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Msc in E-Commerce (Bus. Stream)

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  • 18-02-2010 2:41pm
    #1
    a7k10rf6z8buel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 53 ✭✭


    Hi,

    I'm considering applying for the Masters in E-Commerce in DCU. I just want to know from anyone who has comleted the course how they found it? Was it useful in terms of finding a job? Did they actually learn much from the course? I found my own undergrad course to be far too generic and didn't really feel like I gained any specific knowledge.

    One of the problems I may have with applying is the fact that I only got a 2.2 in my degree in Business from DIT. However, I was hoping the fact that I have worked in the investment funds industry for the last 18 months may compensate for this.

    Any feedback would be much appreciated!:)


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    #2
    a7k10rf6z8buel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 53 ✭✭a7k10rf6z8buel


    Anyone!?!


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    #3
    gollem_1975
    Registered Users Posts: 1,068 ✭✭✭gollem_1975


    with a 2.2 and business experience you should meet the entry requirements

    check out the search function and you will find other threads dealing with M.Sc ECommerce

    eg:
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055578049&highlight=commerce+masters

    hope this helps


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    #4
    JoePie
    Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭JoePie


    I'm in the course right now. Its decent. A 2.2 will get you in no bother. Its an awful lot of work though. Theres a big emphasis placed on social media as well, more so this semester. First semester was a bit general again, but it sets you up well for second semester. As you have a business degree you will have to take Intro to Java in semester one and Networks & Internet in semester two. So you'll get a decent insight into the technical end of things. Theres a large focus on group work and that type of thing as well. Its a very hands on course.

    Throw out more questions if you gottem, fella.


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    #5
    a7k10rf6z8buel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 53 ✭✭a7k10rf6z8buel


    Thanks for the above guys. I think I would enjoy learning about the technical side of things, all though I'm sure it would not be easy. As I've said I didn't feel I gained much practical knowledge from my undergrad.

    I see from the DCU website that applications are open till July. Would I be better applying before then?


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    #6
    JoePie
    Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭JoePie


    Yeah, probably. If you applied now, you could be offered a conditional placement, which means they will hold you a place on the course now until you get your grades. But since you already have your 2.2, you'd be guarenteeing your place now. You need yo pay €500 as your deposit to the guys you apply through (cannot remember the name for the life of me), and then €1,500 to the college, which makes up your €2,000 in course fees.


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    #7
    health
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭health


    Hi

    Just to reply to your original query, I did the course last year. I got a job as soon as i left as e-commerce / web specialist in a company straight after the course. Yes i learned from the course.

    It has a good mix between subjects. Some of the projects which stand out are the google adwords campaign, the virtual worlds, commercialisation and web design & usability projects which are all very relevant.

    If you are prepared to work hard (and there is a lot of work) and encourage people in your teams to work hard then it is definitely worth it. Each year the course changed slightly so it can better cater for the skills that are required in the marketplace.

    The course is also one of the few in ireland to be awarded the EPAS accreditation (since 2009)

    Finally e-commerce is one of the few areas that are actively hiring at present.

    For anyone who is interested in working in e-commerce i would suggest doing the course and also getting some of your own practical experience, set up a website, blog and keep it updated. Get to understand SEO.

    Mark


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    #8
    a7k10rf6z8buel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 53 ✭✭a7k10rf6z8buel


    Hi,

    The above post seems quite encouragin!:) I've no doubt it will be hard work (much more so than my undergrad!). Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is SEO.

    Health, can I ask you is your work project based? This would appeal to me as my current work is extremely tedious and repetitive. Also how difficult is it for someone who is relatively novice in web desgin etc to pick up on the technical side of things?


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    #9
    JoePie
    Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭JoePie


    All the computing stuff is done right from the start. I nearly blew my head off because I have a computing degree, so it was all just a rehash for me, but you'll have no problem catching on.


