WM956-15 Enterprise eCommerce Solutions
Introductory description
The practice of eCommerce is today a critical part of almost all retail business. There is strong industry demand for graduates who are able to design, develop and optimise eCommerce solutions. This module will introduce students to eCommerce practice at an enterprise scale, and the technologies and techniques that go with it.
Module aims
This module studies the specific technologies and processes that characterise the transactional aspect of digital commerce. The module covers a range of topics incorporating both the technical, such as hosting solutions and web frameworks, through to the managerial, such as the integration of eCommerce solutions with business operations and developing effective and optimised promotional activities.
The module has an emphasis on practice, with participants following an end-to-end process of eCommerce solution development. This will incorporate requirements gathering, competitor analysis, business case development, prototyping, implementation (using industry-standard content management systems), testing and deployment.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Theoretical Models of eCommerce
a. What is eCommerce?
b. Academic Research in eCommerce
eCommerce Technology
a. Hosting Solutions
b. Web Frameworks for eCommerce
c. Programming Languages for the Web
d. Content Management Solutions
Delivery and Payment Methods
- Delivery Methods for eCommerce
- Payment Methods and Transactions
- Multichannel Sales
- Digital Marketing for eCommerce
- Design for eCommerce
a. Design Best Practice
b. Analysing Website Quality
c. Wireframing and Prototyping
d. Conversion Rate Optimisation
Web Development
a. eCommerce Website Build
b. Client Presentations
An overview of eCommerce, and the prior academic research, including the main theoretical models and applications in information systems, mathematics and behavioural sciences.
A practical exploration of the fundamental eCommerce technologies. This will include hosting options – on-premise, public cloud, private cloud and cluster computing; web programming languages and frameworks; and content management systems (CMS).
An evaluation of the key operational elements to support eCommerce platforms. Mostly this will focus on delivery methods, supply chain, payment and transactions, and affiliate sales partners.
A theoretical and practical introduction to eCommerce design practices. This will also incorporate website evaluation, wireframing, and conversion rate optimisation.
Finally, an activity that will bring these aspects together in a practical website implementation where participants will build a functional, prototype website based on specified client requirements. This website will be demonstrated in formal presentations, representing the second element of the in-module assessment.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key eCommerce technologies to determine an appropriate solution for given use-cases
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of design patterns and best practices and their practical implementation
- Critically evaluate the systematic and operational risks associated with eCommerce implementations to develop comprehensive mitigation strategies
- Collaboratively analyse digital business requirements and practically implement an eCommerce website in a real-world setting
Indicative reading list
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
eCommerce, web development, cloud computing, digital marketing
Transferable skills
Presentation skills, research, teamwork, software development, critical thinking
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 sessions of 1 hour (22%) |
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 1 hour (11%) |
| Practical classes | (0%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 60 sessions of 1 hour (67%) |
| Total | 90 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A5
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Report | 70% | 42 hours | Yes (extension) |
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A business-style report on an eCommerce transformation in a given industry |
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| eCommerce website build | 30% | 18 hours | No |
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A group assignment where students will be implementing a website for a given client brief. Peer Marking Process will be adopted in this assessment. |
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Feedback on assessment
Verbal and written feedback will be provided for the the Group Project. Written feedback will be provided for the Business Report assignments.
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.