Time Constrained Assessment Individual Report

Assignment Brief

TCA INSTRUCTIONS (PART II):

Individual part of Assignment on a Time Constrained Basis

No of Words for Individual TCA Report: 1500 words

Imagine you are a manager and have been selected to lead the new E-Business initiative for the organisation you are working with. You have just completed an E-Business course and are required to write a report for Senior Management using the given report template below.

Discuss group Web Site development you completed as a group  [500 words approximately]

You should write this report reflectively and critically in a professional manner. Consider how you will present your discussions based on what you learnt from your technical development experience.

• Web software (or application) – this refers to the choice of using ready templates, simple and quick implementations OR your organization’s in-house development. You should use examples in your discussions.
  • Do you have the capabilities and skills? In terms of the given templates and capabilities, what have you done additionally, to make it better?
  • What are your views on complex company requirements?
  • Are there any special requirements or skills that you consider a company staff should have?
  • Potential problems in E-business environments – Briefly discuss your concerns and how they can be addressed.  

It is recommended that you refer to the academic citations to support your discussions, i.e. theory you learnt from your text books, journals and lecture slides.

Your management wants to know if you think this E-Business course you attended is useful in preparing you to lead the new E-Business initiative. [600 words approximately]

Remember that you are not expected to implement this E-Business initiative alone. Discuss your views on:

• The course content = Is the knowledge covered in the course sufficient for the duration of the course run? What recommendations do you have?

Sample Answer

Time Constrained Assessment Individual Report

As the manager appointed to lead the new E-Business initiative within my organisation, I reflect on the experience gained during the recent E-Business course and the group project involving website development. This reflection will critically evaluate the technical, organisational, and strategic aspects encountered, alongside the potential challenges and recommendations for successful implementation.

The group project focused on developing a functional website for a simulated business environment. Our initial decision involved choosing between pre-built templates and in-house development. We opted for a hybrid approach, utilising a professional template for the primary structure while incorporating customised elements developed by our team to meet specific business requirements. This allowed us to balance efficiency with originality, ensuring that the website was both aesthetically pleasing and functionally robust. During this process, I critically observed the benefits and limitations of template-based development. Templates allowed rapid deployment, standardised coding, and a consistent user interface; however, they lacked the flexibility to address unique organisational needs, which required additional coding and design modifications by the team.

From a skill perspective, the project exposed gaps between theoretical knowledge and practical application. While I had an understanding of web design principles, database integration, and user interface standards from the course, applying these skills in a real-time collaborative environment highlighted the importance of effective communication, task delegation, and problem-solving under time constraints. To enhance the template-based website, I focused on integrating interactive features such as dynamic forms, real-time notifications, and responsive layouts optimised for mobile devices. These additions ensured that the website not only met functional expectations but also aligned with contemporary user experience standards.

Considering complex organisational requirements, it became evident that staff involved in E-Business projects need a combination of technical expertise and strategic awareness. Developers should possess strong programming and web development skills, including knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and database management, while managers must understand digital marketing, cybersecurity considerations, and customer journey optimisation. In addition, familiarity with project management frameworks such as Agile or Scrum is essential to maintain progress, address unforeseen issues, and ensure the timely completion of project milestones.

During the development process, several potential problems in the E-Business environment became apparent. Firstly, security and data privacy risks posed significant challenges, particularly when handling customer information or integrating third-party payment systems. These concerns can be addressed by implementing encryption protocols, secure authentication processes, and regular audits to maintain compliance with data protection regulations. Secondly, compatibility issues across different browsers and devices required continuous testing and adjustments to ensure accessibility and responsiveness. Thirdly, the fast-paced nature of digital technology demands ongoing staff training to remain current with emerging tools, frameworks, and security standards.

Reflecting on the relevance of the E-Business course, it provided a comprehensive foundation for leading this initiative. The course content covered website development, e-commerce strategies, digital marketing, cybersecurity principles, and project management methodologies. This breadth of knowledge was instrumental in enabling me to make informed decisions, guide the project team effectively, and anticipate potential challenges. Furthermore, the course encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving, which were essential when adapting the template to meet the specific needs of the simulated business environment.

Nevertheless, there were areas where additional coverage would enhance preparedness for real-world applications. The course duration, while sufficient for foundational learning, did not allow extensive exploration of advanced topics such as cloud-based integration, customer analytics platforms, or emerging trends in artificial intelligence and machine learning within E-Business contexts. For future iterations of the course, I recommend incorporating case studies of successful and failed E-Business initiatives to provide practical insights into decision-making, risk management, and strategic alignment. Additionally, hands-on workshops on cybersecurity protocols, database management, and user experience design would better equip participants to handle complex organisational requirements.

Continued...