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    #10
    health
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭health


    SEO - means search engine optimisation
    THis is where you work as getting your website to appear as high as possible on a search engines listing when a certain keyword is entered. For example if i have a website for a shop in Dublin that sells shoes , i would like that when someone enters "shoes in Dublin" that my website would appear in the first page in Google, bing etc

    By work project based? do you mean what do i currently work at? - I am an eCommerce specialist for a health software company. I manage their websites, help to increase their brand on the internet and also design the interface for some of their software. The plan is to have an eCommerce element in the near future.

    Web design is fine, with applications like Dreamweaver you can create sites very quickly. More and more providers are offering set templates to choose from which do not require any knowledge so unless you want to become a professional designer what is important is the usability and layout of the site. You'll be fine

    Mark


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    #11
    maltaguy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭maltaguy


    Hi,

    In response to your original question, i too did the course last year. I am actually an international student who came over to Dublin just for this particular course. And i must say that i have no regrets that i did so. Yes it is hard work so prepare yourself for that but it is a masters course after all.

    I found most subjects very interesting and relevant to the e-commerce / e-business environment. Also the fact that you get to study a mix of both technical and business subjects makes it more interesting and increases your job prospects. So if this doesn't bother you and you are willing to work hard then i definitely recommend taking this course.


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    #12
    guybague
    Closed Accounts Posts: 31 ✭guybague


    This is basically a 'hothouse' course. My experience of it was that it was substandard in terms of employer's needs. Parts of it (the economic and business options) were excellent, but the technical and design parts are of little use, and the marketing aspect was appalling. Employers want people with real experience and enthusiasm, not some low-level assignments on websites or Java tax programmes or "social media". I see little value in a course like this where undergrads go straight into a postgrad course. Who cares if you have a 2.1 or 1st from an undergrad course now we know (and have done for a while thanks to www.stopgradeinflation.ie) what's been going on with grades anyway?

    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2010/0306/1224265696868.html

    "Most are young and multi-lingual, and virtually all are graduates, many from Google’s universities of choice: University College Dublin, Trinity and University College Cork."

    "Many multinationals, O’Keeffe heard, were reluctant to recruit from certain colleges because of concerns about standards. There were even suggestions that several institutes of technology (ITs) and one university were on an unofficial recruitment “blacklist”. At the core of the problem was grade inflation across the education sector, from Leaving Cert to third-level degrees."


    I would caution against this course in favor of others in TCD, UCC or UCD.


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    #13
    guybague
    Closed Accounts Posts: 31 ✭guybague


    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article7052465.ece

    "It was notable that smaller, less popular colleges were inflating grades more than rivals. At Dublin City University, which competes with Trinity and University College Dublin (UCD) — both in the world’s top 100 — 26% of degree students secured a first in 2005, more than double the percentage of 1998. At National University of Ireland Maynooth, the number of firsts has increased by 700% since 1994."


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    #14
    Bluetonic
    Registered Users Posts: 7,588 ✭✭✭Bluetonic


    Multinationals such as Google would only consider hiring graduates from what they regarded as the top universities — Trinity, UCD and University College Cork (UCC).
    Strange that, I know graduates from other institutions who work quite successfully for Google.

    I suppose a paper never refuses ink.


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    #15
    guybague
    Closed Accounts Posts: 31 ✭guybague


    The denials continue:

    http://jenniferoconnells.blogspot.com/2010/03/grade-expectations.html

    Go to TCD, UCD or UCC.


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    #16
    JoePie
    Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭JoePie


    Weird thing to bring up but, whatever.


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    #17
    Corker85
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭Corker85


    guybague wrote: »
    This is basically a 'hothouse' course. My experience of it was that it was substandard in terms of employer's needs. Parts of it (the economic and business options) were excellent, but the technical and design parts are of little use, and the marketing aspect was appalling. Employers want people with real experience and enthusiasm, not some low-level assignments on websites or Java tax programmes or "social media". I see little value in a course like this where undergrads go straight into a postgrad course. Who cares if you have a 2.1 or 1st from an undergrad course now we know (and have done for a while thanks to www.stopgradeinflation.ie) what's been going on with grades anyway?

