Investigate Ethics Concerning E-Commerce
Introduction, Task, Process, Resources, Evaluation, Conclusion
Internet fraud may be broadly defined as any fraud committed through or with the aid of computer programming or Internet-related communications (such as Web sites, newsgroups, e-mails, and chat rooms.) Internet security attacks can bring to a halt all electronic data transfers, including bank transfers that can tie up large sums of money. Web site defacements can be used to send misleading information and propaganda. The Internet poses significant legal challenges to everyone using electronic resources. Copyright problems confronting the fields of education, business, entertainment, and government need to be addressed. Your research will help Brent and Carmen set up new company policies.
You have been asked to research important issues concerning e-commerce ethics. In this task, you will be working in a team. Your instructor will assign your team an Internet ethics topic to investigate. After you complete the research, your group will then prepare a word-processed report discussing your findings. Include a table in the report to help summarize your findings. To insure effective collaboration within your team, you will need to assign the following roles among your team members:
Recorder – takes notes for the team.
Facilitator - ensures that all members participate and that no one person dominates.
Praiser - makes sure each team member’s contribution is appreciated.
Taskmaster - guides the discussion and works to keep the team on task.
To accomplish this task, you will need to complete the following steps:
1. Investigate the appropriate Web site resources listed below (be sure each team member completes this step).
2. Use the E-commerce Ethics document to gather your information.
3. Meet and discuss your findings.
4. Draft your report.
5. Divide the responsibilities of content editing.
6. For instructions on documenting Internet resources, refer to Citing Internet Sources.
7. Word-process the final report.
8. Proofread.
The Internet is a valuable source of information. Use the following Web sites to help you find information.
The Copyright Website
http://www.lib.umich.edu/libhome/copyright/
Copyright Information
http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/is_ecomm.html#stats
E-commerce Trends and Statistics
http://www.semper.org/sirene/outsideworld/ecommerce.html
Electronic Commerce Payment Systems and Security
http://cism.bus.utexas.edu/resources/ecfaq.html
Electronic Commerce Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.ecommercecommission.org/
Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce – Click on Library
National Fraud Information Center
http://www.phillipsnizer.com/internetlibrary.htm?internetlib2.htm
Internet Law Library
You may also want to try general search engines to gather your information. For additional hints, read the “search tips” for each search engine.
Evaluation will be based on the following rubric.
|
|
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
Text and LayoutYou use appropriately fonts, sizes, and styles that invite the reader into the text. A second page header is created and is properly formatted. The pages end and start with at least two lines (no widows/orphans). |
|
|
|
|
Formats and TableThere is just the right balance of white space, text, and graphics on the page. Word wrap, hard returns, and hyphenation are use appropriately. The table is properly formatted and placed correctly on the page. |
|
|
|
|
Flow of IdeasContent flows smoothly and logically from the introduction to the conclusion. The topic is covered thoroughly, and you show a strong understanding of major ideas. The content of the table supports and clarifies key points made in the text. Sources are properly cited. |
|
|
|
|
Writing ToolsThere is effective use of the Check Spelling and Grammar feature. Tab and alignment tools are used appropriately. |
|
|
|
|
Answer the questions “Why should I care?” and “Is this my responsibility?” as they relate to your topic.