RUCST - BBA eCommerce - Course Description

Course Description

(For the overall course structure and requirements, click here)

SIEC 3533 E-Commerce Marketing

e-Marketing is a crucial part of eCommerce and its effectiveness has a direct impact on commercial success. As the Internet becomes more and more multilingual and multicultural, more companies are realising that adopting a multilingual and multicultural website is a cost-effective way of meeting the needs of multilingual users and increasing sales internationally. However, surveys show that many employees of SMEs feel that they lack the appropriate skills and expertise to tackle potential international markets through the medium of the Internet. They don’t know how to adapt to different markets and do not have the expertise to deal with all the cultural and linguistic issues that selling to foreign markets raises.
This module, accordingly, aims to develop an understanding of the linguistic and cultural characteristics of eMarketing. More specifically, it aims to help learners:

develop an understanding of the concepts of eCommerce and eMarketing.

develop an understanding of the concept of the ‘integrated eMarketing strategy’ and alternative eMarketing strategies.

develop an understanding of the various marketing mixes and related implications of the Internet.

develop an appreciation of the implications of eMarketing for customer relations.

become familiar with the internationalization and localization issues of international eMarketing.

measure and evaluate international eCommerce effectiveness

SIEC 3543 Systems Analysis and Design

Systematic approaches to the analysis and design of information systems that will be used in a business setting. Analysis and specification of system requirements will be covered, as well as design of system data, interfaces and processes. This stresses the system development life cycle. Students learn ways of organizing the structure and process of building very large-scale systems that may or may not involve computers. Includes information gathering, design tradeoffs, implementation strategies, product liability, acceptable risk analysis and project follow-up.

SIEC 3553 Data Management and Database Design

Studies design of information systems from a data perspective for engineering and business applications; data modelling, including entity-relationship (E-R) and object approaches; user-centric information requirements and data sharing; fundamental concepts of database management systems (DBMS) and their applications; alternative data models, with emphasis on relational design; SQL; data normalization; data-driven application design for personal computer, server-based, enterprise-wide, and Internet databases; and distributed data applications.

SIEC 3563 Strategies for e-Business

This course introduces the student to the concepts and terminology of modern e-business approaches. It includes topics on marketing, web technologies, security, legal issues, search engines. The emphasis will be to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of e-business in order to choose a right strategy for an e-business.

SIEC 3573 eCommerce Web Programming

Designing and developing dynamic web pages. Utilizes server-side programming languages such as ASP, ColdFusion and PHP to create database driven web programs. Create web pages by linking to an ODBC database, such as MS-Access or an SQL-type database. Students will learn how to hand-code programs, as well as, use code generators, like Visual Interdev or Macromedia UltraDev. The course studies the backbone of dynamic web documents. Subjects include web design standards, and web based application programming to make layout, tables, style sheets, templates, libraries, frames, and rollovers. HTML and Script languages such as Java Scripts, GUI design paint tools and plug-ins are studied in depth.

SIEC 3593 Practice of Information Security

This course provides the latest security tips and techniques on Internet and computer security best practices. Topics include: important privacy legislation, case studies of infamous hackers, how to develop an effective security system, selection of IT security products, firewall benefits and limitations, intruder detection, correct ways to configure your computer, browser settings, virus settings, operating system vulnerabilities, strong password techniques, parasite detection, and encryption techniques.

SIEC 4513 E-Commerce I

Topics include overview of the hardware, software, and infrastructure required for electronic commerce, history, status and trends of E-Commerce/E-Business, introduction to net-centric object-oriented client-server computing, hypertext and hypermedia, role of database, electronic payment methods, security and authentication, wireless and mobile computing, and the development of an E-Commerce site using industry standard technologies.

SIEC 4523 E-Commerce II

Topics include security issues, network level security, cryptography, and secure electronic cash, cheques, payments and transactions.