    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2010/0306/1224265696868.html

    "Most are young and multi-lingual, and virtually all are graduates, many from Google’s universities of choice: University College Dublin, Trinity and University College Cork."

    "Many multinationals, O’Keeffe heard, were reluctant to recruit from certain colleges because of concerns about standards. There were even suggestions that several institutes of technology (ITs) and one university were on an unofficial recruitment “blacklist”. At the core of the problem was grade inflation across the education sector, from Leaving Cert to third-level degrees."

    I would caution against this course in favor of others in TCD, UCC or UCD.

    As a past graduate of the MSc in eCommerce business stream (MECB), I can honestly say that it is not easy to get a first class honours grade, or even a 2.1 for that matter. An easy grade from DCU? I wish!

    Interestingly, several graduates of MECB have progressed to work in Google. I can think of two off the top of my head from my year and met a few from previous years when they came in to present to our class. If I remember correctly as well, during the year the course co-ordinator mailed us with both technical and business jobs in Google that we were eligible for. Other universities may have more, but our class/uni were represented well with smaller numbers.

    In relation to the recruitment "blacklist" associated with one university you cited above (I assume it's referring to DCU), I find it very hard to believe employers judge based on what university the applicant attended. I thought it would have been more about the individual. In my experience, it's all about how you sell yourself on the day of the interview and experience, regardless of grades. As a result of MECB, I had three companies (2 SME's and 1 Blue Chip) on my CV that I interacted with throughout the year and this stood to me big time.

    I came across this thread as I'm considering returning to DCU to pursue a PhD and was looking for information here in applying. I wouldn't think twice about doing one in DCU as I found my time there really enjoyable.

    In relation to "social media" comment above, my boss would jump at the chance to hire anyone who knew how to use facebook to attract customers so he didn't have to spend a fortune on advertising. Also, the HR manager would love to reduce information asymmetry by checking out about potential employees online social media profiles or even use LinkedIn or Monster to hire instead of adverts in newspapers.


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    #18
    gollem_1975
    Registered Users Posts: 1,068 ✭✭✭gollem_1975


    You can do so at DCU Business School Postgraduate Open Evening which takes place on Monday, 22nd March 2010 from 6pm-7.30pm @ DCU Business School


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    #19
    theolynn
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15 ✭theolynn


    Cecilia Clever Bread wrote: »
    Hi,

    I'm considering applying for the Masters in E-Commerce in DCU. I just want to know from anyone who has comleted the course how they found it? Was it useful in terms of finding a job? Did they actually learn much from the course? I found my own undergrad course to be far too generic and didn't really feel like I gained any specific knowledge.

    One of the problems I may have with applying is the fact that I only got a 2.2 in my degree in Business from DIT. However, I was hoping the fact that I have worked in the investment funds industry for the last 18 months may compensate for this.

    Any feedback would be much appreciated!:)

    Hi Jayceonkay

    I am the Programme Chairperson of the MSc in Ecommerce (Business). I want to make sure that you are getting factually correct information.

    1. The MSc in E-commerce has very good post-course employment rate and in e-commerce etc not any employment. Some of the other respondence are correct in that Google has employed our students regularly over the last couple of years. I might add that IBM, Paypal and many other e-commerce companies have also employed our graduates.

    2. The MSc in E-commerce programme has evolved and been refined over a number of years. It is the only e-commerce programme in Ireland and one of the few business programmes in Ireland that is EPAS accredited. This is an international quality system that is extremely difficult to win.

    3. This year we have further refined the programme to respond to (a) student feedback, (b) industry requirements, and (c) market trends. Students interact with a wide variety of companies on digital marketing projects. The subjects and approach is very different than even last year and maybe the issues Guybague (I don't know who this is) experienced have been corrected.



    4. I honestly think DCU Business School is doing probably the most interesting work in digital marketing and digital participation in the country. I believe DCU Business School is one of the largest participants in the Google Online Marketing Challenge in Europe - we had two semifinalists last year - and all students have the opportunity to attend lectures, seminars and workshops on SEO and Social Media Marketing and then can work on applied projects with real clients.For the third year running, MSc in E-commerce (Business) students are finalists in the Accenture Leaders of Tomorrow competition - of, I think, six finalists, DCU Business School has two teams.

