FdSc E-Business Technologies

Awarding Institution: University of Plymouth

Teaching Institution: Strode College

Accrediting Body: University of Plymouth

Final Award: FdSc

Intermediate Awards: Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), Short Course Award, Certificate in Professional Development

Programme Title: E-Business Technologies

This programme of study aims to provide a higher academic qualification for learners interested in pursuing careers as computing technologists or e-Business analysts. A part-time option is suitable for those who are employed in a wide variety of types of computing and e-Business roles and wish to support and develop these roles with a valid higher academic qualification. Learners may come from or hope to gain employment in roles such as:

• business systems developer
• network administrator
• software developer
• technical support role

Your approach to studying

The most significant difference between university level life and other modes of study you may be familiar with is the amount of personal responsibility you will need to take. If you want to get the best out of your Foundation Degree, then you have to take responsibility of your own educational development. From 2010 the core unit on the Foundation Degree is Professional Practice and you will be supported and guided in your development whilst studying at Strode College.

Aims of the programme

The programme aims to provide learning opportunities for full-time learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment as a computing technologist or e-Business analyst. The programme enables learners to progress to additional top up third year of the BA in Multimedia Desgin at the Uniersity of Plymouth.

The programme also offers opportunities for computing technologists and e-Business analysts in current employment to achieve a nationally recognised vocationally specific higher academic qualification. This is achievable through a part time route for those who wish to remain in full time employment and study alongside.

On this programme you will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills from a computing technology and e-Business viewpoint. You will focus on the development of the higher level skills within a technological and e-Business context and you will develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods will be used in each module and may include: class tests, portfolio of evidence, group work, course work, research, case studies (both practical and scenario), evaluations, reports (individual and in groups) and assignments. Both formative and summative assessment may be used throughout the programme.

Professional Practice

Students will be expected to take part in work as part of their studies. This is a very important aspect of the programme as it expands student understanding of working in the sector. It is envisaged that over the period of the programme, students will gain experience from working in a variety of placements which could include roles such as technical support, network administration, database design, systems analysis or website design.

Modules

This programme has been successfully validated by the University of Plymouth and includes the following modules:

Introduction to E-Business
The phenomenal growth of E-Business has transformed the commercial world for both producers and consumers with new forms of business organisation. Student will examine the development of online businesses and devise a business plan for an online business.

E-Marketing
The phenomenal growth of E-Business since the mid nineties has meant that it's no longer enough to have a good website you still might be lost amongst the millions of sites in the vast expanse of cyberspace. Being found has become a complex and ever changing process in which search engines, directories, links and portals all play their part.

System analysis and design
In a world where the majority of IT systems still fail, a systematic approach to analysis and design is more important than ever. Students will learn and deploy the main tools and techniques to produce a complete system design.

Computer systems and networking fundamentals
Learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance and safety issues.  Assemble and configure computers, Install software and operating systems, trouble shoot systems and build simple networks.

Data Analysis and Design
In the world of E-Business we see the website or front end of an online business, but it's the hidden database that sits behind it that is the real power in this software combination. Databases are predominant and a good understanding of how they work is essential to an understanding of E-Business.

Website development and production
Website development and production is fundamental to any E-Business.  The focus is on identification of need, design, build, upload, test, maintenance and review.  Learners will develop skills in specific techniques that enable them to select when and where they are most appropriate, basing this decision on client and user needs.

Advanced web programming
One of the most important elements of an E-Business is the interaction between the website that gathers user data and the database where this is stored and updated. TheThere will focus is on creating and interacting with web enabled databases. also be a focus on the security issues surrounding this area.

Information and Project Management
Managing projects effectively is essential to their success; this module prepares students for participation in project based activity in the field of E-Business. Students will identify and apply appropriate project management techniques to case studies and to their final project

Networking Infrastructure
This is a practical unit which focuses on an appropriate network operating system, such as Microsoft Windows. It provides learners with a sound knowledge of the standards-based networking protocols and technologies that enable a reliable and secure interoperable network environment in a multi-vendor environment

Network Operating Systems
Businesses looking for an internet presence will need to have a secure network infrastructure to support many applications including an internet server. This module examines the core component of that, the network server. Students will have a practical experience in configure an operation network server.

Software Development Project
To link and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to produce a practical solution to a realistic problem. This will develop the ability to produce a suitable, realistic software solution to an agreed specification within a defined timescale.

Transactional Database Systems
A transactional database is a DBMS which allows write operations to be rolled back if they are not completed properly. The concept of a transaction is central to the success of database which is both online and commercial. Students will set up a transactional database using Microsoft .NET framework.

Progression Opportunities

On completion of your Foundation Degree, you will gain a FdSc in E-Business Technologies. You will be able to progress to a full Bachelors Degree with Honours at the University of Plymouth in Multimedia Computing.

By studying a Foundation Degree you have a wider choice of career opportunities throughout the private and public sectors, both in the United Kingdom and abroad. You will need to start thinking and planning your career early on in your programme as it is your responsibility to make the effort to find a job.

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