Introductory description

This module delves deep into the realm of digital retail operations with a specific focus on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), emerging technologies and innovation, MarTech Stack, outsourcing strategies, and cybersecurity in e-commerce operations.

Module aims

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.

1. ERP in Digital Retail Operations

• Role of ERP in supply chain management
• ERP implementation strategies and challenges
• Case studies of success ERP adoption in digital retail

1. Emerging Technologies and Innovation

• Exploration of AI, IoT, blockchain, AR, and VR in digital retail
• Assessing the impact of innovation on digital retail
• Case studies of innovation in e-Commerce

1. Designing the MarTech Stack for Digital Retail

• Building a MarTech Stack for personalized marketing
• Leveraging data analytics for marketing automation
• Integrating CRM systems and analytics tools

1. Outsourcing Strategies in e-Commerce

• Types of outsourcing in e-Commerce operations
• Outsourcing decision frameworks
• Managing and optimizing outsourcing relationships

1. Cybersecurity in e-Commerce Operations

• Identifying cybersecurity threats in e-Commerce
• Implementing security protocols and best practices
• Data protection and regulatory compliance

1. Promoting Innovation in Digital Retail

• Developing an innovation-focused mindset
• Encouraging innovation within retail organizations
• Innovative solutions

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Analyze the significance of ERP systems in optimizing digital retail operations, particularly in the context of supply chain management, inventory control, and business process integration.
• Assess ERP systems in digital retail, the impact of technologies like AI and IoT on innovation, and develop a Marketing Technology Stack for better customer engagement and data-driven decisions.
• Evaluate different outsourcing models, assess their implications on cost efficiency, scalability, and operational flexibility, and make informed decisions regarding the outsourcing of various functions in e-commerce operations.
• Develop and implement robust cybersecurity strategies and practices specific to e-Commerce operations, including threat identification, prevention, incident response, and data protection.
• Work in teams to combine insights on ERP systems and new technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and augmented reality to tackle a complex digital retail issue creatively, showcasing teamwork and innovative problem-solving.

Indicative reading list

Shtub, A. 1999, Enterprise resource planning (ERP): the dynamics of operations management, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston.
Kaufman, I.M. & Horton, C.(.c. 2015, Digital marketing: integrating strategy and tactics with values ; a guidebook for executives, managers, and students, Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, London;New York.
Brynjolfsson, E. & McAfee, A. 2016, The second machine age: work, progress, and prosperity in a time of brilliant technologies, W. W. Norton & Company, London;New York
Dart, M. & Lewis, R. 2018, "RETAIL'S SEISMIC SHIFT: HOW TO SHIFT FASTER, RESPOND BETTER, AND WIN CUSTOMER LOYALTY", MMR (New York, N.Y.), vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 111.
Tapscott, D. & Tapscott, A. 2016, Blockchain revolution: how the technology behind bitcoin is changing money, business, and the world, Portfolio / Penguin, New York.

Interdisciplinary

A mixture of technology/computing topics and business topics

International

Topics are of high international demand

Subject specific skills

ERP implementation and management skills, Emerging technology skills, MarTech stack design skills, Outsourcing strategy skills, Cybersecurity in e-Commerce skills

Transferable skills

Critical thinking skills, Problem-solving skills, Data-driven decision-making skills, Communication and presentation skills, Teamwork and collaboration skills