Newcastle University

Aims

The module aims to introduce the concept, history rationales and context of E-Business and its relevance to the economy and society. More specifically, when it comes to organisations, it aims to explore with students how the changes in the business environment have affected business rules and how they in turn affected organisational designs, strategies, business models and innovation management.

Original Summary:
This module will introduce a robust conceptual framework to underpin and integrate e-business related issues, ranging from the key characteristics of the business environment, emerging strategies and business models, to organisational innovations adopted by leading organisations. The theories are then further developed and then applied in practice in the context of a group work. The formal lectures will be supplemented by guest speakers.

Outline Of Syllabus

1) Module overview/Assessment 2) What is e-business and does it still matter? 3) The 'ICT Revolution' and the information economy 4) The network economy: New rules of the game. 5) How the Internet redefines organisational boundaries 6) New strategies for the network economy 7) Managing disruptive innovations 8) Strategic reorientations 9) Emerging e-business models 10) Structural innovations and process innovations 11) e-Government 12) Ebusiness applications.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. The lectures and seminars will underpin the theoretical aspects of the module and students will be expected to carry out set work and undertake directed reading and independent studies where appropriate.
2. IT and other skills will be developed in a practical environment and students will enhance these skills by the use of self-study texts and through the assignment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assignment will require students to put theories in practice while preparing a report on an ebusiness company, ebusiness subdomain or ebusiness application. This may include a case study that will be used to provide the context for the analysis and discussion.