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.

The tremendous technological advances in information and communication technologies especially in wireless communication and portable devices have enabled the development of the era of mobile computing in the 1990’s and ubiquitous computing nowadays. Information is expected to be available everywhere and at all times.

After attending this 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 there (fixed/mobile systems, embedded systems (i.e. RFID, NFC), networks, localization technologies) and what the fundamental challenges in the emerging area of mobile and ubiquitous computing are.

• Understand interface evolution (from direct manipulation to implicit interaction) and the role of wireless communication.

• Judge on the impact ambient technologies will have and how their technical traits and capabilities foster and limit their business use and deployment potential.

Transferable skills:

• Ability to discuss, analyze and judge upon technical products and services.

Attendance:
Regular attendance is a prerequisite for passing the course.

Exercises:
(1) Team Assignment and Presentation (15 %) - Small team presentation and writing assignment on discussed theory, relevant subjects, given article or exercise. This heavily depends on current topics and available literature.

(2) Weekly Single Assignment (20%) - Small writing assignment as follow-up for each lecture.

(3) Active In-class Participation (5%)

Exam (60%):

A minimum of 50% must be achieved on the final exam in order to pass the course. Participation is mandatory for the written exam. The exam will be held during the last unit of the course.
Please note: 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)

Before registering for this course, please make sure that you can attend the last unit for the exam!

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 place 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.