Programme Specification: MSc Electronic Commerce

Programme Specification: MSc Electronic Commerce 1. Awarding institution Middlesex University 2. Teaching institution Middlesex University 3. Programme accredited by 4. Final qualification MSc 5. Programme title Electronic Commerce 6. JACS code G500 7. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group Computing 8. Academic Year 2004/2005 9. Reference points The following reference points were used in designing the programme: QAA Computing subject benchmark statement QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland QAA/QAAS guidelines for programme specifications QAA Code of Practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in HE University s Guide and Regulations Module Narratives British Computer Society (BCS) Guidelines for Exemption and Accreditation Middlesex University and School of Computing Science Teaching Learning and Assessment policies and strategies University policy on equal opportunities. 10. Aims of the programme The aim of this programme is to produce graduates who are proficient in technical, business and legal aspects of electronic commerce. They will be able to make judgements on electronic commerce projects on the basis of sound economic analysis of the strategic advantages and disadvantages of such an enterprise. They will be able to take into account the organisational consequences and regulatory constraints for a firm wishing to move into electronic commerce. In addition, they will have the technical skills necessary to implement electronic commerce programmes either directly, or by the management of others. Throughout the course emphasis will be placed on acquiring practical skills as well as the necessary theoretical knowledge. MSc Electronic Commerce 1

11. Programme outcomes - the programme offers opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning outcomes A. Knowledge and understanding On completion of this programme the successful student will have a knowledge and understanding of: 1. Economic concepts and principles relevant to electronic commerce. 2. The theory of organisational structure, the problem of the transition from the traditional to the virtual organisation and regulatory/ legal issues associated with electronic commerce. 3. The marketing and social principles relevant to consumer groups on the Internet. 4. How to organise Web sites with respect to security and social issues appertaining to the Internet. 5. The operation, capability and business usage of various types of computer networks. 6. The principles of online database technology and its importance for electronic commerce. Teaching/learning methods Students acquire knowledge and understanding through traditional lecture delivery, small group discussions, small group and individual exercises, lab sessions, demonstration software, on-line examples and the individual/group research project. Throughout students are encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Assessment Group and individual coursework, presentations, the unseen examination and the project thesis assess students knowledge and understanding. B. Cognitive (thinking) skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: 1. Analyse the economic problems of the Internet and electronic commerce. 2. Analyse complex organisational problem situations from an informational perspective. 3. Isolate legal and regulatory risks in the development of on-line business. 4. Analyse various consumer groups who use the Internet and derive the marketing and social implications of their behaviour. 5. Analyse the implications of creating a World Wide Web (WWW) site and critically compare how WWW sites are managed. 6. Discuss the issues involved in procuring, fixing or upgrading a computer network. 7. Analyse the database requirements for an on-line business. 8. Interpret basic statistics in their application to electronic business. 9. Be able to formulate the steps required to produce an in-depth report/dissertation relevant to electronic commerce. Teaching/learning methods Students learn cognitive skills through traditional lecture delivery, small group discussions, small group and individual exercises, lab sessions, demonstration software, on-line examples and the individual/group research project. Analysis, design and problem solving skills are further developed through example case studies, computer laboratory sessions and through supervised, small group teaching. Feedback is given to students on all assessed coursework. Assessment Students cognitive skills are assessed through group and individual coursework, presentations, the unseen examination and the project thesis. MSc Electronic Commerce 2

C. Practical skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: 1. Apply economic theory and statistics to the solution of economic problems of the Internet and electronic commerce. 2. Give advice on the setting up of an appropriate organisational structure for conducting electronic business. 3. Make electronic commerce firms aware of the legislation and regulations for legally trading over the Internet. 4. Formulate an effective marketing strategy for an on-line business. 5. Formulate the requirements and design a computer network to support a particular application. 6. Design and implement database applications that can be accessed interactively from the Internet. 7. Design and manage World Wide Web sites and use relevant programming languages such as HTML and Java script. D. Graduate skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: 1. Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical notations). 2. Work as a member of a team, where members come from different backgrounds. 3. Transfer techniques and solutions from one field of computing to another. 4. Effectively use Information and Communications Technology. 5. Effectively manage resources and time. 6. Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open-mindedness and in the spirit of critical enquiry. 7. Learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development in a wider context throughout their career. Teaching/learning methods Students learn practical skills through the teaching and learning programme outlined above. These skills are also nurtured through small group discussions, small group and individual exercises, lab sessions, demonstration software, on-line examples and the individual/group research project. Assessment Students practical skills are generally assessed through coursework reports and the thesis report. Teaching/learning methods Students learn key skills through the teaching and learning programme outlined above. Although not all the skills are explicitly taught, they are nurtured and developed throughout the programme, which is structured and delivered in such a way as to promote this: Assessment Students key skills are assessed by: Skill 1 is assessed through coursework, reports, examinations and presentation. Skill 2 is assessed primarily through examinations. Skill 3 is assessed through group coursework and reports. Skill 4 is assessed through examination and through research project work. Skills 5 and 6 are assessed through the research project report. Skill 7 is assessed through group work, examinations and the research project work. MSc Electronic Commerce 3

12. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and qualifications 12. 1 Overall structure of the programme The programme is available as a traditional course in full-time or part-time mode. The part-time mode requires attendance for one day a week for UK students at Middlesex University. The programme consists of 6 taught modules worth 20 credits each. A seventh final project module is worth 60 credits. All modules on the programme are compulsory. The university year is split into two semesters (Autumn and Spring) of approximately 15 weeks each. Full-time students study three modules (60 credits) in each of the two semesters and undertake the project module (60 credits) over the summer months. The project must be relevant to the field of study. Part-time students study 2 modules (40 credits) in each of the two semesters during the first year. In the second year they study another two modules in semester one (40 credits) and then undertake the project module (60 credits) during semester two and the summer months. Students overseas are all registered as part-time, Global Campus (GC) students but attend for two evenings a week instead of one full day. Apart from this, the course is identical, with overseas students taking the same examinations and doing the same coursework. Details of each module can be found at MISIS which replaces the previous University student/staff database (bicss), or in the Computing Subject Handbook. MSc Electronic Commerce 4

12.2 Levels and modules Level 4 COMPULSORY 1 CREDIT POINTS PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS BIS4224 20 Students must pass all the Economics of Electronic taught modules before they Commerce can progress onto the project. BIS4096 Cyber Organisations and Regulation of Cyberspace BIS4228 Electronic Marketing BIS4226 Internet Commerce CCM4223 Computer Networks: Operation and Applications BIS4227 Online Database Systems BIS4992 Postgraduate Computing Project 20 20 20 20 20 60 1 Compulsory modules are those that must be taken, that is, the qualification cannot be made unless these modules have been successfully completed. Each of these modules makes a unique contribution to the learning objectives of the programme or subject major/minor. MSc Electronic Commerce 5

13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules See Curriculum Map attached. 14. Criteria for admission to the programme Applicants should normally have one of the following: A second class honours degree, either in the business studies and/or computing field awarded by a UK university An equivalent qualification accepted by the Academic Registry of the University International students whose first language is not English or who have not been taught in the English medium throughout, and whose first degree is not from a British university, must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL 575 (paper based) 233 (computer based). Note: University policies supporting students with disabilities apply, as described in the Guide and Regulations, Information for Students with Disabilities. 15. Information about assessment regulations Information on how the University formal assessment regulations work, including details of how award classifications are determined, can be found in the University Guide and Regulations at www.mdx.ac.uk/regulations/. Modules are assessed in accordance with the School of Computing Science s assessment strategy. Most modules adhere to a standard pattern of final grades being made up of 70% from examination and 30% coursework. Different patterns are permitted if approved by the School Academic Planning Committee. Practical aspects of the programme are often assessed via coursework that may be carried out using specialist software and may include lab tests. Theoretical material is normally assessed by coursework only at levels 0 and 1 and normally by a combination of both coursework and examination at levels 2, 3 and 4. Grades are awarded on the standard University scale of 1 20, with Grade 1 being the highest. To pass a module all components, both coursework and examination, must be passed with a minimum grade of 16. For additional information on assessment and how learning outcomes are assessed please refer to the individual module narratives for this programme. 16. Indicators of Quality All indicators suggest a steady and continuing demand for programmes from the School of Computing Science, with demand from overseas growing at a faster rate than demand from the UK/EU. This trend is expected to continue because of collaboration through franchise and articulation agreements for entry to second and final year of programmes. The School s provision has been subject to a number of successful internal and external qualityrelated events, such as the British Computer Society accreditation visit, QAA Institutional Visit and internal Subject and Programme Validation and Review events. The School s validation and review processes are audited by the University s Quality Assurance MSc Electronic Commerce 6

