MN3555 E-commerce
DEPARTMENT OF: Management
Course Code:
Course Title:
Prerequisites:
Co-ordinator:
Course Staff
Aims:
Learning
Outcomes:
Course
Content:
Academic Session: 2013/14
Core for:
Status:
Management with IS and
Course Value:
MN3555
0.5
Management with Marketing
Optional for others
E-commerce
Availability:
Autumn term
MN2021 Management
Recommended:
Information Systems
Catherine Harbor
C.Harbor@rhul.ac.uk
Room MX116 Moore Annexe
Catherine Harbor
C.Harbor@rhul.ac.uk
Room MX116 Moore Annexe
Yasaman Soltan-Zadeh Y.Soltan-Zadeh@rhul.ac.uk
Room MX120 Moore Annexe
The main aims of the module are to:
 Describe the key features of web-based e-commerce, how it is being conducted and
managed
 Investigate a range of e-commerce applications
 Assess the major opportunities, limitations, issues and risks of e-commerce
 Provide an appreciation of the business issues and technologies surrounding e-commerce
systems that underpin modern organisations
On completion of the course students should be able to:
 Describe the key features of web-based e-commerce from a managerial perspective
 Critically assess a range of e-commerce applications
 Assess the major opportunities, limitations, issues and risks of e-commerce
 Discuss the business issues and technologies surrounding e-commerce systems that
underpin modern organisations
In today’s global economy, e-commerce has increasingly become a necessary component of
business strategy and a strong catalyst for organisational change and development. Companies
of all sizes have Web sites that are aimed directly at customers, and although most purchases
still take place via traditional channels, e-commerce continues to be the fastest growing form of
retail trade, transforming the way in which companies do business.
E-commerce is currently undergoing a period of consolidation in which enthusiasm for new
technologies and ideas is accompanied by careful attention to strategy, implementation, and
profitability. E-commerce can be approached from two major aspects: technological and
managerial. The course content will concentrate on the second approach, considering ecommerce applications and implementation in depth, while still providing a basic introduction to
the enabling technologies. However, no previous technical computing knowledge is required to
take this course.
Teaching &
Learning
Methods:
The course will use a combination of lectures and workshops. Lectures and their associated
readings will be the main means of providing knowledge inputs to students. Workshops will
provide opportunities for students to explore practical examples of e-commerce through
investigation and analysis of case-study organisations. In addition, students will be able to test
and apply their knowledge through student-centred exercises and discussions. The assignment
will provide an important further opportunity for students to extend and apply their knowledge.
Key
Bibliography:
Dave Chaffey (2011) E-Business and E-Commerce Management 5th edition (Financial Times
Press). Available in the Bedford Library at: 338.7580285 CHA (in both main and short loan
collections)
th
Dave Chaffey, et al., (2012) Digital Marketing 5 edition (Financial Times Prentice Hall). On
order for Library.
Efraim Turban, et al., (2011) Electronic Commerce 2012: a managerial perspective 7th edition
(Pearson Higher Education). Available in the Bedford Library at: 338.7580285 ELE
Formative
Assessment
& Feedback:
Students will receive informal formative feedback as part of the interactive discussions integral to
the workshops. Formal individual feedback will be provided for the individual student reports
submitted for their assignment.
Summative
Assessment:
Exam: (70%) 2 hours unseen
Coursework: (30%) The assignment will consist of group-based research; each member of the
group will be assigned a specific area of investigation. Students will be assessed on the basis of
both individual and group parts of the submission.
Deadlines: TBC
The information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication, but may be subject to
change as part of the Department’s policy of continuous improvement and development. Every effort will be
made to notify you of any such changes.