The Value of a Project-Based Approach to e-Commerce for the MBA

1. The Value of a Project-Based Approach to e-Commerce for the MBA Dallas, TX Kamal Kakish Alan McCord ISECON, 2006

2. Presentation Format • Introduction • Significance of Project-based Teaching • Importance of e-Commerce • International Nature of e-Commerce • Course Design & Pedagogical Approach • Lessons Learned • Outcomes And Conclusions • Future Directions

3. Introduction • Dilemma of blending business with technology for MBA students • Business strategies vs. technologies • Value of project-based approach to e-commerce • Custom made course at LTU to address e-commerce issues for MBA students • Diverse business and technical backgrounds • Rationale behind approach • Real-life e-commerce experience • Exposure to all e-commerce considerations • Knowledge is Power • With proper planning and execution

4. Significance of Approach • Textbook theory vs. real-world exposure • Deeper knowledge of subject matter • In-depth investigation • Increased self-direction and motivation • Self-customized learning • Improved research and problem-solving skills • MBA learning experience intertwined with real life • Chard’s three-phase approach • Discover  investigate  present

5. The Importance of e-Commerce • SBA Study • E-commerce is a business leveler • Potential of reaching a vast audience around the world • Forrester Research estimates • Black Monday Phenomenon • Comparison shopping and intelligent purchasing agents • B2B and B2G mandates • Trusting relationships and other issues

6. The International Nature of e-Commerce • Dilemma of “think globally, act locally” • Language and local dialects • International laws and regulations • Cultural differences • International infrastructures • Networks and Telecomm • Loss of potential e-commerce revenues

7. Philosophy Behind The Course • Effectiveness of project-based approach • Three Aspects: • Assigned and optional textbook readings • Individual and mini assignments • A real-world e-commerce project • Custom-made learning experience • Student testimonials • Learning through doing • Optimize understanding of e-commerce for MBA students • Current and emerging business strategies and technologies

8. Textbook Supplemental Readings Individual Assignments Individual Activities The Course Project Class Sessions Course Material Exams Material Delivery Lectures The Use of Technology Grading Scheme Course Design and Pedagogical Approach

9. Lessons Learned • MBA Student Diversity of Interests • Additional Project Aspects/Categories • Project Preparation, Updates, and Presentations

10. Future Directions • Course taught over 10 times for >200 students • Average student evaluation of 4.4 on a 5-point scale • Considerations • Additional Project Aspects/Categories • Splitting course into two • Technical flavor • Business focus • Leverage of emerging technologies • Web Servers • E-commerce Software Packages • E-commerce Security Packages • Emerging CRM Software, And • New Marketing Approaches

11. Outcomes And Conclusions • Exciting and meaningful coursework • Appreciation for a wide range of e-commerce concepts and business strategies • Improved business skills • Improved collaboration skills • Ability to develop a real-world e-commerce project experience to a real-world problem/need

12. References • Currie, W. (2004). Value creation from e-business models. Oxford ; Burlington, NY, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. • Dengel, A., M. Junker, et al. (2004). Reading and learning : adpative content recognition. Berlin ; New York, Springer. • Epstein, M. J. (2004). Implementing e-commerce strategies : a guide to corporate success after the Dot.com bust. Westport, Conn., Praeger. • Geunes, J. (2005). Applications of supply chain management and E-commerce research. New York, Springer Science+Business Media. • Kakish, K. (2004). Business Strategies in Electronic Commerce - Course Evaluations. LTU COM End of Term Course Evaluations, LTU College of Management End of Term Course Evaluations. • Kakish, K. (2004). "Business Strategies in Electronic Commerce - MGT 6233 Syllabus." • Kakish, K. (2005). MGT 6233 e-Commerce - Course Notes, Lawrence Technological University - College of Management. • LTU (2004). MGT 6233 Final Course Evaluation - Spring, 2004, Lawrence Technological University.

13. References Cont’d • Lubbe, S. and J. M. Van Heerden (2003). The economic and social impacts of e-commerce. Hershey, PA, Idea Group Pub. • Lucas, H. C. (2002). Strategies for electronic commerce and the Internet. Cambridge, Mass., MIT Press. • Nevaer, L. E. V. (2002). The dot-com debacle and the return to reason. Westport, Conn., Quorum Books. • Nikravesh, M. (2004). Enhancing the power of the Internet. Berlin ; New York, Springer-Verlag. • Raisinghani, M. S. (2002). Cases on worldwide e-commerce : theory in action. Hershey, PA, Idea Group Pub. • Ratner, J. (2003). Human factors and Web development. Mahwah, N.J., Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. • Royer, S. (2005). Strategic management and Online selling : creating competitive advantage with intangible Web goods. London ; New York, Routledge. • Samii, M. and G. Karush (2004). International business and information technology : interaction and transformation in the global economy. New York, Routledge. • Schneider, G. (2005). Electronic Commerce, Thomson Course Technology. • Schneider, G. P. (2004). Electronic Commerce – The Second Wave. Cambridge, MA, Thomson Course Technology • Segovia, J. (2002). E-Commerce and intelligent methods. Heidelberg, Physica. • Steinfield, C. W. (2003). New directions in research on e-commerce. West Lafayette, Ind., Purdue University Press. • Straub, D. W. (2004). Foundations of net-enchanced organizations. Hoboken, NJ, Wiley. • Tatnall, A. (2004). "Web portals the new gateways to Internet information and services." from http://aeryn.mit.edu/emetrics/count.php?http://libproxy.mit.edu/login?url=http://library.books24x7.com/library.asp? B&isbn=159140438X

14. Q&A Your questions are welcome…