Aims

The Internet and related technologies have created a fast pace environment that is underpin by continuous technological innovations. These innovations give rise to new opportunities that can be exploited in order to create value for all stakeholders. This module will offer students the opportunity to work on a new e-business idea, typically related to an e-commerce venture (although other ideas may also be pursued subject to approval by the module leader). In doing so, it will provide the necessary context for the students to identify business opportunities created by Internet and other relevant technologies (e.g. mobile apps) and the mechanisms for exploiting value based on them. Student will be expected to develop e-business solutions reflecting changes in the business environment and developments in Internet-related technologies. Exploring and searching for the business model will in turn make it possible to develop their business skills in the context of the electronic environment. The module will feature a number of guest speakers that will offer real practice insights.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will cover the following topics.

• Introduction/module overview
• Starting up an e-commerce venture
• Brainstorming activity
• E-Market research
• Customer development and feedback for Lean Start-up
• Developing a business model
• E-Operations and ICT infrastructure
• E-Marketing and social media planning
• Stages of growth for finance and Business IP
• Entrepreneurial leadership and coaching

The presentations will aim to bring together student’s previous knowledge and experience. Classes will feature guest speakers/consultants who are professional in the areas covered by the module outline. This will provide students with an opportunity to experience real life practice but also enquire and get support from experts in each area.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures and seminars will focus on developing student practical knowledge and skills in the business sections discussed each week. These will be complemented by relevant talks by practitioners. Small group teaching will also offer teams the opportunity to discuss with the module leader their own business.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The business proposal will test the students’ grasps of the practical skills and knowledge necessary to develop an e-commerce plan. Students will need to brainstorm and undertake the necessary research to identify emerging opportunities that could potentially be commercially viable. Then, they will need to search for a business model before developing a business proposal to pursue these accordingly. The reflective log will expect students to reflect on their practice and teamwork and on that of others, identifying strong and weak points and coming up with suitable suggestions to improve their practice in the future.