» Electronic business – this comprises the interchange and processing of information using electronic techniques for conducting business within a framework of generally accepted standards and practices. Areas covered include e-business terminology, the foundations of e-business, why e-business, retailing, customer service, advertising, managing with the Internet, using intranets and extranets, and infrastructure for e-business.

» E-business technology – this comprises issues such as the architecture of Web systems, the attributes of a good Website, data interchange, search engines, data mining, profile building, customer management, and intelligent agents. It includes tools for Website enhancement: multimedia, video streaming, creative linking, and action graphics.

» Internet marketing – this encompasses concepts such as Web marketing, strategies for building new on-line brands and extending existing brands on the Web, fundamentals of e-tailing, buyer motivation, tactics for increasingWeb presence and activity. Topics include e-selling, URL submission techniques, search engine positioning, affiliate programs, banner advertising, contests, auctions, classified advertisements, the use of e-zines, and on-line newsletters.

» E-operations – these relate to the management of customer service and satisfaction – essential goals of any business enterprise. E-operations include the day-to-day activities of an on-line business. Topics covered include business management, architecting process sustainability, on-line ordering systems, telephone ordering, record keeping, inventory control and management, order fulfillment, delivery assurance, delivery methods, electronic bills of lading, and working with intermediaries.

» Competitive strategies for e-business – competitive strategies are constantly evolving along with technological and economic change. This includes strategic planning and management, fast-cycle management, gathering market intelligence, corporate restructuring, and global business strategy. These techniques should be applied to meeting objectives such as makingWebsites receive more traffic and earn more money.

» Emerging technologies in e-business – a look at the future of e-business will focus on topics such as gathering technological intelligence, developing electronic communities, and building unusual alliances. The Internet is the electronic medium of choice in forging these new relationships and can change the ways we conduct business. This requires brain-storming and thinking ‘‘outside the box.’’