Description | Lectures | References | Assignments | Final Projects

Description

Electronic commerce, commonly called eCommerce, is broadly defined as the buying and selling of goods using electronic transaction processing technologies. Over the past ten years these approached have gone through a cycle that has extolled both great promise and bitter disappointments only to be followed lately by a substantial rebound and growth to respectability and even dominance. USA Today Internet 50

In this course we will study the basics fundamentals of both the business and economic motivations for eCommerce as well as the underlying computation, information and communication environments that encompass eCommerce transactions.

We will focus exclusively on those electronic and process technologies that allow for transactions to be conducted with little or no intervention on the part of the buyer or the seller. We will characterize the value proposition afforded by such transactions. Initially we will focus on stationary transactions using "wired" connections. Later we will investigate mobile, enRoute Commerce, transactions requiring wireless communications. This will lead us to look into Android - the open handset alliance.

The last third of the course will be focused on the design and construction of eCommerce sites in the following areas:

Nominal homework assignments revolve around the design, construction and evaluation of a typical eCommerce site. Through a series of assignments, the first part of the course will focus on a generic example, the rental of DVDs for viewing on airplanes. The second part of the course will be team project-oriented. It will focus on developing a more substantive student-motivated eCommerce initiative. In place of a final exam, the team Projects will be presented, at a course symposium to be held at the end of reading period.

Description | Lectures | References | Assignments | Final Projects

Lectures

Part I. Introduction

Date Title Reading Notes
2/4 Overview of eCommerce, Enrolled Students Laudon Ch 1 or Deitel 1 Internet50 Assignment
2/6 The Internet and the World Wide Web Laudon Ch 3 or Deitel 3;

Part II. Software Technologies and Case Studies of eCommerce

Date Title Reading Notes
2/11 HTTP Servers and the CGI Hall 16.2-16.5,17.4, 18.1-18.6 (to be passed out); Quick HTML Reference; Dietel 10.6-10.7, 29.1, 29.3-29.6
2/13 eBusiness Models and Information Tranactions, Google Map, MapQuest,NBS Laudon Ch 2 or Deitel Ch 3
2/18,20 Data and Transaction Processing Hall ch 17 Review of Java
2/25, 2/27 Client-Side Processing JavaScript TutorialHall Ch19.1 - 19.6 JavaScript Notes 2/25
3/3 Saving State Information, Cookies Cookie Tutorial, Cookies & PHP Hall 16.6, 18.12, 19.7; Cookies Notes 3/6
3/5,10 Beyond HTML:XML Introduction to XML , XML Tutorial, and SOAP Tutorial XML Notes 3/10
3/12 Final Projects Due 3/26 Final Project: Preliminary Proposal , Notes 3/12 Link to Mars Rover Movie
3/24 Beyond HTTP: TCP/IP and Socket Communicatons TCP/IP Tutorial TCP/IP IBM Book Notes 3/24
3/26 Special Seminar: Robert Moore'06 , Analyst, Insight Venture Partners "Emerging Trends in eCommerce: An Investor and Entrepreneur's Perspective"
3/31 More on: Beyond HTTP: TCP/IP and Socket Communicatons See Readings of 3/24 See Notes of 3/24
4/2 Android, Google Maps & eBusiness Models,

Part III. Operational Considerations and Case Studies

Date Title Reading Notes
4/7, 4/9 Really SmartPhones: Enablers of EnRoute Commerce Dietel 28 EnRouteCommerce Notes 4/7, Supply Chain Notes 4/9
4/14 Web Graphics & Augmented Reality Graphics Notes 4/14
4/15 Special lunch time seminar Views from a .com "veteran" Jonathan Sills'96; EVP, ProFlowers.com; writer ESPN: the magazine
4/16 Capacity Analysis Notes 4/16
4/21 Mobile Wireless Wireless Notes 4/21
4/23 Auctions Seminar by Rob Hill'84 President, Americon Consulting Rob Hill Auction Reference Links Slides Hill
4/28 Internet Pricing Notes 4/28
4/30 "Future of Consumer Electronics" Possible Presentation by Larry Reich; Technology & Consumer Electronics Blogger

Note that this schedule is tentative and may change during the course of the semester.

Description | Lectures | References | Assignments | Final Projects

Reference Textbooks and Readings

Additional readings will also be handed-out from time to time. Your are responsible for completing the readings prior to the first day that they will be discussed in class.

Assignments

Description | Lectures | References | Assignments | Final Projects

You must complete the following assignments during the course of the semester:

Description Due
Server-Side Processing with HTTP - Part I 2/18
Server-Side Processing with HTTP - Part II 2/25
Client-Side Processing with HTTP - Part I 3/3
Client-Side Processing with HTTP - Part II 3/10
Beyond HTTP 4/9
Capacity: Issues and Analysis 4/16

Final Project

Description | Lectures | References | Assignments | Final Projects

The final project is due on Monday 5/12. Final project presentations will start on Monday, May 12 at 12:30 pm in Room 004 Friend. Each multi-student group has only 15 minutes for their presentation including: setup time (have everything ready), presentation (13 minutes MAX), and discussion (2 minutes). Individual student projects have only 10 minutes for everything. Attendance will be taken. You will need to sign in and out.

After the presentations, we will have another PICNIC at my house 24 Montadale Circle (2 miles from campus, tel:921-2493)) on Monday May 12, (4pm-7pm). We will play a softball game; bring a softball glove if you can. A pool is available, so bring your bathing suit. A pool table is available, so bring plenty of money! You are welcome to bring a guest.

Grading

Grades will be based on your performance on problem sets (40%) and the final project (40%) and 10% class participation.