and Audit Service (QAAS) every three years, the last being in March 2004. The School s research informs its teaching. Its research has shown significant improvement recently. In the most recent national Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) the School improved its standing by two levels, achieving a rating of 3a. School Module and Programme Questionnaires are completed by students each semester. These help to provide data to the school on the student satisfaction with their university experience. Overall, recent analyses of the data have shown a good level of satisfaction. The External Examiners appointed by the University to scrutinise the quality of assessment have consistently reported continuous improvements in the programme. A general indicator of improving quality is the increased participation of staff in internal and external professional development activities. For example, there is increased participation in teaching workshops, dissemination of best practice through teaching observations and more involvement in academic and professional conferences. 17. Particular support for learning The School s Teaching and Learning Strategy is compliant with that of the University; it aims to develop learner autonomy and to encourage resource-based learning. In support of the student learning experience: All new students go through an induction programme and some have early diagnostic numeric and literacy testing before starting their programme. Learning Resources provide workshops for those students needing additional support in these areas. Students are allocated a personal email account, secure networked computer storage and dial-up facilities. New students are given a Subject Handbook at enrolment (soft copies for all students can be found at http://www.mdx.ac.uk/24-7/cs/#subjecthandbook), Each semester new and existing students are given a CD containing handbooks for each module they study. Web-based learning materials are provided to further support learning. Extensive library facilities are available on all campuses. WebCT pages are available as learning resources through the Oasis system. Campus Student Offices offer advice and support to students through their Student Advice Centres. A Dean of Students for general academic advice is available on each campus. Placements are supported by campus Student Offices and School academics; please refer to section 19 of this programme specification. High quality specialist laboratories equipped with industry-standard software and hardware are available for formal teaching and personal study. To provide assistance and guidance in support of particular learning needs, campus-based, dropin sessions are arranged by the School as needed. School Academic Advisors for each subject are available to offer personal academic advice and help. Rotas for the operation of Academic Advice Rooms at each campus can be found at http://www.mdx.ac.uk/24-7/cs/index.htm#tutor Tutorial sessions for each module, organised for groups of up to 20 students, are provided for additional teaching support. Formative feedback is given on completion of student coursework. Past exam papers with solutions and marking schemes for all modules are available for students in module handbooks and at http://www.mdx.ac.uk/24-7/cs/index.htm In undergraduate programmes students can exercise choice and take responsibility for their particular learning: at level 1 (in the second semester of study) an elective module can be taken from another subject; at levels 2 and 3 there are options for choosing specialist modules with some forming a pathway that forms part of the degree title. MSc Electronic Commerce 7

Research activities of academic staff feed into the teaching programme, which can provide individual students with ad hoc opportunities to work with academics on some aspect of research. Middlesex University encourages and supports students with disabilities. Some practical aspects of computing science programmes may present challenges to students with particular disabilities. You are encouraged to visit our campuses at any time to evaluate facilities and talk in confidence about your needs. If we know your individual needs we ll be able to provide for them more easily. For further information contact the Disability Support Service (email: disability@mdx.ac.uk). 18. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning Student Boards of Study held in weeks 6 8 of each semester allow formal feedback from student representatives regarding their programme of study and associated modules. Academic staff report on their modules at these Boards. Campus Forums deal with the general facilities affecting the student learning experience. Reviews of module delivery via student questionnaires allow feedback of student experience for each module. Questionnaires are analysed by an automated process, with any issues identified, discussed at Boards of Study, Academic Group meetings and the School Quality Committee. Module leaders provide reports that record general student performance in each written examination on the university s 24-7 student support Web site (at www.mdx.ac.uk/24-7/cs). Staff provide formal reports at Assessment Boards on the operation of modules/programmes that affect assessment. External examiners from other Universities moderate all examination questions before assessment takes place. They also moderate coursework briefs for those modules assessed by more than 50% coursework. After assessment external examiners review a cross-section of assessed student work and attend and contribute to the Assessment Boards. The external examiners submit formal end-of-year reports to the University s Quality Assurance and Audit Service (QAAS) on their observations, making recommendations as appropriate, and the School formally responds to theses and checks that any actions arising from them are completed. School and Subject Annual Monitoring Reports are compiled according to QAAS guidelines to consider the effectiveness of subjects and programmes in achieving their stated aims and intended learning outcomes, and the quality of the student experience Quality of teaching is monitored by peer observation, staff appraisals, training and dissemination of good practice New ideas to improve teaching methods and learning resources are discussed in regular meetings of teaching staff in academic groups. Student progression for each module is closely monitored by the School Quality Committee, and reported on by programme and curriculum leaders as part of the annual monitoring process. Regular Subject and Programme Validation and Review events are carried out by panels of academics from within the School and from outside the School and University to ensure high academic standards are being maintained and enhanced. Student representatives are invited to such events to enable student views to be given directly to the panels. (The University s Procedures Handbook is the source of information on how these procedures combine to provide ongoing quality assurance and enhancement of our programmes and can be found at http://www.mdx.ac.uk/24-7/cs/index.htm#tutor) The professional body for Computing Science is the British Computer Society (BCS). The Society visits every five years to re-evaluate the quality and standards of programmes they accredit. MSc Electronic Commerce 8

