CIS 427 E-Commerce Systems and Technologies

Brightspace Course: CIS427
Time and Place: Blackboard
Classroom: Online
Office Hours: 10:00 - 12:00 PM Tu/Th 224 Tech (Virtual via MS Teams)
Instructor: James R. Gerland, Sr.
Email: (The best way to reach me)
US Mail Drop:
        Buffalo State College
        224 Technology Building
        Buffalo, NY 14222

Description

Provide the student with exposure to Internet services, software technologies and business models associated with conducting business on the World Wide Web. Applied projects are utilized to help develop skills needed to design and support complex E-Commerce applications. Projects will focus on:

  • The evaluation of web hosting services that can be leveraged to assist in the development and implementation of web based applications.
  • Prototype development of E-Commerce applications for the automation of business processes and/or ones that are of particular personal or business interest to the student.

The course will be conducted in a Hybrid format with an applied group-oriented undergraduate research approach.

The course consists of three parts focusing on the Information Technology, Business and Management elements associated with Electronic Commerce. Online course time will utilize our Blackboard Learn course management web site for access to reading material, assignments and projects. E-Mail and face-to-face group meetings will be utilized as a means to address project based discussion.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to:

  • Assess common features of e-commerce sites, including the effective representation of desired organizational image and objectives.
  • Denote the needs of users in diverse organizations by applying systematic analytical tools and techniques.
  • Design alternative e-commerce solutions to user requirements, demonstrating and understanding of a wide array of development options.
  • Develop a demonstration model, with selected features of an e-commerce solution, integrating technological tools and principles within an organizational context.

Note: All assignments and tests are by 11:59 PM on the day they are listed as being!
Tests are available for seven (7) days after the chapter is listed for reading.

ModuleWeekDiscussionChapterAssignmentDue (11:59 PM)
1 Jan 28 Course introduction, administrivia, etc.
What is E-Commerce?
Introduction to Electronic Commerce
1 Brief Introduction
Home Page
Chapter 1 Test
2 Feb 3 E-Commerce Technologies I Technology Infrastructure: The Internet and the World Wide Web 2 Web Hosting Solution Providers
Project Objectives and Ideas
Chapter 2 Test
Brief Introduction
3 Feb 10 E-Commerce Technologies II
Web Server Hardware and Software
8 Anatomy of a Real E-Commerce System
(White Paper)
Chapter 8 Test
Home Page
4 Feb 17 E-Commerce Technologies II
Electronic Commerce Software
9 Extending E-Business Applications Using Mobile Technology
(White Paper)
Chapter 9 Test
Hosting Providers Discussion
PART II: Revenue Models, Marketing, Business to Business and Mobile Commerce
5 Feb 24 Business Elements I
Selling on the Web
3 Chapter 3 Test Anatomy of a Web Site Discussion
6 Mar 3 Business Elements II
Marketing on the Web
4 Chapter 4 Test Extending E-Business Applications Using Mobile Technology
(White Paper) Discussion
6 Mar 10 Marketing on the Web 4
7 Mar 17 Business Elements III
Business-to-Business Activities: Improving Efficiency and Reducing Costs
5 Chapter 5 Test
Mar 25-30 Spring Recess - No Class
7 Mar 31 Business-to-Business Activities: Improving Efficiency and Reducing Costs 5
8 Apr 7 Business Elements IV
Social Networking, Mobile Commerce, and Auctions
6 Chapter 6 Test Project Proposal
PART III: Legal, Ethics & Taxation, Security, Payment Systems and Implementation Management
9 Apr 14 Management Elements I The Environment of Electronic Commerce: Legal, Ethical & Taxes 7 Chapter 7 Test
Fine grain performance evaluation of e-commerce sites (White Paper)
10 Apr 21 Management Elements II Electronic Commerce Software 10 Chapter 10 Test
11 Apr 28 Management Elements III Electronic Commerce Security 11 Chapter 11 Test Fine Grain Performance Tuning Discussion
12 May 5 Managing Electronic Commerce Implementations 12 Chapter 12 Test Final Project Implementation
May 10 Last day of classes All Assignments and Tests Due
Teaching Effectiveness Survey Due

Assignments / Grading

  • Students will be graded on twelve (12) online tests, one for each chapter, each worth 2 points.
  • There will be a "Brief Introduction" forum entry worth 1 point.
  • There will be a "Home Page" assignment worth 10 points.
  • There will be four (4) online open discussions worth 5 points each.
  • There will be one (1) final project proposal worth 15 points.
  • There will be one (1) final project worth 15 points.
  • There will be one (1) final in-class presentation worth 20 points.
  • Final grades will be based on total points (105 available).
  • The final letter grades be based on the following table:
    Grade Range   Grade Range
    A 100 - 95 C+ 79 - 77
    A- 94 - 90 C 76 - 74
    B+ 89 - 87 C- 73 - 70
    B 86 - 84 D 69 - 60
    B- 83 - 80 F 59 - 0

Textbook

Book Cover Electronic Commerce, 11th Edition
Gary Schneider Quinnipiac University
ISBN-10: 128542543X | ISBN-13: 9781285425436
640 Pages
Previous Editions: 2013, 2011, 2009
© 2015 | Published
Student Companion Site
Book is required.