    5. From a research perspective, students not only get to learn from one the leading search specialists in Ireland, Professor Alan Smeaton, but also get exposed to next generation marketing projects from external experts. Right now, DCU Business School alone has over 8 funded research projects on digital marketing.

    6. Regarding grade inflation. This is a national problem. However, on a personal level no student or faculty member has ever accused me or the MSc in E-commerce of inflated grades. I am happy to discuss our grade trends with anyone. Please remember Universities are made up of a variety of schools and programmes, grade inflation trends result from a variety of factors and in many instances are not as prevalent or severe in business schools. I think one has to be careful not to tar everyone with the same brush nor do sweeping generalisations contribute to effective decision-making.

    7. Regarding a 2H2, unfortunately it is not the case that this will get you in "no bother". All 2H2 applicants are now interviewed. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your university performance and establish direct contact with us. You apply through www.pac.ie, DC506. We had very strong demand last year and expect similar or greater demand this year. We advise early application.

    One of the respondents mentioned that we have an open day on 22 March. You are very welcome. We are also running a free mini-conference during the day on "Doing Business in the East" (details at end of post). You are very welcome to attend. Email dcubs.info@dcu.ie with your name, organisation and the breakout you would like to attend. Over 50 MECB current students and many of our alumni will be attending, this is an opportunity for you to meet them (and indeed myself) and discuss your queries directly.

    I hope this is useful.

    ^t

    Doing Business in the East - 22 March 2010
    Plenary (The Helix)
    1300: Introduction: Dr. Theo Lynn (DCU Business School)
    1310: Ireland: The Export Driven Economy: Tony Foley (DCU Business School)
    1330: International Relations Issues in China, India, Russia and the Arabian Gulf: Pat Ivory (IBEC)
    1400: Common legal themes in doing business internationally: Peppe Santoro (Eversheds O'Donnell Sweeney)
    1420: Global business and investment opportunities in Russia and CIS: Dr. Constantin Gurdgiev (Head of Macroeconomics, Global Centre for Economic Development, IBM)
    1500: Close of Plenary: Professor Bernard Pierce (DCU Business School)

    India
    1530: India, Culture and Society - Bernice Paolozzi
    1610: Doing Business in India - Prashant Shukra (Ireland India Council)
    1635: Ireland, India and the Law - Abigail St. John Kennedy (Eversheds O'Donnell Sweeney)
    1705: Working with India: The Softedge Systems Experience - Vikas Sahni (Softedge Systems)

    Russia
    1530: Doing Business in Russia - Michelle Dervan (Enterprise Ireland)
    1630: Living and working in Russia - Ekaterina Zavershinskaya (DCU Business School)

    China
    1530: Introduction to doing business in China - Deirdre Walsh (ChinaGreen)
    1630: Marketing in China: The DCU Experience - Marie Heraughty (DCU International Office)
    1700: Doing business in China: the Upstart Games Experience - John Dennehy (AssemblyPoint)

    Arabian Gulf
    1530: Introduction to the Arab world - Dr. Theo Lynn (DCU Business School)
    1600: Arab culture and etiquette: some pointers - Mohammed Sindi, Abdulrahman Nagor, Wafa Aluhamma (DCU Business School)
    1620: Living and working in the Arabian Gulf - John Halpin (AVT International)
    1700: Sharia Law and the Funds Industry - Ken Owens (PriceWaterhouseCoopers)


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    #20
    gollem_1975
    Registered Users Posts: 1,068 ✭✭✭gollem_1975


    +1 for me on what Theo said in the post above

    welcome to Boards btw.

    hope to attend the mini conference on the 22nd.. sounds good

    rgds,

    Colm


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    #21
    chrisduke
    Registered Users Posts: 17 ✭chrisduke


    theolynn wrote: »
    It is the only e-commerce programme in Ireland

    That's factually incorrect! See http://www.cairnes.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/mbs_ecomm.html


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    #22
    gollem_1975
    Registered Users Posts: 1,068 ✭✭✭gollem_1975


    chrisduke wrote: »
    That's factually incorrect! See http://www.cairnes.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/mbs_ecomm.html

    In fairness...
    theolynn wrote:
    It is the only e-commerce programme in Ireland and one of the few business programmes in Ireland that is EPAS accredited.]

