WEB 2220

CIW E-Commerce Strategies and Practices

3 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

This course teaches students how to conduct business online and how to manage the technological issues associated with constructing an electronic-commerce Web site. Students will study how implementing technology can engage cardholders, merchants, issuers, payment gateways and other parties in electronic transactions.

Course Objectives:

Students will

  1. Define e-commerce and discuss its trends and statistics.
  2. Explain the legal aspects of e-commerce, including jurisdiction, copyright, and patents.
  3. Identify and describe e-commerce marketing goals.
  4. Explain usability and discuss the factors that affect it.
  5. Define e-services and formulate an e-service action plan.
  6. Explain Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and its role in e-commerce.
  7. Define e-business and the role it plays in current business.
  8. Explain interoffice resources for increased productivity and cost reduction.
  9. Distinguish between e-commerce software options and weigh their advantages and disadvantages.
  10. Install and customize an e-commerce site with a product catalog using software applications.
  11. Install and verify a payment gateway for transaction processing.
  12. Administer payment transactions for the batching process.
  13. Identify major components of e-commerce security.
  14. Generate a certificate request for a trusted third-party certificate authority.
  15. Install a server certificate.
  16. Develop a fully transaction-enabled e-commerce web site.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Conceptualize animations.
  2. Define electronic commerce (e-commerce) and discuss electronic commerce trends and statistics.
  3. Explain the difference between business-to-consumer and business-to-business e-commerce.
  4. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using e-commerce over traditional sales methods.
  5. Assess the initial considerations of launching an electronic commerce web site, including hardware, software, bandwidth, in-house hosting, and outsourcing.
  6. Discuss different archetypes for generating revenue on the Internet.
  7. Explain three models for collecting payments on the Internet.
  8. Discuss security issues.
  9. Explain legal aspects of e-commerce.
  10. Identify Internet issues that may present legal challenges.
  11. Discuss how legal issues such as jurisdiction, copyright, and patents apply to software.
  12. Identify what consittutes intellectual property and how to protect it.
  13. Identify the current taxation issues facing Internet commerce.
  14. Identify and define e-commerce marketing goals.
  15. Describe online marketing strategies.
  16. Discuss the drivers and barriers to growth.
  17. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hard goods and soft goods.
  18. Explain product distribution factors and methods dealing with cost and distance.
  19. Compare global product appeal to niche product appeal.
  20. Identify Internet demographics and their relevance.
  21. Explain product/service awareness methods used by online marketers.
  22. Use banner ads effectively.
  23. Discuss exchange networks and referrer programs.
  24. Select among search engine placement options.
  25. Choose appropriate email marketing options.
  26. Explain the importance of usability.
  27. Discusss factors affecting usability.
  28. Explain click patterns.
  29. Clarify the concept of screen flow.
  30. Analyze usability results.
  31. Define e-services.
  32. Define Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
  33. Define synchronous and asynchronous e-services.
  34. Formulate a CRM action plan.
  35. Develop customer surveys.
  36. Explain Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Open Buying on the Internet (OBI), and Open Trading Protocol.
  37. Define busines-to-business networks.
  38. Explain vertical and horizontal markets.
  39. Identify interoffice productivity resources.
  40. Distinguish among the online instant storefront options for creating an electronic commerce site.
  41. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of online instant storefronts, including packages for creating and managing electronic commerce storefronts.
  42. Create an online instant storefront using Earthstores.com and ShopFactory.com.
  43. Evaluate the administrative merits of online electronic commerce packages.
  44. Evaluate the issues involved in choosing web server software.
  45. Examine the Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) configuraion.
  46. Create a virtual directory and a virtual server.
  47. Bind multiple IP addresses.
  48. Discuss the issues in choosing web site development software.
  49. Examine database needs and requirements.
  50. Examine the development software setup and configuration.
  51. Unpack a Solution Site for Commerce Server.
  52. Create a foundation for your e-commerce site.
  53. Examine the Commerce Server Business Desk.
  54. Customize default pages.
  55. Explain the concepts of catalog design.
  56. Explain the components of an online catalog.
  57. Demonstrate how new categories, products, and properties are added to an online catalog.
  58. Define shipping and taxation requirements.
  59. Integrate an online catalog with the existing site that was developed.
  60. Explain the issues involved in choosing a payment method.
  61. Install a payment gateway.
  62. Enable the site you created to accept credit cards.
  63. Access online transaction information.
  64. Manually process credit card transactions.
  65. Describe the function of a knowledge base.
  66. Install, populate, administer, and integrate a knowledge base.
  67. Identify encryption schemes such as symmetric, asymmetric, and one way.
  68. Identify the benefits provided by security implementation such as hashing, message digests, and digital signatures.
  69. Explain the certificate-related infrastructure.
  70. Outline the consideration of a secure transaction.
  71. Request a digital certificate from VeriSign.
  72. Create a digital certificate from Microsoft Certificate Server.
  73. Install server digital certificates.
  74. Examine the current Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) procedure.
  75. Secure the ordering pages of the site you created.
  76. Examine the implementation of the Secure Electronic Transactions (SET).
  77. Manage the issues and tools used to run your e-commerce web site.
  78. Explain the tools and methods used to test your site for traffic.
  79. Identify the need for server monitoring and optimization.
  80. Identify site strengths and weaknesses.

