This course serves as an introduction to internet based business models (i.e., e-commerce) in organizations. The study of this field will assist students in recognizing opportunities and overcoming challenges in online business transactions. Topics include e-commerce management, use of information systems and integration with human resources, knowledge management strategies, e-marketing and relationships between the internet, government, and society.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the transformative impact of the Internet on business.
2. Outline what makes virtual business processes user-friendly.
3. Compare how markets change as more consumers migrate online.
4. Apply principles for protecting digital intellectual property.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).
Unit 1: Week 1 – Introduction to E-Commerce
Unit 2: Week 2 – Business Models used in E-Commerce
Unit 3: Week 3 – Digital Design
Unit 4: Week 4 – Web Analytics and Metrics
Unit 5: Week 5 – Digital Markets, Servicing, Dynamic Pricing and Electronic Payments
Unit 6: Week 6 – Social Media and Business
Unit 7: Week 7 – Internet Trust, Security, and Privacy
Unit 8: Week 8 – Internet Law
Unit 9: Week 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction to E-Commerce

● Post a self-introduction in the Course Forum and meet your classmates
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Business Models used in E-Commerce

● Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Digital Design

● Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Take the Self-Quiz
● Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Web Analytics and Metrics

● Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: Digital Markets, Auctions, Servicing, and Dynamic Pricing

● Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Social Media and Business

● Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz
● Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 7: Internet Trust, Security, and Privacy

● Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Internet Law

● Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Complete and submit the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz
● Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
● Take the Review Quiz
● Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

● Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
● Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
● The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time)