    @chrisduke- Is the MBS in NUIG EPAS accredited ?


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    #23
    a7k10rf6z8buel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 53 ✭✭a7k10rf6z8buel


    Thanks for all the info guys, especially Theo, some great info there, very much appreciated. Unfortunately I was unable to attend this event as I have just been snowed under in work for the last few months; regularly staying late in the evening.

    In regards to 2.2 graduates, does industry experience help in any way with the application? Also would it be difficult to get an application accepted now? My concern is that somebody has mentioned that early applicants are offered conditional acceptance letters. I would have already applied only for the fact that students applying who are currently working need a work reference. My worry is that if my application is unsuccessful that this might leave me in a slightly awkward position with my employers...


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    #24
    JoePie
    Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭JoePie


    Nah, you should still be able to get in no problem. I don't think industry experience would help a whole lot. May give you a topic for an assignment or two, but thats about it.


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    #25
    gollem_1975
    Registered Users Posts: 1,068 ✭✭✭gollem_1975


    JoePie wrote: »
    Nah, you should still be able to get in no problem. I don't think industry experience would help a whole lot. May give you a topic for an assignment or two, but thats about it.

    but how could you know if you don't yourself have industry experience..

    I would say this course would be all the better if more students had industry experience.


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    #26
    a7k10rf6z8buel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 53 ✭✭a7k10rf6z8buel


    Just wondering if anyone on boards got into this course after going through an interview? Particullary those who were selected for an interview for not meeting the 2.1 requirement?

    Also on the above do you mean experience in E-Commerce specifically or industry experience in general. I myself have experience working in the investment funds industry.

    Thanks


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    #27
    JoePie
    Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭JoePie


    gollem_1975 wrote: »
    but how could you know if you don't yourself have industry experience..

    A lot of the people I know in the course have industry experience and they don't see any benefit to having it. They're not doing any better or worse than I am, like.


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    #28
    theolynn
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15 ✭theolynn


    Cecilia Clever Bread wrote: »
    In regards to 2.2 graduates, does industry experience help in any way with the application? Also would it be difficult to get an application accepted now? My concern is that somebody has mentioned that early applicants are offered conditional acceptance letters. I would have already applied only for the fact that students applying who are currently working need a work reference. My worry is that if my application is unsuccessful that this might leave me in a slightly awkward position with my employers...

    Yes, for 2H2 graduates industry experience does indeed help. When I am interviewing 2H2 applicants I am trying to understand why you did not achieve a higher grade in your undergraduate programme and whether there are compensating factors to be taken in to account such as experience. My recommendation is to always include as much information as possible. Take time to complete the personal statement and include any written academic or professional references with the application.

    I might add that contrary to previous comments, Google has already made offers to members of this year's MECB class and more of last year's class as have paddypower.com and others. In fact, two DCU alumni presented at the last Next Generation Management lecture.

    I look forward to hearing from you if I have not done so already.

    Regards

    Theo


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    #29
    a7k10rf6z8buel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 53 ✭✭a7k10rf6z8buel


    Thanks Theo for the above info, really helpful once again. I just have one other question. Do applicants receive a response on their application prior to the July 31st deadline?

    Thanks,

    Jason


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    #30
    theolynn
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15 ✭theolynn


    Yes, you should receive a confirmation before the deadline.


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    #31
    chuffed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8 ✭chuffed


    What are the benefits of the EPAS thing?

    I went on-line and did not find anything about it. Can someone tell me more about it and the benefits of it please.


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