Module Identifier
LAM7010
Module Title
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE, LAW & POLICY: KEY ISSUES
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr David A Poyton
Semester
Semester 3 (Dissertation)
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment One assignment of 5,000 words  Learning outcomes 1,2,3,4,5  100%
Supplementary Assessment One assignment of 5,000 words 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Display a knowledge and understanding of the legal and policy issues raised by commercial activity conducted in the electronic environment.
2. Display a knowledge and understanding of the nature of the electronic environment, its `unique¿ qualities and the associated implications for the regulation of commercial activity, including identification, authentication and cross-border issues.
3. Critically evaluate the different regulatory approaches and their application to electronic commerce activity.
4. Display an ability to gain access to the relevant literature and materials in this field and how to use them in a critical discussion of the issues covered by this subject.
5. Present critical and well-informed argument regarding the problems of achieving an effective balance between the pursuit of regulatory control without harming the uptake of electronic commerce activity.

Brief description

Rationale:
The module will enable students to study the legal and policy issues raised by electronic commerce at a postgraduate level through the distance learning format. This will increase the availability and opportunity for studying this subject especially for a range of potential students already involved in online commercial activity in the UK and overseas. This module deals with the key background issues associated with electronic commerce and covers the fundamental issues and principles needed to give the student the ability to critically evaluate electronic commerce and its implication for legislators and policy makers.

Brief Description:
This module will provide an introduction to the background and context to commercial activity in the electronic environment and its regulation. It will broadly introduce the key 'players' in policy development and common principles and concepts identified by them, including: functional equivalence, medium neutrality and non-discrimination. The module then examines the divergent approaches to the regulation of economic activity, from state to self regulation and considers the relative merits of each approach. The legal significance of identification and authentication in the electronic commerce context are examined in depth with analysis of electronic signatures and associated regulation. The final topic of this module introduces the student to the issues raised by the cross-border nature of electronic commerce and associated treaties, regulation and legal principles.

Content

1. Key background and policy issues associated with the regulation of electronic commerce and the main bodies under discussion in the module (UK, EU, UN and US).
2. The legal and practical context of "The Electronic Environment". Examination of the aspects of online commercial activity which raise or may raise significant legal and policy considerations.
3. Regulatory Approaches. International, Regional or State Regulation; Self Regulation and Code.
4. The Importance and legal significance of identification and authentication in the electronic environment.
5. Cross-Border Issues (Jurisdiction and Choice of Law).

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number N/A
Communication Written communication is developed by the presentation of information and argument in written answers and in a more informal way by the use of Blackboard to encourage communication among students and between students and staff. Oral communication skills are developed at the residential study schools.
Improving own Learning and Performance Distance learning, by its very nature, requires strong individual learning and performance structures and this module further develops key skills in this area.
Information Technology The module is delivered almost entirely by distance learning which relies heavily on the use of electronic information resources and on-line learning and teaching.
Personal Development and Career planning Independent learning enhances time management skills. Studying the module will also develop an enhanced capacity for critical thought and the ability to work independently.
Problem solving By the examination and discussion of actual and hypothetical case studies.
Research skills Through the detailed study at advanced level of literature, legal material and research findings on the subject.
Subject Specific Skills This module provides students with the opportunity to identify, analyse, evaluate and practise a series of series of skills with respect to the negotiation of international contracts
Team work Team working skills will be encouraged and developed in group activities and discussions at the residential study schools.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7