SIEC 4543 Managing e-Business

This course focuses on the foundations of e-business, business to consumer and business-to business strategies. Topics include buying and selling on the world wide web, back-office integration, impact of the business-to-consumer e-business on logistics and supply chain management, hardware and software of the internet, intranets and extranets, technological innovations and their impact, and competitive dynamics of firms operating in internet enabled operating environments.

SIEC 4553 e-Commerce Cyber Law and Ethics

A review and investigation of the new legal challenges which changes in technology have created for business managers in the e-Commerce and e-Business arena. A study of the critical elements essential to success in dealing with contracting software development, business organization for cyber companies, e-Commerce contract law, cyber torts and ethical considerations. This course is designed to enable students to be conversant with the laws that govern e-commerce/e-business so as to be able to effectively advise management on the proper use of internet technology, security & Controls: The Need for Security & Controls, Administrative Controls, System Development Controls, Application Controls Computers & The Law: The Data Protection Act 1984, Definitions of Terms in the Data Protection Act, The Main Provisions of the Data Protection Act, The Practical Implications of the Data Protection Act 1984, Copyright, The Computer Misuse Act 1990, Other Legal Matters

SIEC 4563 Seminars in e-Commerce

Develops a framework for the e-commerce and e-Business environment and introduces the student to the synergy that must take place between technology and business management issues such as organization structure, marketing, law, ethics, cost structures, and managerial leadership. Seminars will include the introduction of students to new/emerging technologies in the market and how to leverage these technologies for business.

SIEC 4573 E-Commerce Practicum

The first part of the course introduces the student to various aspects project management. Topics include organization structure and staffing; motivation, authority, and influence; conflict management; project planning; network systems; pricing estimating, and cost control; proposal preparation; project information systems, international project management.
The second part consists of a project to build a prototype E-commerce system. Each student will be graded both on deliverables and final project report.

SIEC 4583 Banking and Electronic Payment Systems

Technology for managing payments across electronic networks, including the banking and electronic funds transfer network. Payment gateways, electronic presentment, clearance, dishonor. Credit card transactions, electronic bill payment. Properties and examples of digital cash: ecash, cybercash. Electronic banking, SET, electronic purses, negotiable electronic instruments, secure checks, billing servers, CAFÉ, SEMPER, Minipay, micropayments. Authenticity, integrity, provability of transactions. Methods for assuring delivery before payment: electronic bills of lading, letters of credit. Point-of-sale transactions, mail order/telephone order (MOTO) systems. Risks: money laundering, kiting, offshore issues. Allocation of risk among buyer, seller, bank and intermediaries.

SOBF 1533 Elements of Economics I

This course provides an introduction to the theory of consumer demands, theory of production costs, optimal output and pricing determination under conditions of competition and monopoly, allocation and pricing resources. Attention will be given to theories of perfect and imperfect competition

SOBF 1543 Elements of Economics II

This course covers such areas as measuring and explaining overall economics performance, national income and expenditures, money, interest rates, fiscal policy and monetary policy as an analytical core. Attention will be given to basic theories in Macroeconomics, Stabilisation policy, elements of Growth theory, Inflation and unemployment.

SOBF 2593 Introductory Finance

This course introduces the student to financial statements, cash flows, ration analysis, time value of money, budgeting and sources of financing.

SOAC 1513 Principles of Accounting I

This course examines the survey of fundamental concepts of financial and managerial accounting. Topics covered includes: the purpose of accounting, functions of accounting in management, users of accounts, history and development, basic principles and postulates, cash flow analysis in final accounts, interpretation of accounts.

SOAC 1523 Principles of Accounting II

Some topics and themes discussed under this course include; Comprehensive presentation of basic principles of financial and managerial accounting including origin, purpose, and effect with emphasis on application.

SOAC 2583 Managerial Accounting

This course provides an introduction to managerial accounting concepts, budgeting, incremental costs and profit analysis, breakeven analysis, responsibility reporting, and the use of financial analysis for managerial decision-making.