You should also check out my Guide to HTML, CSS and JavaScript and Guide to PHP and MySQL web sites.

Assignments

Introduction | Home Page | Discussions | Final Project Proposal | Final Project Paper | Final Project Presentation

Brief Introduction (1 point)

For this assignment you will login to your Blackboard Learn account and post a brief (75-100 words) introduction about yourself to the Brief Introduction Discussion forum for this course. Use the Add New Thread button and make the Subject line your name. Also, include any relevant course(s) you've taken that might help you in this course. This will give me a better idea of where each of us are in our understanding and experience with electronic commerce concepts and design. Please include a photo of yourself so we can get to know each other.

Back to Assignments

Home Page (10 Points)

For this assignment you will login to your bscacad3.buffalostate.edu account and create your Home Page which will be used as the starting page for the rest of your Assignments for this course. You may modify an existing index.html file to meet the requirements below. Your web page should be HTML5 and CSS3 compliant, should be well-designed, user friendly, easy to navigate and utilize the HTML5 tags and CSS3 styles. You will need to upload an image of yourself to your BSC Web Space. You web page should:

  • Use appropriate <!doctype html> tag indicating that this is an HTML5 web page.
  • Use appropriate <html>, <head>, and <title> tags to give your page a title that contains your name. Appropriate <meta> tags with content describing keywords for the author, text-editor used, and SEO information.
  • Use appropriate HTML5, CSS-styled tags that identify this as your web page including your name, an <img> tag with appropriate src and alt values, along with width, and height CSS Styles that insert a graphic image of yourself on your page and a brief paragraph about yourself.
  • Use appropriately identified and styled <div> tags for the various areas of your page layout.
  • Use a JavaScript function that uses an array of the remaining assignments for this course to display an ordered list of these assignments. In future assignments you will be converting each of these entries to web links that will allow me to view and grade each assignment.

You *MUST* use the W3c validator page at http://validator.w3.org/ to verify your code and http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/ to verify your CSS styles.

When you have this Assignment ready for me to view and grade you should post a note in the Home Page Discussion Folder with the URL of your web page so I can click on that link and open your Assignment in a new browser window (target="_blank").

Back to Assignments

Online Open Discussions (25 points)

There will be four (4) discussions worth five (5) points each:

  • Web Hosting Solution Providers
  • Anatomy of a Real E-Commerce System (White Paper)
  • Extending E-Business Applications Using Mobile Technology (White Paper)
  • Fine grain performance evaluation of e-commerce sites (White Paper)

For each topic/white paper you should post your thoughts in the appropriate discussion forum. You may want to use your favorite search engine (Bing, Google, Yahoo, etc.) for your research. You must post your thoughts/comments before you can view other posts. After you post, please comment on other posts if you have something to add to the discussion. Remember to keep your posts professional. If you disagree with another post then point out your reasons without attacking the individual who made the post.

Back to Assignments

Final Project Proposal (10 points)

For this assignment you will create a professionally written paper describing your Final Project Proposal. You will use Word (or another word processing application). This paper should be 500-700 words, spell-checked, and include citations or references to sources you may have used in developing your proposal.

When you have this Assignment ready for me to view and grade you should upload your Word document to your BSC web space and add a link to your Home Page so I can download and grade your work. Then post a note in the Final Project Proposal Discussion Folder with the URL of your web page so I can click on that link and open your Assignment in a new browser window (target="_blank").

Back to Assignments

Final Project Implementation Paper/Web Site (10 points)

For this assignment you will create a professionally written paper describing the implementation of your Final Project Proposal. Your Final Project is to design and implement (either on paper or on a web server) an electronic commerce system. You may choose the type of system (retail, business-to-business, non-profit fund raising, auction, classified ads, etc.). You will use Word (or another word processing application). This paper should be 500-700 words, spell-checked and include tables, graphs, images, and citations or references to sources you may have used in describing your project proposal.

When you have this Assignment ready for me to view and grade you should upload your Word document to your BSC web space and add a link to your Home Page so I can download and grade your work. Then post a note in the Final Project Implementation Discussion Folder with the URL of your web page so I can click on that link and open your Assignment in a new browser window (target="_blank").

Back to Assignments

Final Project Presentation (16 points)

For this assignment you will create a professionally designed presentation (PowerPoint, Web Site, etc.) describing the implementation of your Final Project Proposal. This presentation should be 5-10 slides or web pages and should be spell-checked and include tables, graphs, images, and citations or references to sources you may have used in implementing your project proposal.

When you have this Assignment ready for me to view and grade you should upload your PowerPoint document to your BSC web space and add a link to your Home Page so I can download and grade your work. If you actually created a mock-up web site then simple add a link to this site to your Home Page so I can view and grade your work. Then post a note in the Final Project Proposal Discussion Folder with the URL of your web page so I can click on that link and open your Assignment in a new browser window (target="_blank").

