COMM 190: Intro to Digital Business and Technologies

The final grade you receive for the course will be derived by converting your numerical course average to a letter grade according to theQueen's GPA Grading Scale.

Assessment Descriptions

Individual Online Quizzes (50%)

.     The online quiz runs every Monday from Week 3 through Week 12.

.     Each week features ten questions, totalling 100 questions for the course.

.     Questions are derived from the content covered the previous week. For instance, Week 3 questions will pertain to Session 2 content.

.     The quiz will have multiple-choice and open-ended questions about concept definitions and Python programming.

Final Grade = Number of Correct Answers × 50%. E.g. 65 correct answers yield a grade of 32.5 (65 × 50%).

Group Research Project (50%)

Select a case company (e.g., Walmart, Target, Apple, etc.) or industry (e.g., music publication, book publication, hospitality, etc.), analyze its digital evolution history, and forecast the potential impact of new digital technologies on it. The project consists of two deliverables, as follows.

Part 1: Project Plan (10%)

Must adhere to requirements in the “Group Assignment Part 1 Description and Rubrics” document on the course portal. Grading rubrics can be found in the same document.

Part 2: Essay (40%)

Must adhere to requirements in the “Group Assignment Part 2 Description and Rubrics” document on the course portal. Grading rubrics can be found in the same document.

Individual Grade = (Group Proposal Grade × 10% + Group Essay Grade × 40%) × Average of Peer Evaluation. E.g., with a proposal grade of 90, an essay grade of 100, and an 85% peer evaluation average, the grade is (90 × 10% + 100 × 40%) × 85% = 41.65.

Session 01: Introduction

Session Description

This session embarks on a journey into the digital evolution of businesses. We will learn about the role digital technology has been playing in contemporary businesses. We will also learn about how to set up the development environment for Python programming. Learning Python programming will empower us to delve into the essence of digital technology’s logic. By grasping the background of digital businesses and the intricacies  of  Python  programming,  we  will  unveil  the  reasons  behind  the  modern  shapes  of  digital businesses and gain insights into the potential direction of future digital technology and its impact on the business landscape.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Understand the course design.

.     Recall the importance of digital technology in modern businesses.

.     Setup the Python development environment.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Chapter 1 Introduction to Information Systems

.     Matthes (2023) Chapter 1: Getting Started

Session 02: History of Computing

Session Description

In this session, we will dive into the pivotal moments in computing history, tracing the progression of both hardware and software, which offer us insights into the foundational aspects of technology. Building upon our previously established Python development environment, we will delve into the core concepts of variables and data types. This exploration will enhance our comprehension of the intrinsic link between hardware and software, which will enable us to understand the inherent data-centric nature of digital technology.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Identify the major milestones in the evolution of computing.

.     Explain how data types and variables function in Python.

.     Understand the data-centric nature of digital technology.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Technology Guide 1 Hardware and Technological Guide 2 Software

.     Matthes (2023) Chapter 2 Variables and Simple Data Type

Session 03: Data-Driven Business

Session Description

In this session, we will have a closer look at the role of data in shaping today’s digital technology-driven business. Diving deep into the concepts of data and knowledge management, we will also learn about how business analytics has evolved to leverage this digital treasure. Turning to Python, we will explore its fundamental data structures like lists and dictionaries. Lists and dictionaries serve as foundational concepts in databases, which are essential components of data management, knowledge management, and business analytics software. This hands-on approach will provide us with a tangible grasp on data handling, enriching our appreciation of the technical foundation of data management, which will empower us to distinguish between reality and hypes in data-driven business strategies.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Describe the concepts of data and knowledge management.

.     Understand how business analytics works.

.     Apply lists and dictionaries in Python programming.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Chapter 5 Data and Knowledge Management and Chapter 12 Business Analytics

.     Matthes (2023) Chapter 3 Introducing Lists, Chapter 4 Working with Lists, and Chapter 6 Dictionaries

Session 04: Artificial Intelligence

Session Description

In  this  session,  we  will  journey  through  the  history  and  across  the  different  paradigms  of  artificial intelligence, shedding light on its foundational quest: to equip machines with human-like decision-making capabilities. To better grasp this decision-making essence in artificial intelligence, we will dive into the world of programming conditionals. By exploring Python’s if-statements and while-loops, we will gain a hands-on understanding of  how  machines  make choices  based  on conditions,  leveraging the variables we  have previously studied.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Understand the fundamental principles of artificial intelligence.