Prerequisites and Corequisites:

A practical knowledge of how the Internet operates, HTML code, graphic formats, web site building, and web page design. These pre- and co-requisites may be obtained through these courses:

  • Prerequisite: WEB 2200 - (PSTCC)
  • Corequisite: None

Course Topics:

Week

Unit

Topic

Week 1

Lesson 1

Electronic Commerce Foundations

Week 2

Lesson 2

Law and the Internet

Lesson 3

Web Marketing Goals

Week 3

Lesson 4

Online Product Promotion

Lesson 5

Site Usability

Week 4

Lesson 6

Customer Relationship Management

Week 5

Lesson 7

Business-to-Busienss Frameworks

Week 6

Lesson 8

Electronic Site Creation Packages

Lesson 9

Electronic Commerce Site-Creation Software

Week 7

Lesson 10

Site Development Software Implementation

Week 8

Lesson 11

Developing an EC Site Using Commerce Server

Week 9

Lesson 12

Creating an Online Catalog

Week 10

Lesson 13

Inventory Control and Order Processing

Week 11

Lesson 14

Payment Gateways

Week 12

Lesson 15

E-Service Implementation and Support

Week 13

Lesson 16

Transaction and Web Site Security

Week 14

Lesson 17

E-Learning Solutions

Week 15

Lesson 18

Site Management and Performance Testing

Specific Course Requirements:

Students need to already have basic computer proficiency, knowledge of HTML, ability to utilize graphics for the Web, and ability to design and structure a web site.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

 

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course:

 http://rodp.bkstr.com

 

Hardware Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.

Hardware/Software Requirements for this Course

IBM-type criteria:

Hardware:

  • Intel Pentium 4, Intel Centrino, Intel Xeon, or Intel Core Duo (or compatible) processor.
  • Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Ultimate or Enterprise (certified for 32-bit editions)
  • 1 GB of RAM
  • 5 GB of available hard-disk space
  • 1024 x 768 monitor resolution with 16-bit video card
  • CD-ROM drive (DVD preferred)
  • High-speed Internet connection such as cable modem or DSL recommended, if possible
  • Speakers

Software:

  • Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher) with Outlook Express
  • Macromedia Shockwave and Flash players. Download free from http://www.macromedia.com/downloads/
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or better. Download free from http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/main.html
  • OPTIONAL: Netscape 7.0 (full installation)

Macintosh criteria:

Hardware:

  • PowerPC G4 or G5 or multicore Intel processor
  • Mac OS X v.10.4.8
  • 1 GB of RAM
  • 7 GB of available hard-disk space
  • 1024 x 768 monitor resolution with 16-bit video card
  • CD-ROM (DVD preferred)
  • High-speed Internet connection such as cable modem or DSL recommended, if possible
  • Speakers

Software:

  • QuickTime 7.0.4 or better
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader 6 or better. Download free from http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/main.html
  • Macromedia Shockwave and Flash players. Download free from http://www.macromedia.com/downloads/

Software Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.

Instructor Information

Please see the instructor page for instructor contact information as well as a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information.

Assessment and Grading

Testing Procedures:

Online quizzes will are built into this course. The primary portion of the student's grade will be based on hands on activities/labs, chapter quizzes and tests, and discussion board participation. The purpose of the online quizzes is to encourage the student to work through the lessons and labs in order to become familiar with the concepts and principles explained in the textbook and tutorial videos.

Students will be expected to complete all assignments and projects satisfactorily on time in a professional manner. Evaluation of the students knowledge and performance will be based on demonstration by written discussion and testing. Students will successfully complete exercises and projects to demonstrate mastery of concepts and skills.

Grading Procedure:

The final grade will be determined on the basis of scores on assignments, projects, quizzes and participation as well as the instructor's evaluation of the student's understanding and application of the concepts covered in the course. Any coursework by someone other than the enrolled student will not recieve credit, will be reported for disciplinary action and will result in failure. The highest standard of conduct and performance is expected from each student at all times.

Grading Scale:

Grade

Percentage

A

90-100%

B

80-89%

C

70-79 %

D

60-69 %

F

0-59 %

 

  • Assignments and Projects: 50 percent of grade. Students will complete assignments related to textbook and online readings weekly in addition to several comprehensive projects.
  • Tests and Quizzes: 35 percent of grade. Students will be given a series of quizzes over textbook content during the semester. These exams will consist of true/false, multiple choice, and essay questions.
  • Discussion and Online Communication: 15 percent of grade. Participation in Discussions by contributing information, helping each other, solving problems and answering questions is rewarded. Students will use Discussion inside D2L to communicate with each other and with the instructor.

Assignments and Participation

Assignments and Projects:

One or more hands-on assignments or projects will be completed each week.

Class Participation:

Active communication in discussions to assist others and share knowledge is highly valued and will add points to your participation score. Students are expected to respond to email, communicate with the instructor and others in discussion, and check the course news board frequently for announcements and instructions.

Punctuality:

Each week there will be a reading assignment, a test, or an assignment to complete. Assignments and tests are expected to be submitted by the due date and time. Late assignments will not receive credit but may be sent to show you did the work. Credit lost for late or incomplete work can be replaced by doing optional assignments. Time management is absolutely critical for professionals, so it is imperative that you meet deadlines.

Course Ground Rules

Online participation is a requirement in this course. Students are expected to participate on the discussion boards. Students are also expected to keep up with the weekly course work including assignments, discussion board postings, quizzes, etc. Continue to check the Course Homepage for course announcements frequently and observe course netiquette at all times. Politeness is a requirement, not an option. Use D2L discussion and course email for communication about this course. For other college related communication you may use the assigned college or university e-mail address as opposed a personal e-mail address. Address technical problems with D2L immediately with the RODP helpdesk.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:
  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussion Groups:
  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a reader then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of others ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner. 
  • Be cooperative working together.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Be helpful, share knowledge and information to add points to your participation score.

Chat:
  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in chat sessions.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open chat sessions at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive and helpful in your comments and suggestions

Web Resources:

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses.

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the left to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

Telephone Support:

If you are having problems logging into your course,
timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the Eduprise Help Desk by calling

1-866-550-7637 (toll free)

or go to their website at:

http://help.rodp.org