19. Placement opportunities, requirements and support Industrial placement is an option available for students who wish to work in industry for a maximum period of 12 weeks. During this period students are expected to work on their project, part of which should be relevant to the company where the placement is arranged. The campus Placement Office manages University-industry relations and assists students in obtaining industrial placements. Further information on placement opportunities can be obtained there. Students are visited by an academic from the programme team at least once. Postgraduate placements are normally a student initiated process for which the University will provide support. 20. Future Careers: how achieving the qualification will support future career development All programmes in the School of Computing Science their curricula and learning outcomes have been designed with an emphasis on currency and the relevance to future employment. Campus Careers Offices can be found on each campus for advice, support and guidance or go to www.intra.mdx.ac.uk/annex/careers/coreered.htm The majority of graduates are employed in IT posts relevant to the subject. Over 20% of students pursue further postgraduate study or research. The School has an Industrial Advisory Group which meets to advise and inform the School. The employer links with the School are encouraged and take part in a number of ways: by inviting practitioners from industry as guest speakers in lectures; through links with companies where students are employed as part of their Industrial placement and alumni both in the UK and overseas. 21. Other Information Middlesex University has formal links with 250 institutions world-wide, including student exchange agreements with more than 100 institutions. Currently a number of students both from the UK/EU and overseas take part in such exchanges. For further details please visit http://www.europe.mdx.ac.uk/ or contact Elli Georgiadou, the School of Computing Science coordinator of European Affairs & International Exchanges (email: e.georgiadou@mdx.ac.uk). British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation - at Postgraduate level the MSc Business Information Technology programme is accredited as partially meeting the requirements for CEng and given exemption for Certificate, Diploma and Diploma Project. BCS guidelines on Course Exemption and Accreditation can be found at http://www.bcs.org/bcs Please note: this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the student subject/programme handbook and the University Guide and Regulations. MSc Electronic Commerce 9

Curriculum map for MSc Electronic Commerce This map shows the main measurable learning outcomes of the programme and the modules in which they are assessed. Module Code Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 4 Economics of Electronic Commerce Cyber Organisations and Regulation of Cyberspace BIS4224 BIS4096 Electronic Marketing BIS4228 Internet Commerce BIS4226 Computer Networks: Operation and Applications CCM4223 Online Database Systems BIS4227 Postgraduate Computing Project BIS4992 MSc Electronic Commerce 10

Programme learning outcomes Knowledge and understanding A1 Economic concepts and principles relevant to electronic commerce. A2 The theory of organisational structure, the problem of the transition from the traditional to the virtual organisation and regulatory/legal issues associated with electronic commerce. A3 The marketing and social principles relevant to consumer groups on the Internet. A4 How to organise Web sites with respect to security and social issues appertaining to the Internet. A5 A6 The operation, capability and business usage of various types of computer networks. The principles of online database technology and its importance for electronic commerce. Cognitive (thinking) skills B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 Practical skills C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 Graduate skills D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 Analyse the economic problems of the Internet and electronic commerce. Analyse complex organisational problem situations from an information perspective. Isolate legal and regulatory risks in the development of on-line business. Analyse various consumer groups who use the Internet and derive the marketing and social implications of their behaviour. Analyse the implications of creating a World Wide Web (WWW) site and critically compare how WWW sites are managed. Discuss the issues involved in procuring, fixing or upgrading a computer network. Analyse the database requirements for an on-line business. Interpret basic statistics in their application to electronic business. Be able to formulate the steps required to produce an in-depth report/dissertation relevant to electronic commerce. Apply economic theory and statistics to the solution of economic problems of the Internet and electronic commerce. Give advice on the setting up of an appropriate organisational structure for conducting electronic business. Make electronic commerce firms aware of the legislation and regulations for legally trading over the Internet. To formulate an effective marketing strategy for an on-line business. Formulate the requirements and design a computer network to support a particular application. Design and implement database applications that can be accessed interactively from the Internet. Design and manage World Wide Web sites and use relevant programming languages such as HTML and Java script. Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical notations). Work as a member of a team, where members come from different backgrounds. Transfer techniques and solutions from one field of computing to another. Effectively use Information and Communications Technology. Effectively manage resources and time. Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open-mindedness and in the spirit of critical enquiry. Learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development in a wider context throughout their career. MSc Electronic Commerce 11

Programme Diagram Key Year 1 Semester 1 BIS4224 Economics of Electronic Commerce BIS4228 Electronic Marketing BIS4226 Internet Commerce Compulsory Optional Designated Year 1 Semester 2 BIS4096 Cyber Organisations and Regulation of Cyberspace CCM4223 Computer Networks: Operation and Applications BIS4227 Online Database Systems pre-requisite advanced Year 1 Semester 0 BIS4992 Postgraduate Computing Project MSc Electronic Commerce 12