.     Identify different paradigms of artificial intelligence.

.     Apply Python’s if-statements and while-loops to create simple decision-making algorithms.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Chapter 14 Artificial Intelligence

.     Matthes (2023) Chapter 5 If Statements and Chapter 7 While Loops

Session 05: Networking

Session Description

In this session, we will journey through the domain of networking technology, shedding light on its influence on business dynamics. We will simplify the complex maze of wired and wireless networks, spanning from traditional cable systems to the vast expanse of cellular networks. Together, we will unravel the backbone that powers our connected world of computers and smart gadgets. We will also dive into the vibrant sphere of mobile commerce (m-commerce) in terms of how this platform breathes life into products and services adapting seamlessly to users on the move and shapes contemporary business landscapes for the emerging world of ubiquitous computing. To cement our learning, we will delve into the practical side —exploring with Python how users interact with files, given that at its core, networking is all about the transactions of data packets.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Understand how telecommunications and networking function.

.     Explain how networking has been shaping and will revolutionize businesses.

.     Apply Python functions to implement simple user interactions with files.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Chapter 6 Telecommunications and Networking and Chapter 8 Wireless, Mobile Computing, and Mobile Commerce

.     Matthes (2023) Chapter 7 User Input and Chapter 10 Files

Session 06: Digital Technology within an Organization

Session Description

In the dynamic landscape of business, digital technology plays multiple roles. Some technologies streamline in-house tasks, while others bridge businesses to their external stakeholders. This session dives deep into the former, spotlighting digital tools that bolster an organization’s internal workflows, especially enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Grasping this digital backbone is crucial. Whether we are stepping into a global tech powerhouse or joining a budding local start-up, we are bound to interface with such technologies from day one. Today’s organizations have woven digital technology into the very fabric of their daily operation. As we transition to the latter part of our session, we will demystify the concept of “functions” in Python. This insight will illuminate the behind-the-scenes mechanics each time we interact with software that we use for daily works, revealing the magic behind every click.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Explain how digital technology support the processes in various business areas.

.     Identify advantages and drawbacks of enterprise resource planning systems.

.     Construct Python functions tailored to organizational requirements.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Chapter 10 Information Systems within the Organization

.     Matthes (2023) Chapter 8 Functions

Session 07: Digital Technology Crossing the Boundary of an Organization

Session Description

This session zooms in on the digital technology that bridges businesses to their external stakeholders, specifically delving into customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) systems. Though these systems cater to varied needs, they converge on a central theme: management of distinct entities,  be  it suppliers, customers,  resources,  products,  etc.  In today’s  programming  practice, systems specialized in such entity management are often crafted through the lens of object-oriented programming. Our Python segment, therefore, will demystify this programming paradigm. By understanding its core concepts, we will learn how tangible real-world entities are digitally encapsulated, stored, and engaged with and will have in-depth understanding of how systems specialized in entity management work behind the scene.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Identify the primary functions of customer relationship management systems.

.     Explain how digital technology can improve supply chain management.

.     Understand the idea of object-oriented programming with Python.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Chapter 11 Customer Relationship Management and Supply Chain Management

.     Matthes (2023) Chapter 9 Classes

Session 08: Digital Business Redesign

Session Description

In this session, we will navigate the rapidly evolving competitive landscape of e-business and e-commerce, exploring how advancements in digital technology can not only enhance traditional business operations but also pave the way for innovative business models and entirely new industries. To thrive in this dynamic competitive landscape, it is crucial to grasp and visualize business processes clearly. This ensures we can pinpoint potential challenges or inefficiencies while also identifying areas ripe for digital enhancement. While Python offers tools for specific software development, our focus will shift to a broader perspective. We will introduce the visualization technique known as Business Process Modeling and Notation (BPMN). This technique provides both a holistic overview and a detailed breakdown of business processes. By the end of the session, we will transition from a coder’s perspective to that of a strategic business designer.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Identify common models of e-business/e-commerce.

.     Understand the importance of business processes in business strategizing.

