Objectives and competences
In this course, students:
1. Understand the role of web information solutions in modern digital business and their connection to the digital transformation of companies.
2. Acquire knowledge of web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML) and the use of CMS platforms such as WordPress, Wix, and SharePoint.
3. Develop skills for designing and implementing web solutions for public websites, intranet environments, and landing pages.
4. Can apply artificial intelligence and tools for user experience personalisation and visual design (e.g., Microsoft Designer).
5. Develop awareness of the importance of cybersecurity, privacy protection, and ethical behaviour in the digital environment.
6. Understand the sustainability aspects of digital solutions and strategies for the environmentally responsible use of web technologies.
7. Strengthen their ability to work in teams and on projects by independently planning, developing, and presenting concrete web information solutions.
8. Enhance digital competencies, information literacy, and a commitment to lifelong learning in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Content (Syllabus outline)
The course Web-based Information Solutions explores the role and significance of web-based solutions in modern digital business. Students become familiar with key technologies for developing web solutions, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML, as well as the use of contemporary tools and platforms (WordPress, SharePoint, Wix, Odoo). Emphasis is placed on understanding web business models (B2B, B2C, B2G), e-commerce, mobile business, and integration with ERP systems. The course covers topics in digital transformation and innovation, the use of artificial intelligence (e.g., chatbots, UX personalization), cybersecurity, ethics, and sustainable development. As part of the project work, students design a corporate website (WordPress), an intranet solution (SharePoint), and landing pages (Wix), using the AI-powered tool such as Microsoft Designer to create a logo, visual identity, and process images and multimedia content. The focus is on acquiring practical skills for developing, implementing, and evaluating web information solutions.
Detailed course content:
1. Introduction to web information solutions
• The role of web information solutions in modern business
• The digital economy and its impact on business models
• Overview of trends in online business and digital services
2. Technologies and architecture of web solutions
• Fundamentals of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML
• Use of CMS platforms: WordPress, Wix, SharePoint
• Integration with business tools and ERP systems (e.g., Odoo)
• Headless CMS approaches and modular architecture of web solutions
3. Web business and e-commerce
• Business models: B2B, B2C, B2G
• Online marketplaces, web stores, and payment systems
• Mobile business and integration with communication technologies (CTI)
4. Digital transformation and innovation
• Digital transformation in companies: strategies, approaches, and best practices
• The role of web solutions in business process redesign
• Agile approaches and user experience (UX)
5. Artificial intelligence in web solutions
• Personalizing the user experience with AI
• Use of chatbots and service automation
• Generative tools (e.g., Copilot, ChatGPT, Microsoft Designer)
6. Cybersecurity and digital ethics
• Basics of information security and personal data protection (GDPR)
• Ethics in the use of web technologies and AI
• Detecting digital fraud (e.g., phishing)
7. Sustainable and green IT
• Environmental impacts of digital technologies
• Strategies for sustainable ICT use (e.g., optimized hosting, eco-friendly web design)
8. Project work and practical skills
• Developing a company website using WordPress
• Designing an intranet solution with Microsoft SharePoint
• Creating landing pages in Wix and learning the basics of web analytics
• Designing logos and visual identity using AI tools such as Microsoft Designer
• Using tools for image processing and multimedia content creation
Learning and teaching methods
- lectures;
- case analysis;
- discussion;
- programmed learning;
- practical exercises and assignments;
- project work
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Development of knowledge and understanding:
Students:
1. Understand the importance and role of web information solutions in the context of digital business.
2. Are familiar with basic web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML) and their potential applications.
3. Understand the functionality and use of CMS platforms (WordPress, Wix, SharePoint) and their integration with ERP and other business systems.
4. Are familiar with web business models (B2B, B2C, B2G) and digital sales.
5. Understand the principles of applying artificial intelligence in web solutions (e.g., personalisation, chatbots).
6. Are familiar with the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity and digital ethics.
7. Understand the sustainability aspects of web information solutions and ICT.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Cognitive/Intellectual skills:
Students:
1. Analyse business needs and propose appropriate web-based solutions.
2. Plan and design web solutions while considering technical and business requirements.
3. Critically evaluate web technologies in terms of user experience, efficiency, and security.
4. Develop problem-solving skills using digital tools and data resources.
5. Integrate theory with practice in the development of digital strategies and solutions.
Key/Transferable skills
Students:
1. Use modern ICT tools for the development and management of web solutions.
2. Collaborate in teams when carrying out project tasks.
3. Develop professional and digital ethics in the use of web technologies.
4. Improve their own learning and use of resources for continuous professional growth.
5. Adapt to new technologies and a dynamic digital environment.
Practical skills:
Students:
1. Independently create a public company website using WordPress.
2. Design and implement an intranet solution in the Microsoft SharePoint environment.
3. Create landing pages in Wix and integrate them with elements of online marketing.
4. Design a logo and visual identity using Microsoft Designer, and edit images and multimedia content.
5. Integrate various tools into a comprehensive web solution as part of project work.
Readings
Sternad Zabukovšek, S., Bobek, S., Deželak, Z. (2021). Informacijski sistemi e-poslovanja – učno gradivo. Maribor: Ekonomsko-poslovna fakulteta.
Hubspot: Introduction to Search Engine Optimization (free e-book). Hubspot, 2021. Link: https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/53/file-13204607-pdf/docs/introduction-to-seo-ebook.pdf
Microsoft Learn (e-learning platform) na https://learn.microsoft.com/.
Hubspot Academy (e-learning platform) na https://academy.hubspot.com/.
Coles, L.: Marketing with Social Media: 10 Easy Steps to Success for Business (free e-book through Academia). Wiley, 2015.
Additional information on implementation and assessment Written exam (40%)
Practical exam (40%)
Coursework (20%)
Comments:
The written exam can be replaced with two midterm exams.
The practical exam can be replaced with two midterm exams.
