This course analyses and explains basic concepts and topics relating to the area of e-business. It includes the following modules:

• Introduction to e-business
  • Categories of e-commerce
  • Difference between e-commerce and e-business
  • Stages of e-business adoption
• Business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce business models
• Strategic e-business planning
• ERP and CRM information systems
• Business-to-business information systems
  • Traditional and modern information systems
  • Technological, business and business-to-business issues
  • Supply chain information systems

This course aims to examine e-commerce –and, by extension, e-commerce– from a business rather than a technology perspective. The different types and categories of e-commerce are described and examined, together with the differences between e-commerce and e-business. ERP and CRM systems are outlined and their contribution to the effective functioning of a business, its relations with customers and the development of e-commerce are analysed. Moreover, new business-to-consumer e-commerce models are discussed, and technological and corporate issues relating to business-to-business communication and supply chain management are considered. Finally, the course examines topics relating to the development of an e-business strategy enabling businesses to achieve and maintain a competitive advantage. From this point of view, the course aims to help current and future business executives to become aware of existing challenges and to take advantage of them in the most efficient and effective way.

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

• understand definitions and basic concepts relating to the field of e-business;
• recognise and analyse different types and categories of e-commerce;
• recognise and describe new business models;
• grasp and shape a strategic framework for businesses to adopt e-business;
• understand the positive results and consequences of business-to-business information systems in modern businesses;
• analyse the role of new technologies and the internet in supply chain management;
• propose innovative e-commerce applications and analyse them in relation to existing or new competitors, technological, business, and business-to-business issues, ethical and social questions, promotion practices and development strategies.