E-Commerce Curriculum Strategies and Implementation Tactics: An In-Depth Examination of DePaul University's Experience

Abstract

The fast-paced world of e-commerce demands flexible and rapid e-commerce curriculum development. This chapter describes a successful approach to e-commerce curriculum design and development implemented by DePaul University’s School of Computer Science, Telecommunications, and Information Systems (CTI). The master’s e-commerce curriculum, designed, developed, and implemented in just seven months, drew 350 students in its first year, and approximately 650 students with majors and concentrations in the e-commerce area in its second year. Underlying the curriculum is reliance upon the principles of the IRMA / DAMA 2000, ISCC ’99, and IS ’97 model curricula. Strong technological expertise and infrastructure, solid industry relationships, and an entrepreneurial culture were critical success factors in developing and implementing the curriculum. The strategies that DePaul CTI employed and the lessons that it learned in the process of implementing its e-commerce curriculum are relevant to other universities seeking to move into the e-commerce arena. Projections are made concerning the future of university programs in e-commerce and the challenges that loom ahead.