SOAC 4573 Taxation

Survey of basic concepts of taxation. To enable students acquire sound understanding of the different tax systems and tax administration in Ghana. At the end of the course, the student should be able to : Differentiate between the tax systems in Ghana; Apply the tax principles and laws in the work environment and ; Determine the tax liabilities of tax payers in the various tax systems.

SOPS 1513 Introduction to General Psychology

The course introduces the psychological study of human behavior and experience. The history, scope and methods of contemporary psychology are described. Topics include: schools of psychology, goals of psychology, principles of learning and memory, applied areas of psychology.

SOMA 1542 Business Communication & Ethics

This course covers the application of oral and written business communication, involving competency in effective letter writing, preparation of business reports, oral presentation, business meeting (parliamentary) procedures, minutes writing and topic on employment-related communication. Attention will also be given to meeting procedures, interviewing skills and writing of CV’s, and non-verbal communication. This course also deals with the application of basic ethical principles to modern standard business practices. Emphasis will be placed on ethical decision-making in the business arena. Keyboarding skills is a pre-requisite for this course.

SOMA 2513 Principles of Marketing

Principles of Marketing introduces you to the essentials of marketing (key concepts, methods of analysis, strategies and tactics) critical to managing profitable customer relationships in today’s dynamic and connected environment. Specifically, the course goals are:

To introduce you to marketing strategy and to the elements of marketing analysis: customer analysis, company analysis and competitor analysis.

To familiarize you with the elements of the marketing mix (product, pricing, promotion, and distribution strategies).

To enhance your problem solving and decision making abilities by learning how to leverage strategic marketing analysis to inform tactical marketing mix decisions while providing you with a comprehensive framework to evaluate marketing decisions and to create successful marketing initiatives.

To expand your knowledge of the marketing industry while increasing your awareness of the strategic and tactical decisions behind today’s top performing brands.

SOMA 2583 Economy of Ghana

This course will discuss the Micro and Macro economic structure of the Ghanaian economy. Discussions on the micro economic structure will be on Natural Resources, Human Capital, Physical Capital formation and Enterprises. The Macro economic structure will be discussed in the context of the country’s External trade, Money and Banking, Public Finance, National Income and Economic Planning.
The course will also look at some general features of economies of developing countries, e.g., the economies of other West African countries; how Ghana’s economy reflects features of underdevelopment; an overview of the Ghanaian economy since 1957; ERP/SAP and the performance of the economy of Ghana; the HIPC initiatives, and NEPAD.

SOMA 2663 Advanced Business Law

This course looks at e-business government regulation of business, trade secrets, intellectual property and corporate law. Specific laws will include the Act 772 Electronic Transactions Act, 2008; National Information Technology Act 771 Agency Act, 2008; the National Communications Authority Act, 2008, (Act 769); the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772).

SOMA 3522 Business Research Methods

Areas covered in this course include; Research Skills, Research methods and Creative thinking, relationship with supervisor and interaction with research groups, Research presentations and Requirements of a good dissertation and Technical writing skills.

SOMA 3533 Marketing Management

Marketing is a value-enhancing function that identifies opportunities, develops markets, and builds brands. Consequently, good marketing enables companies to charge price premiums, sustain competitive advantage and maintain long-run profitability. To this end, the course covers the following topics: understanding consumer and corporate behaviour, conducting customer and competitor analysis, developing new products, branding and brand extension, pricing, designing distribution channels, and managing marketing-mix activities. First, students will be exposed to the fundamental concepts of marketing and thus learn the “language” of marketing (i.e., talk-the-talk). Second, students will be trained to use the analytic tools of marketing. Finally, students will be exposed to the emerging concepts (e.g., online reverse auctions) and tools (e.g., Bid Analyzer). By acquiring the knowledge of these concepts and tools, together, students will be poised to become strategic marketers (i.e., those who know how to make marketing decisions using market data rather than personal opinions).

