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.

Regular attendance is a prerequisite for passing the course.

There are three types of deliverables:

15% Small single-choice tests

25% Team presentation

60% Final exam - a minimum of 50% must be achieved on the final exam in order to pass the course. There will be no repeated examination.

Single-choice test: Participation is mandatory.

Team presentations: Presentation material is due 24 hours before the actual presentation takes place. All team members will be asked to present their part of the presentation. The presentation must include an interactive method to foster interactivity among students. Participation is mandatory.

Assessment criteria (for presentation):

• Information (detailed? accurate? relevant? key points highlighted? interesting facts?) 
• Structure (introduction? summary? literature? logical? easy to follow?)
• Presentation Skills (clear? lively? good use of visual aids? hand outs? engaged well with group? responded well to questions?)
• Time management (perfectly timed? organized?)
• The slides are structured and organized in such a way that it is comfortable to study from them, without needing additional materials.

Each group member must present the topic for 10 minutes.

Grading of team work may be subject to peer evaluation.

Final written exam: Participation is mandatory (min.50% to pass the course). There will be no repeat examination!

Grading system:

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.

Important note: Please be on time for the first unit! Attendance for the first session is mandatory for registered students. 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.