.     Apply BPMN to business (re-)design.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Chapter  7  E-Business and  E-Commerce and Chapter 2 Organizational Strategy, Competitive Advantage, and Information Systems

.     Slides and Exercise on Business Process Modeling Notations (BPMN)

Session 09: Managing Digital Projects

Session Description

Digital technology is ever-evolving, significantly influencing how businesses operate today and shaping their future. Given the rapid advancements in this domain, it is likely that throughout our career, we will frequently encounter  projects  centered  around  the   design,  development,  and  implementation  of  new  digital technologies. In this session, we will dive deep into the intricacies of planning, strategizing, and managing these tech-driven projects. Like before, we will not only talk theory; we will also introduce the real-world practice of agile project management. This approach provides practical models and guidelines tailored for today’s fast-paced and unpredictable technological and business landscape. By the end, we will be equipped with valuable insights and tools to handle the dynamic challenges of managing digital projects.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Identify the challenges of digital technology projects.

.     Understand what project management is.

.     Apply the principles of agile project management.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Chapter 13 Acquiring Information Systems and Applications

.     Slides on Agile Project Management

Session 10: Trending Technology: On-Demand Digital Resources

Session Description

In this session, we will break down what the “cloud” is and its powerful impact on today’s businesses. Learn how it helps companies operate more efficiently and why big names like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure are at the forefront. Recognize that cloud computing isn't just a passing trend —it is shaping the future of business. To round it all up, we will touch upon application programming interfaces (APIs) using Python, giving us a glimpse into the tech magic behind the cloud.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Describe the characteristics, benefits, and challenges of cloud computing.

.     Explain different types of cloud.

.     Understand how application programming interfaces work.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Technology Guide 3 Cloud Computing

.     Python codes of using a cloud service’s APIs

Session 11: Trending Technology: Digital Security and Trust

Session Description

In today’s digital age, the rise of technology has brought about concerns regarding information security and trust. With incidents like data breaches and the emergence of deceptive tools like deepfakes, trust in the online space is at stake. In this session, we will dive into the basics of digital security and explore how trust is maintained online. We will also introduce blockchain, a technology designed to ensure genuine and secure information, with a peek at some sample Python codes, which provides a good illustration of how theoretical ideas of digital security are translated into codes.

Session Learning Objectives

.     Understand why digital security and trust is important to businesses in the digital age.

.     Define the key concepts of digital security and blockchain.

.     Understand how to interpret more complex Python codes.

Session Readings

.     Rainer et al. (2023) Chapter 4 Information Security and Controls and Slides on Blockchain and Bitcoin

.     Python codes of a simple blockchain

Course Policies

Research Pool

COMM 190 is participating in the research pool, which means it is eligible for research pool credit.

Academic Integrity

Information on policies concerning academic integrity is available in the Senate Academic Integrity Policy Statementand in the Academic Integrity Procedures – Requirements of Faculties and Schools which was approved by the Senate in October 2021 and will be followed by Smith as of January 2022. You may also visit theacademic integritysection of the Office of the University Ombudsperson website for information about student rights and responsibilities and guidance on policy and procedures as related to academic integrity.

Late Penalty

Deliverables must be submitted by the specified due dates. Submitting after the due date without official approval results in a 5-point deduction per day.

If unable to meet the deadline due to extenuating circumstances (i.e., a reason beyond their control, such as illness, injury, trauma, etc.), the student must submit a Request for Academic Consideration (see below) to the Commerce Office. If your extenuating circumstance is related to your disability registered with QSAS (with up to 7-calendar day extension on assignments accommodation), do not complete a Request for Academic Consideration. Instead, notify the instructor, QSAS Advisor, [email protected].

*Please note:

Students  must  follow  the  appropriate  support  process  to  receive  Academic  Accommodation  or Consideration for impacted deliverables. Please see the applicable sections below.

If you receive approval after the due date, you will incur penalties for each day between the due date and the approval date.

For group work:

.     An  individual’s  accommodations  or  considerations  are  specific  to  their  circumstance,  and the arrangements do not extend to other group members (i.e., the group deadline remains the same).

.     The individual must then submit an independent essay, which will be assessed based on the same criteria but the word limit will be 20% of the original word limit. This count includes figures and tables but excludes references.