate May 23, 2012).
Refer to the Handbook on Undergraduate Course Management for more information.
7. Final Examinations (Required): “Students are strongly urged not to make any commitments
(e.g., vacation) during the examination period. Students are required to be available for
examinations during the examination periods of all terms in which they register. Refer to the
Handbook on Undergraduate Course Management for more information.”
8. Religious and Spiritual Accommodation (Recommended): The University welcomes students,
staff and faculty from a wide range of backgrounds, beliefs and traditions and has a duty to
provide accommodation based on creed (religion and spirituality) under the Ontario Human
Rights Code. This obligation requires the University to work with students to provide reasonable
accommodation when a student's religious observances or spiritual beliefs creates a conflict
with their academic schedule. In order for instructors to provide proper accommodations,
students have obligations to request accommodations in a timely manner. All policies,
procedures, timelines, and request forms are found on Laurier’s Religious and Spiritual
Accommodations and Supports webpage.
9. Gender Inclusivity (Recommended): “This course will be conducted in an affirming and mutually
respectful atmosphere for people of all gender expressions and identities. I was provided with a
class roster with your name as it appears on the official enrollment information. If you use a
name different from the roster, please let me know at your earliest convenience. You can also
share your gender pronouns with me if you like. Members of the class are expected to refer to
one another by the name and pronouns identified by each student. If you are comfortable, you
can also let your classmates know about your name and pronouns. The Centre for Student
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CSEDI) has developed a website outlining how to request a
different name to appear on some university records and systems such as Zoom, MyLS and
email. The website also provides information about Laurier’s Inclusive Washroom Initiative,
support resources at Laurier, and more.”
10. Use of Zoom for Instructional Purposes (If applicable): If you make use of Zoom for
instructional purposes, it is suggested you include the following information:
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“Wilfrid Laurier University uses a range of technologies to facilitate in-person and remote
instruction. Zoom is currently used for remote course delivery, including lectures, seminars, and
group office hours, which may be recorded, stored and shared through MyLearningSpace for
access by students in the course. For these course activities, students are permitted to turn off
their cameras or use an alternative name to maintain their privacy after they have confirmed
this with their course instructors. Student personal information is collected and used in the
course in accordance with University policies and the Notice of Collection, Use or Disclosure of
Personal Information. All exams and mid-terms in the course that are conducted online will be
proctored using only technologies approved for assessment at Laurier as outlined on this page.”
11. Classroom Use of Electronic Devices (Recommended): State your classroom practice and any
consequences for student failure to comply – see Policy 9.3 (Approved by Senate March 8,
2012).
12. Syllabus Statement: Recording Synchronous Classes (If applicable): If you plan to record your
synchronous (live) class sessions and want to make the recordings available to students in your
course after the live class session, you should include the following statement on your syllabus:
“Synchronous (live) class sessions will be delivered in this course through a video conferencing
platform supported by the university [Zoom, Teams, Virtual Classroom]. Steps have been taken
to protect the security of the information shared. For more information about Zoom and
Office365 (including Teams), please visit ICT’s Tech Support and Services page. Class sessions will
be recorded with the video and audio (and in some cases transcription) made available to
students in the course in MyLearningSpace for the duration of the term. The recordings may
capture your name, image or voice through the video and audio recordings. By attending in
these live classes, you are consenting to the collection of this information for the purposes of
administering the class and associated course work. If you are concerned about the use or
collection of your name and other personal information in the class, please contact the course
instructor to identify possible alternatives. To learn more about how your personal information
is collected, used and disclosed by the University, please see Laurier’s Notice of Collection, Use
and Disclosure of Personal Information.”
13. Syllabus Statement: Intellectual Property (Recommended)
“The educational materials developed for this course, including, but not limited to, lecture notes
and slides, handout materials, examinations and assignments, and any materials posted to
MyLearningSpace, are the intellectual property of the course instructors. These materials have
been developed for student use only and they are not intended for wider dissemination and/or
communication outside of a given course. Posting or providing unauthorized audio, video, or
textual material of course content to third-party websites violates instructors’ intellectual
property rights, and the Canadian Copyright Act. Recording lectures in any way is prohibited in
this course unless specific permission has been granted by instructors. Failure to follow these
instructions may be in contravention of the university’s Student Non-Academic Code of Conduct
and/or Code of Academic Conduct, and will result in appropriate penalties. Participation in this
course constitutes an agreement by all parties to abide by the relevant University Policies, and
to respect the intellectual property of others during and after their association with Wilfrid
Laurier University.”
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14. Foot Patrol, the Wellness Centre, and the Student Food Bank (Recommended): The University
approved the inclusion of information about select wellness and safety services and supports on
campus in the course information provided to students. (Approved by Senate November 28,
2011.) Specific language (by campus) is provided below.
Multi-campus Resource:
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Good2Talk is a postsecondary school helpline that provides free, professional and
confidential counselling support for students in Ontario. Call 1-866-925-5454 or through 21-1. Available 24-7.
Kitchener/Waterloo Resources:
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Waterloo Student Food Bank: All students are eligible to use this service to ensure they’re
eating healthy when overwhelmed, stressed or financially strained. Anonymously request a
package online 24-7. All dietary restrictions accommodated.
•
Waterloo Foot Patrol: 519.886.FOOT (3668). A volunteer operated safe-walk program,
available Fall and Winter daily from 6:30 pm to 3 am. Teams of two are assigned to escort
students to and from campus by foot or by van.
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Waterloo Student Wellness Centre: 519-884-0710, x3146. The Centre supports the physical,
emotional, and mental health needs of students. Located on the 2nd floor of the Student
Services Building, booked and same-day appointments are available Mondays and
Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 am
to 4:15 pm. Contact the Centre at x3146, wellness@wlu.ca or @LaurierWellness. After hours
crisis support available 24/7. Call 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247).
Brantford Resources:
•
Brantford Student Food Bank: All students are eligible to use this service to ensure they’re
eating healthy when overwhelmed, stressed or financially strained. Anonymously request a
package online 24-7. All dietary restrictions accommodated.
•
Brantford Foot Patrol: 519-751-PTRL (7875). A volunteer operated safe-walk program,
available Fall and Winter, Monday through Thursday from 6:30 pm to 1 am; Friday through
Sunday 6:30 pm to 11 pm. Teams of two are assigned to escort students to and from
campus by foot or by van.
•
Brantford Wellness Centre: 519-756-8228, x5803. Students have access to support for all
their physical, emotional, and mental health needs at the Wellness Centre. Location:
Student Centre, 2nd floor. Hours: 8:30 am to 4:15 pm Monday through Friday. After hours
crisis support available 24/7. Call 1-884-437-3247 (HERE247).
15. Other potential course policies: Refer to the Academic Calendars or The Handbook on
Undergraduate Course Management for more information, which may include:
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Department-, program-, or Faculty specific policies
community service-learning
communication practices (e.g., when, mode, response time, other)
group work
extensions
grade reassessment codes of conduct (e.g., student behaviour)
exam policy
attendance (class/lab) – faculty have a right to require attendance
class and online participation
other
Appendix
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Assignment details and grading rubrics (assignment, presentations, etc.).
Feedback forms (instruction, participation, self and peer).
Study guidelines.
Other materials and information that students do not have access to.
Glossary of terms.
Formulas or problem sets.
List of external support services and contact information.
Other.
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