CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY =

SYLLABUS

&nb= sp;

MBA 505: E-Business<= o:p>

Professor: Wilson Zehr

Office<= /b>: = School of Managemen= t, Cent 205

Phone:            (503) 493-6203 / (503) 789-2676

Email:         = wzehr@cu-portland.edu / wilson@cendix.= com

Office Hours: after class or by appointment

Overview<= o:p>

“It’s not fair, and it’s not = true; but the Internet has become such a critical medium for business that if your company doesn’t have an online presence it just doesn’t exist.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Building on that theme, if your co= mpany has a crappy website then it is a crappy company, and if it has a great web= site then it is a great company. T= he really good news is that any company willing to invest has a legitimate sho= t at greatness online.”

Wilson Zehr, Strategic Marketing Seminar, Spring 2007

Course Descrip= tion:

The Internet is transforming the way we communicate, le= ad our lives, perform our jobs, and conduct commerce. This course will introduce student= s to the basic concepts associated with the Internet, electronic communication, = and electronic commerce, and the underlying technologies. These concepts will be applied to = case studies allowing the student to practice the concepts learned in class and group settings. The case stud= ies will utilize and enhance previously learned skills in disciplines such as m= arketing, finance, operations, and strategic planning. These topics will be linked, as in= other Concordia MBA courses, to organizational change, strategy implementation, market entry, product development, and global business.
Course Credit:= 3 credit hours

Time/Location:   Spring 2009 (1/17/2009 to 3/21/2009)

LH 224

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Saturday, January 17, 2009

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday, February 20, 2009

9= :00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday, February 21, 2009

5= :00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday, March 20, 2009

9= :00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday, March 21, 2009

= Course Materials

(1) Text book: Laudon, Kenneth C.; Guercio Traver, Carol; E-commerce: Business, Techno= logy, Society, (2008) 4^th edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0-13-600645-0.

(2) HBS Cases: Cases can be purchased directly fr= om the Harvard <= st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">University website: http://harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu/relay.jhtml?= name=3Dcp&c=3Dc26534

(3) The syllabus, PowerPoint slides, case notes, and c= ase questions will be posted on the Cendix website (http://www.cendix.c= om/community.html#education).

(4) Selected websites, journals, and publications shar= ed by email and in class.

= Expectations

This class is expected to be a highly interactive and reasonably demanding class that is nevertheless informal and fun. It is expected that everyone will = have read the assigned material prior to each class and will be an active participant, prepared to ask questions, discuss alternative views, and generally contribute to the flow of the class. The key to making any case study p= rogram work in the academic environment is class participation and open exchange of ideas – the more that you put into this class in terms of active participation the more we will ALL get out of it.

Attendance: Students are expected to att= end all classes, in order to be well prepared for exams and to achieve high gra= des in class participation. Prompt arrival to each session will be appreciated. Failure to atten= d a class, when attendance is taken, will have a negative effect on your participation and attendance grade.

= Deliverables and Grading

G= rades will be based on 4 elements:

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(1)   <= span style=3D'mso-ignore:vglayout;position:absolute;z-index:2;left:0px;margin-le= ft: 232px;margin-top:5px;width:18px;height:68px'>= Midterm Exam         &= nbsp;        20%

(2)

Total: 100%

Final= Exam        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;   20%

(3)   Graded Projects/Cases     50%

(4)   Participation/Briefs        &= nbsp; 10%

The goal of every class is for the student to demonstrate mastery of the material that is studied. Students must demonstrate that mas= tery based on their class attendance, participation, graded projects, and the results from class exams.

Th= is class does not impose any quotas on A’s, B’s, C’s, or any other letter grade. If every student delivers “A” quality work, and demonstrates an “A” level of comprehension on the topics that are studied, then every student will get an A. = Of course, the same goes for the opposite extreme.

In general, 94% to 96% is considered the mid-point for an A; 84% to 86% is considered the mid-point f= or a B; 74% to 76% is considered the mid-point for a C; 64% to 66% is considered= the mid-point for a D; anything less than 60% is a failing grade. Scores above the mid-point for a l= etter grade will receive a “plus” – to the extent allowed; scor= es below the mid-point for a letter grade will receive a “minus”.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The instructor reserves the right to “curve” graded assignments bas= ed on overall class results and the level of difficulty.=

Exams

There will be two cumulative in-class exams based on t= he text book, class discussions, cases, and assigned readings. The exams will include a combinati= on of multiple–choice and short essay questions based on a scenario provide= d or drawing from course studies. = The purpose of the exams is to test your comprehension of the material and your ability to apply concepts to situations.&n= bsp; The mid-term will cover “all” class material covered thr= ough 2/20/2009. The final exam will include up to 30% of the mid-term material, but will focus primarily on new material presented after 3/20/2009.