SOMA 3743 Marketing Strategy

The course emphasizes the application of basic concepts and theories to a variety of marketing issues. The intent of this course is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the process of formulation, implementation, and management of marketing strategy. Using the case study method, students will gain experience in analysis and decision-making skills.

SOMA 3753 Management Science I

An introduction to the quantitative approach to decision making. Topics may include mathematical programming, forecasting, inventory management, simulation and queuing theory. Emphasis is placed on integrating these tools with computer analysis.

SOMA 3773 Managerial Finance I

A combination of lecture, case study, group interaction and field research to introduce students to the theory and practice of finance. The course will focus on the basic concepts and frameworks in finance. Topics covered will include: the goals and functions of financial management; financial analysis; financial forecasting; operating and financial leverage; working capital management; and the time value of money.

SOMA 3783 Managerial Finance II

Lectures, case studies, group interaction and field research introduce students to the theory and practice of finance. The course focuses on basic financial concepts and frameworks. Topics include the time value of money; valuation and rates of return; cost of capital; capital budgeting; long-term financing; mergers and reorganizations; mergers; and international financial management.

SOMA 4663 Advertising/Sales Promotion

This introduces students to advertising; media of advertisement; advertising copy; advertising budget; evaluation of advertising effectiveness; scientific advertising agency; scientific advertising and advertising research. The course also looks at the role of communication in marketing and the development of a promotion program. Students will be introduced to a DeskTop publishing (e.g. CorelDraw) and Camera handling (still and video). Students will be required to do group projects.

SOMA 4753 New Venture Creation

A study of entrepreneurship and new venture creation including entrepreneurial tests and self evaluation, team building, negotiating, valuation and strategic planning. Development of basic business plan. Prereq: Open only to senior students.

SOMA 4773 Business & Corporate Strategy

This course establishes a foundation in the area of strategy formulation, implementation and analysis. Students learn from visiting business executives, undertake industry analyses, construct industry value chains, examine mergers and acquisitions, conduct SWOT and scenario analyses, search out new disruptive technologies and use other approaches while profiling the formal strategies of major public companies. This course must be taken on this campus with exceptions permitted in only the most extraordinary circumstances.

SOMA 4793 Strategic Issues in Business

Increasingly, business managers must address concerns of constituents beyond traditional business borders. Through the examination of some of the most important and complex issues facing today's management, students will gain an understanding of strategic fit between business strategies and the external environment. This course must be taken on this campus with exceptions permitted in only the most extraordinary of circumstances.

SOGE 1522 Public Speaking

This explores basic principles, techniques of effective speaking. Develops communication, discussion, speech writing, interpretation, delivery, critical analysis skills.

SOGE 1543 Cultural Anthropology

Study of diverse human cultures. Introduction of basic concepts and techniques practiced by cultural anthropologists. Topics include language, kinship, gender, economics, politics, ecology, and religion. Discussion of problems resulting when traditional societies confront industrial societies or industrialization.

LAFR 1513 French Language I

This introductory course deals with the basic elements of the French language. In so doing, it places equal stress on speaking, listening and writing abilities, using daily-life vocabulary. It includes intensive oral drills designed to teach good speaking habits. This course is enhanced by the use of audio-visual materials whose purpose is to expose the student to contemporary broadly based French culture.

LAFR 1523 French Language II

This course, a continuation of French I, is a practical approach to everyday situations through the development of listening, speaking, and writing abilities. Intensive oral drills of a more complex nature designed to achieve fluency, make class attendance compulsory. The reading of short anecdotes on French life provides exposure to written French. This course is enhanced by the use of audio-visual materials designed to expose the student to contemporary French culture.

SICS 1623 Computers in General Applications II

Discussion of the church in cyber space. Students will learn how to design a church website. Lecture and lab.

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(For the overall course structure and requirements, click here)