BUS 511
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About the Course

Topics

Syllabus

Forum

Web Resources

Project

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Networking Infrastructure for E-Commerce
Fall 2000

PROFESSOR INFO:
Dr. Julie Earp
2306 Nelson Hall
E-mail: Julia_Earp@ncsu.edu
Phone: (919) 513-1707

OFFICE HOURS: TBA and by appointment made via email

TEXT: Understanding Networked Applications: A First Course By David G. Messerschmitt, 1999.

PREREQUISITE:
BUS 540 for IS concentration students
BUS 510 for EC concentration students

CLASS TIME: Wednesday 6:00 - 8:50 pm

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://ecommerce.ncsu.edu/networking/
Be sure to check the class website frequently. You will find class info, reading assignments, and other useful things at this URL.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: This course provides a broad introduction to the network infrastructure necessary for electronic commerce as well as general business needs. Topics include network technologies, architectures, security and applications.

OBJECTIVES: This course will provide students with a working knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of the technologies underlying networked computing. Specific objectives include the student being able to:
1. Design and analyze network technologies and distributed computing services to meet e-commerce and business needs.
2. Understand how networking technologies relate to applications, specifically electronic commerce applications.
3. Speak the networking jargon comfortably within the industry environment.
4. Identify key system issues in building a networked system using a variety of emerging network technologies and applications.
5. Make the right technological and organizational decisions to design or acquire effective computing solutions.

COURSE JUSTIFICATION: Networking is changing organizations in extraordinary ways. Businesses are discovering innovative ways to meet their client's needs. The international aspect of the Internet is giving new meaning to the word "global economy." As a result, there is an increasing need for professionals who understand both the business and technology aspects of network computing and e-commerce. This course will focus on the possibilities and limitations that are imposed on electronic commerce applications by the technology and infrastructure of network computing.

COURSE APPROACH: This course takes a top-down approach to understanding network infrastructure. Applications are a primary focus of the course. As a result, an emphasis will be on integrative concepts that combine network applications and technologies that makeup the network infrastructure. Non-technical and technical material will be covered.

ONLINE READING ASSIGNMENTS: The case studies and additional readings on the course web site are included because they have information directly relevant to the topic at hand. These readings need to be read in detail before class. Attending class without reading the assigned material will do you no good - you won't know what we are talking about and you won't be able to participate in class discussions. I do expect you to be thoroughly familiar with the situation in the reading.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS: This is a graduate level course with graduate level expectations for quality of work. I expect your writing and analytical skills to be up to the task. In addition, learning is most effective when students participate in class discussions on a regular basis. Questions, discussions, and other forms of interaction are encouraged and expected. I especially encourage you to speak up on topics in which you have related work experience.