Overview
Mobile computing has become a key technology in today's world; mobile devices such as cell phones, smartphones, computer tablets, as well as mobile applications such as text messaging and social networking, have led to significant—some would say even fundamental—changes in our lives. One of these novel changes is the possibility of conducting commerce transactions (e.g., buying online or making reservations) through mobile devices—that is, conducting what is known generically as a mobile commerce activity. In addition to impacting the life of virtually every individual, mobile computing and commerce have also generated, and will continue to generate, significant changes for organizations. Understanding the impact of mobile computing and commerce and the opportunities and challenges that result is an important undertaking for today's organizations and their management.
Outline
ECOM 410 consists of the following 10 lessons of study. Each lesson is designed to teach you the concepts, principles, and case-study skills that will enable you to achieve the course objectives.
- Lesson 1: Introduction and Overview
- Lesson 2: Mobile Computing Applications
- Lesson 3: Mobile and Wireless Technologies
- Lesson 4: Wireless Networks
- Lesson 5: Wireless Security
- Lesson 6: Mobile Computing Strategic Planning
- Lesson 7: Mobile Computing Management and Support
- Lesson 8: Mobile Computing and Mobile Commerce Applications
- Lesson 9: The Internet of Things
- Lesson 10: Social Computing and Business
Evaluation
To obtain credit for ECOM 410, you must achieve a mark of at least 50% percent on the Final Examination, and a composite course mark of at least "D" (50%). The composite mark is weighted as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 15% of final mark |
| Midterm Examination | 20% of final mark |
| Assignment 2 | 30% of final mark |
| Final Examination | 25% of final mark |
| Online Participation | 10% of final mark |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
The examination(s) for this course will be written in the traditional pen and paper format.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Umar, A. (2010). Mobile Computing and Wireless Communications, (2nd ed.). NGE Solutions, Inc. ISBN – 978-0-982-54271-2
Rainer, R. K., & Prince, B., (2016). Introduction to Information Systems, (6th ed.). Wiley. ISBN: 978-1-119-10798-9
Other Materials
All other course materials are available online from the course website.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the ECOM 410 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least 50 per cent on the examination.
Paper Exam (3 hours)
Challenge for credit course registration form