The tremendous technological advances in information and communication technologies, especially in the Internet of Things and Cyber Physical Systems, have enabled the development of highly autonomous systems (i.e., robots) that act in the physical and virtual worlds. Information and the robots that are processing it are expected to be available everywhere and at all times.

Today’s E-Business relies on highly networked, data-driven ICT systems and machines taking autonomous decisions. Virtual and physical environments begin to merge surfacing in technology trends such as "industry 4.0", "drones" and "smart assistants". In the physical environment objects are identified, environment is sensed and interaction between computers and humans is pushed to the invisible. In the virtual environment behavioral data is collected. Business intelligence applications help to combine both information sources to gain new insights. But the ubiquitous availability of information and the autonomous machines using it impose risks which need to be minimized to protect humans and businesses.

After attending this research-guided course, students will be able to understand, describe and judge key information and communication technologies that support electronic business transactions and smart commerce environments.

Subject-related skills

• Know what technologies are used for business in electronic environments (fixed/mobile systems, data collection (i.e. RFID), networks, localization technologies).
• Understand the fundamental challenges in the emerging area of mobile and ubiquitous computing.
• Understand the evolution of interfaces between humans and computers from direct manipulation to implicit interaction.
• Judge on the impact technologies will have and how their technical traits and capabilities foster and limit their business use and deployment potential.

Transferable skills

• Ability to analyze and judge the suitability of technical solutions and services in Business.
• Ability to discuss research-oriented topics related to the design, application, deployment and risks of information technology in business contexts.

The course is taught in an interactive manner and guided by research. In addition to input from the instructor, students are expected to participate in in-class team assignments and deliver team presentations to peers. Moreover, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their obtained skills in a written exam.

There are three independently graded types of deliverables:

• 2 types of classroom activities (together 40%)
  Activity 1 (30%): Regular team work and short presentations to peers
  Activity 2 (10%): Active participation in in-class discussions
• Final exam (60%) - a minimum of 50% must be achieved on the final exam in order to pass the course

Classroom activities will encourage active participation in the classroom and engage students in discussions, short presentations, team work, as well as individual work in which students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge acquired throughout the course.

Grading of team work may be subject to peer evaluation. Regular attendance is a prerequisite for passing the course.

Grading scheme:

87.5% - 100%   = "Sehr gut"  (Excellent)
75% - 87.49%   = "Gut"   (Good)
62.5% - 74.99%  = "Befriedigend" (Satisfactory)
50% - 62.49%  = "Genügend"  (Sufficient)
Below 50%  = "Nicht Genügend" (Fail)

Registration to AG “Einstieg in die SBWL Business Information Systems” (“Entrance into SBWL Business Information Systems”) in LPIS.

Students will be ranked according to the current entrance criteria by the WU vice rectorate for teaching and notified whether they have a spot in the course Basics of ICT.

Please be on time for the first unit! If you cannot make it to class in time please make sure to inform the lecturer via email 24 hours before the first unit takes place.