The mid-term will be held during the first “face-to-face” session. The mid-term will consist of multiple choice questions covering the = text readings. The final exam will consist of multiple choice questions covering the text readings and a case study. The case and questions= will be distributed prior to the end of the semester. Prior to the final class session, students will need to read the case and prepare the exam. The final exam will be discussed a= t the end of the final “face-to-face” session. All exams in this class are open b= ook, open notes, and open mind.

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There will be no make–up exams unless you have a valid reason for missing the exam a= nd prior approval from the Professor. Failure to take an exam will result in a failing grade for that exam= .

Graded Projects/Cases

The first week of the semester includes an assignment c= alled “business applications”. The intent is to assure that students are all familiar with standard business tools available (often for free) on the Internet. Complete the following tasks:=

§      =    Visit www.godaddy.com and ch= eck on the availability of www.zairmail.com and email details on the administrative and technical contact for the domain.

§      =    Visit www.cyberatlas .com and report back with the most recent statistics on browser and broadband penetration.

§      =    Register for LinkedIn and send a link request to the Professor (wilson@cendix.com).=

§      =    Register for Plaxo and send a connection request to the Professor (address above).

§      =    Register for eFax and receive a free fax account. Put your fax number in Plaxo so th= at it is visible to the Professor.

§      =    If you don’t already have one sign-up for a free email account with Yahoo!, Google, or MSN (hotmail).&nbs= p; Include your free email address in Plaxo so it is visible.

Students are expected to prepare an analysis on case studies assigned each week. T= his paper will include a synopsis of the case by identifying key problems and relevant facts related to the case and address specific questions outlined = with each assignment. All papers a= re due by the Tuesday following the week in which the case was assigned and should= be e-mailed to wzehr@cu-portland.edu<= /a> prior to that date. Case anal= ysis will be reviewed and returned with comments and scores. The detailed homework schedule is outlined in the Homework and Class Activity section (below).

Each case analys= is will consist of no more than four, single-spaced, single-sided pages, using= at least 10 point font (additional appendices may be included if applicable).<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The analysis must also include the student name, course number, and the date submitted.

A series of ques= tions are provided on the Cendix website (www.c= endix.com) for each of the cases. In thi= s case analysis, each student should answer the questions in a manner that clearly demonstrates an understanding of the case as well as how the case relates to readings and class discussions. Please include the original question number and question for each an= swer to assure full credit for the analysis.

Students will also present two (2) cases assigned to the entire class. The actual numb= er and size of teams will vary based on class size. Students self-select teams during = the first class session. Any stud= ent not self-selected during this session will be assigned to a team. Presentations of the cases will be= on each Friday’s “face-to-face” session. The presentations should be no lon= ger than 40 minutes, leaving 10 minutes for Q&A from other students. All team members must participate = in the analysis and presentation.

All group members togethe= r are responsible for the preparation and academic integrity of the group projects. Any incident of aca= demic dishonesty will automatically result in a failing grade for this assignment= for each member of the group.

Case Grading

Point Range

Quality of Work

≥ 94

Not only complete comprehension, but also in some cases understanding beyond questions posed in case analyses.<= /span>

= 90–93

Solid understanding of questions and did not miss any issues.

= 87–89

Solid understanding of questions but missed a few minor issues.<= o:p>

= 84–86

Solid understanding of questions but missed a number of minor is= sues or
at least one major issue.

= 80–83

Some understanding of questions but missed a number of minor iss= ues and
a few major issues.

= 77–79

Little understanding of questions and missed a number of minor issues and
a number of major issues.

= ≤ 76

Little understanding of questions and did not capture any of the issues.

Class Particip= ation

An important part of effective mastery of this subject= is active involvement in class discussion of the assigned cases and readings. = In particular, come to class ready to discuss the case that is assigned. Your insights during class discuss= ion aid others in the learning process. Demonstration of insight and understand= ing are strongly rewarded. Rememb= er, you should always have sound reasoning behind your judgments and conclusions. Your grade in cl= ass participation will be based on the quantity and quality of your participation. Please note, however, that contributions are not equivalent to just attending cla= ss or merely talking in class.

Course Schedule

The schedule presented here is a guideline only. We will<= /span>= make adjustments based on our progress during the semester, refined learning objectives, and the availability of outside experts who can help guide our discussion. The exercises sho= wn above will be announced in class. If the student is not in class when they are assigned then the stude= nt will need to contact the Professor (email or phone) or locate a classmate w= ho is willing to share the assignment with them. It is the student’s responsi= bility to make sure that assignments are completed on time.

