University of Hawaii at Hilo, College of Business and Economics
QBA 365
Managing Electronic Commerce

Course Details

Course Description

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) can be defined as business transacted via the Internet and World Wide Web. Each year, e-commerce accounts for billions of dollars in transactions between business and consumers and over a trillion dollars in business-to-business transactions. E-commerce experienced explosive entrepreneurial growth between 1995 and 2000 before the "bursting of the dot.com bubble". Today, the lessons learned from the crash of many dot.com's are being used by organizations to integrate on-line and off-line operations. In this course, we will explore how business models have changed with the expansion of technology. Topics covered include e-commerce business models, e-commerce security, e-commerce payment systems, and supply chain management. Students will complete a hands-on project developing an actual e-commerce website.

Course Policies and Expectations:

Class Attendance and Preparation Expectation

Students are expected to attend classes and be prepared. Students are expected to show up on time and stay for the entire class. Students are responsible for makeup work in the event of an absence. Please report planned absences in advance.

Academic Dishonesty Policy

Academic dishonesty includes representing the work of another as one's own or cheating by any means. Academic dishonesty also includes aiding, abetting, concealing, or attempting such activity. The usual penalty is an F in the course and disciplinary activity by the University.

Open Door Policy

I have an open office door policy. I encourage students to come to my office with any questions or concerns or just to say "aloha". I am in my office from 9:00am - 4:00pm on most days unless I am teaching, in a meeting, or at the library. I do not mind if students stop by without an appointment during these hours. If my door is open, come on in.

Email

I check my email everyday (including weekends). If you need to contact me this is often times the best way to do so. I try to respond to email very quickly.

Course Grading

Final Grades

Final grades will be computed in the following manner. This grading scale is firm!!

Participation

Students are expected to read the textbook chapters prior to class so that they can actively participate in discussion. Various assignments and cases will be assigned.

Presentation

Students will be expected to research a special topic and present their findings to the class. Students are free to choose their own topic of interest as long as it is approved by the instructor. Examples of topics include security, payment systems, auctions, on-line communities, and on-line content providers.

Students will be expected to present their findings and lead the class in a discussion of the topic. While no written report is required, students are encouraged to distribute copies of their powerpoint slides. Grades will be based on the accuracy, completeness, and clarity of the information presented.

Exam

One comprehensive exam will be administered in this course. The format will be short answer/essay.

Project

Students will collectively participate in a hands-on project involving the partial development of an actual e-commerce website. Grades will be based on the student's overall performance including the effort they put forth and their ability to complete portions of the project on time.

Planned Schedule (subject to change)