24412 e-Business Project

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

This subject involves applying knowledge gained to an electronic business problem faced by a firm. Students develop a project proposal defining the problem, and outlining the methodology for the investigation of the problem; prepare a critical literature review from secondary data sources; conduct a primary research project working with the client firm; produce a written report on the project; and conduct a seminar to present the key findings, conclusions and recommendations from the project. Students are expected to conclude the project with an executive briefing on the project to their client firms.

Subject objectives/outcomes

The overall objectives of the research project are:

1. To investigate a significant entrepreneurial activity within the context of electronic business; and
2. To demonstrate understanding of marketing and strategy theories, concepts and models in relation to a selected electronic business entrepreneurial activity that the student has identified.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject allows the students to bring together the knowledge and skills they have developed when undertaking E-Business Foundations and E-Marketing Strategy subjects by completing a 'real-life' research project on a specific entrepreneurial activity related to electronic business. The project may cover the marketing strategies of a new electronic business or how a conventional business is embracing electronic marketing as part of its overall business strategy. It is expected that students will apply not only appropriate marketing theory but also theory learned in earlier subjects.

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject will require students to produce a research project within the context of e-business. The findings are to be presented in a well researched, structured, and concisely written report. Introductory seminars will take place during the first three weeks of the course. The purpose of these seminars will be to go through the course outline, provide some guidelines for the practical completion of the course, facilitate group and role selection and allow for formal presentation of a research problem statement. In addition to the above seminars, groups are required to attend two project review meetings with their supervisor. Regular meetings with the supervisor will ensure that groups are able to solve problems as they arise, and to ensure that they are on the right track with regards to their research project. It is essential that students log on regularly throughout the semester to the UTSOnline facility for this unit. This will be the facility that is used to disseminate information to individuals and groups enrolled in this course.

Content

• Introduction to E-Business Project
• Components of the research project
• Research strategies and methodology
• Writing and structuring research projects
• Presentation of research problem.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Preliminary Project Report (5%, Group, 10% Individual)

Assessment item 2: Research Project Report and Presentation (25%, Group, 35% Individual)

Assessment item 3: Essay (Individual)