Back to Assignments

Communication

This is a hybrid course which will have in-class meetings for discussions and also utilize Blackboard Learn for chapter-based discussions and tests. Students are expected to login at minimum multiple times each week for course announcements, assignments, quizzes, discussions,etc.

Faculty/Instructor: I can be reached by email with questions or for guidance that are concerned with this course. You should expect that I will reply to your message within 1-2 business days. Specific course-related questions (textbook, tests, discussions, etc.) should be posted in Blackboard Learn so everyone can benefit from the questions and answers.

Students: If you have multiple email accounts, please be sure that you access (or forward) your Buffalo State email. Your Buffalo State email is the account I will use to send course-related materials.

Netiquette

This course may utilize Blackboard Learn to facilitate online communication between course participants. Please keep in mind the following "Rules of Netiquette" when communicating online.

  • The rules of the classroom are the same regardless of location. Remember just because you're interacting online, doesn't mean you stop having respect for your professors, and fellow classmates. You're communicating with a real person, not a computer screen.
  • Remember your audience. When communicating online it's important to remember who you're communicating with. When sending a message to a professor, please refrain from using "text speak". For example, Shakespeare never intended for you to type "2B or not 2B". Also, stay away from typing in all capital letters; it will appear as if you're shouting.
  • Avoid b language. Language can easily be misinterpreted in an online setting. Be sure to review your work before submitting, making sure the reader won't be able to misinterpret it as b, or offensive. Sarcasm doesn't translate well online. Your audience can't see your facial expressions, or body language. Try to be as straight forward and professional as possible.
  • Read everything, twice. Be sure to thoroughly read all course materials before beginning to work on your assignments. If you have a question, or need clarification, re-read the materials. You may have glanced over an important detail the first time. If you're still having difficulties, then e-mail your professor.
  • Review all materials before submitting. When responding to discussion board posts, be sure to read all previous postings before you post your own. This way you won't duplicate someone else's comments. Also, it's a good idea to write, and save your work in Microsoft Word first. In case of a technical issue, you have a backup copy.

Policy Regarding Absences, Attendance, Assignments, Exams, etc.

  • Class Attendance and Absences
    As many online activities will be completed throughout the semester, participation in our Blackboard Learn Discussion Forums is expected. In the case of exceptional circumstances that result in you not being able to participate in a timely manner, you must contact me prior to the start of your absence (either by email or by leaving a telephone message). Please be aware that a prolonged absence from Blackboard Learn under these circumstances does not excuse you from any required assignments.
  • Late Assignments
    All assignments are due at the designated time and due date. Late assignments will not be accepted. If there are circumstances that will preclude you from turning in assignments on the due date, it is imperative that you discuss the situation with the instructor prior to the due date.
  • Exams and Final Exam
    See grading for information about quizzes and exams in this course.
  • Disability Policy
    If you have any disability which requires reasonable accommodations to enable you to participate in this course, please contact the Disability Services Office, 120 South Wing, (716) 878-4500, and also the instructor of this course during the first week of class. DSO will provide you with information and review appropriate arrangements for reasonable accommodations. Buffalo State Disability Services Office Web Site
  • Academic Integrity
    Reference: Academic Standards Web Site

    Students who are suspected of academic dishonesty will be dealt with severely in accordance with the Department and College Policy. This may include a grade of 0 for an assignment and/or failure in a course.

  • Academic Dishonesty: Actions that compromise academic integrity include, but are not limited to the following examples:

    • Previously submitted work: submitting academically required material that has been previously submitted - in whole or in substantial part - in another course, without prior and expressed consent of the instructor.
    • Plagiarism. Copying or receiving material from any source and submitting that material as one's own, without acknowledging and citing the particular debts to the source (quotations, paraphrases, basic ideas), or in any other manner representing the work of another as one's own.
    • Cheating. Soliciting and/or receiving information from, or providing information to, another student or any other unauthorized source (including electronic sources such as cellular phones and PDAs), with the intent to deceive while completing an examination or individual assignment.
    • Falsification of academic materials. Fabricating laboratory materials, notes, reports, or any forms of computer data; forging an instructor's name or initials; resubmitting an examination or assignment for re-evaluation which has been altered without the instructor's authorization; or submitting a report, paper, materials, computer data, or examination (or any considerable part thereof) prepared by any person other than the student responsible for the assignment.
    • Misrepresentation of documents. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College or Official document, record, or instrument of identification.
    • Confidential academic materials. Procurement, distribution or acceptance of examinations or laboratory results without prior and expressed consent of the instructor.
    • Selling academic assignments. No person shall sell or offer for sale to any person enrolled at the Buffalo State any academic assignments, or any inappropriate assistance in the preparation, research, or writing of any assignment, which the sellers knows, or has reason to believe, is intended for submission in fulfilled of any course or academic program requirement.
    • Purchasing academic assignments. No person shall purchase an academic assignment intended for submission in fulfillment of any course or academic program requirement.