ObjectivesMore than just internet-enabled transactions and communications, e-business technology encompasses internal business processes and knowledge creation through to the management of external business processes, knowledge and relationships. This pathway helps you to develop expertise in designing and deploying information and communication technologies (ICT) in an e-business environment. It focuses on understanding the relationships between different business and organisational models, and the internet and network architectures and technologies that support those models is critical. Within the pathway, you investigate internet and distributed systems development, human-computer interaction approaches to web applications design, and patterns for e-business applications.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements: Normally a UK bachelor degree with first or upper second class honours is required, or the overseas equivalent, in a computer-related or information technology subject. When assessing your academic record we take into account; your grade average, position in class, references, and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. We particularly welcome applications from institutions of high ranking and repute.
Course descriptionMSc Information Systems: e-Business Technology
Course structure
All taught course units are 15 credits.
The course consists of two taught semesters followed by the dissertation.
You are required to study the following core options:
Industrial Applications
This course unit addresses the role and importance of Information Systems in industry and
commerce. It consists of a series of seminars provided by leading industrial speakers on the
problems and issues relating to development, use and maintenance of information systems in
practice and their relationship with the wider business context.
Research Methods
This course unit aims to provide you with a generic understanding of issues relating to the
conduct of academic research in the social sciences and management. More specifically it
involves developing skills and expertise in the analysis of research theory and practice as well
as the ability to work independently to develop and defend an intellectual position. The
emphasis is on critical assessment of the various methodologies available to researchers in
the social sciences, management and business studies.
Research Methods II
This course unit aims to provide you a range of technical, managerial and personal skills
which enable you to effectively undertake the dissertation stage of your degree programme.
More specifically, it involves developing skills and expertise in project planning and
management including principles of planning in general and how they apply to IS dissertation
projects, academic writing tips and professional practice and ethics.
Plus three core units according to your pathway:
Distributed Systems and Internet Technology
The aim of this unit is to provide you with the knowledge of the principles and practices
underlying the design of distributed systems. It equips you with knowledge of web architecture
and development technology, and practical skills in developing interactive web applications. e-Business
This unit investigates state-of-the-art in e-Business from both a theoretical and practical
standpoint. It also examines a range of e-Business models focusing on how they interact with
each other in supporting the various business activities, e-Business solutions and how they
affect Business to Business and Business to Consumer applications, and the emerging
patterns for e-Business.
Human Computer Interaction and Web User Interfaces
The aim of this course unit is to give you a good working knowledge of HCI theories,
principles, paradigms and guidelines and to be able to apply this knowledge in the
development and evaluation of interactive systems that are fit for the purposes of their diverse
users. It teaches you how to gather user requirements, create prototypes, and conduct
evaluations; it also introduces you to web user interface technologies and development.
You then take two optional course units from a range of subjects available on the course.
Summer research period
Dissertation/Project (60 credits)
Having completed the taught element of the course you will undertake a Dissertation/Project
on a topic related your chosen pathway subject. During this period you will carry out an
original piece of research. You will have a supervisor, who will discuss your choice of
research project with you and advise and guide you through the process. Some feature
industrial placements.
Recent dissertations have covered:
• Change management methods of a multinational consultancy company (based on a
company placement)
• Business cases for customer relationship management (based on a company placement
with a pharmaceutical multinational)
• The role of consultancy companies in selling technology solutions
• Innovation in the public sector (with government sector partners)