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Homework and Class Activity

=

Week 0

Jan 17

Class

Introduction

Week 1

Jan 19 –= Jan 25

Ch 2

Business applications<= /p>

Week 2

Jan 26 – Feb 01

Ch 3

AOL Time Warner

9-702-421

Week 3

Feb 02 – Feb 08

Ch 6

Blockbuster

9-704-462

Week 4

Feb 09 – Feb 15

Ch 7

Google

9-806-105

Week 5

Feb 16 – Feb 22

Ch 8

Group Case: Lucy.com

Feb 20

Class

Case Presentations

Feb 21

Class

Lecture; Mid-Term (1 hour)

Week 6

Feb 23 –= Mar 01

Ch 9

Mozilla Foundation

9-907-015

Week 7

Mar 02 – Mar 08

Ch 10

Skype

9-806-165

Week 8

Mar 09 – Mar 15

Ch 11

Group Case: Stamps.com (research)

Week 9

Mar 16 – Mar 21

Ch 12

Case: final

Mar 20

Class

Case Presentations

Mar 21

Class

Lecture; Final (2 hours)

=

=

The text book readings are m= eant to serve as a foundation for the formal case analysis and discussion. Class lectures will cover the high= lights of the text materials. Howeve= r, it is up to each student to stay current with all the reading. Students are responsible for all t= he materials in the book even if they are not covered in a formal class lectur= e.

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Code of Academic Integrity

A= s part of Concordia’s goal to prepare students to be professionals for the transformation of society, students are expected to pursue their studies wi= th integrity and character. As a prerequisite to attend this class students must agree to the Statement of Academic Integrity below.

&= #8220;As a member of the Concordia= University communit= y, I will neither engage in fraudulent or unauthorized behaviors in the presentation = or completion of my work nor will I provide unauthorized assistance to others.”

Other Class Policies

Students should make every effort to notify the instructor of circumstances that will affect attendance and completion of required graded assignments and tests.&nbs= p; Late assignments will only be accepted with prior approval= from the instructor. All late assignments or make-up tests must be completed within one week of the origi= nal due date and will receive an automatic deduction of one letter grade. Assignments submitted more than a = week late will qualify for no more than 50% credit. No late assignments will be accept= ed once final exams are complete.

As future business leaders students are expected= to submit all materials in a professional form and appearance. All written assignments must be submitted typed, single spaced, single-sided, with a professional font no smaller than 10 point. Spelli= ng should be correct and sentences should be well formed. When drawing from other peoples wo= rk you must cite your source. No cre= dit will be given for papers submitted without a name and date.

Concord= ia University is a Christian institution supporting quality values and ethical standards, in and outside the classroom. Show courtesy toward other students and instructors. Don’t interrupt or be disruptive. L= ead by example. If you have concerns= about the class, class content, or any student behavior please bring it to the attention of the instructor right away (after class is best).

= Class participation is both expected and encouraged and is a significant portion = of your grade. You owe it to you= rself and your classmates to complete readings before class and come prepared for= any class exercises or discussion.

= Cell phones may not be used in class (not even for SMS or IM). Cell phones must be turned off and stored out of sight during class.

= Students may use laptop computers in class, but only for taking notes or actively participating in class activity. Laptop computers may not be used to browse the Internet, send email, play games/movies, or otherwise engage in activities that disrupt the learning process. Any student= who violates this policy will be asked to leave and will receive a 0 for class participation on that day. Th= e same policy also applies to iPods, game systems, or any other distracting electr= onic device.

Plagiarism or cheating of any kind will result i= n an “F” grade for the assignment.

Eating is not allowed in class unless you bring enough for everyone.

Point Range	Quality of Work
≥ 94	Not only complete comprehension, but also in some cases understanding beyond questions posed in case analyses.<= /span>
= 90–93	Solid understanding of questions and did not miss any issues.
= 87–89	Solid understanding of questions but missed a few minor issues.<= o:p>
= 84–86	Solid understanding of questions but missed a number of minor is= sues or at least one major issue.
= 80–83	Some understanding of questions but missed a number of minor iss= ues and a few major issues.
= 77–79	Little understanding of questions and missed a number of minor issues and a number of major issues.
= ≤ 76	Little understanding of questions and did not capture any of the issues.

Week 0	Jan 17	Class	Introduction
Week 1	Jan 19 –= Jan 25	Ch 2	Business applications<= /p>
Week 2	Jan 26 – Feb 01	Ch 3	AOL Time Warner	9-702-421
Week 3	Feb 02 – Feb 08	Ch 6	Blockbuster	9-704-462
Week 4	Feb 09 – Feb 15	Ch 7	Google	9-806-105
Week 5	Feb 16 – Feb 22	Ch 8	Group Case: Lucy.com
	Feb 20	Class	Case Presentations
	Feb 21	Class	Lecture; Mid-Term (1 hour)
Week 6	Feb 23 –= Mar 01	Ch 9	Mozilla Foundation	9-907-015
Week 7	Mar 02 – Mar 08	Ch 10	Skype	9-806-165
Week 8	Mar 09 – Mar 15	Ch 11	Group Case: Stamps.com (research)
Week 9	Mar 16 – Mar 21	Ch 12	Case: final
	Mar 20	Class	Case Presentations
	Mar 21	Class	Lecture; Final (2 hours)