- Programme in brief
- Content of the programme
- Admission requirements
- Fontys way of studying
Programme in brief
In the introduction phase of the programme students deal with the heavy growth in e-commerce and the ICT maturity required, most new supply chain developments originate in the e-commerce sector. Robotics, 3D printing, same-day delivery, drones and pick-up points are just a few. Today’s students need to be aware of these developments and of the detailed processes in e-commerce and e-fulfilment to be able to prepare themselves for the labour market of the future. The programme provides the knowledge needed to develop distinctive strategies for online sales, and stimulates the entrepreneurial spirit needed for successful business. ). In the advanced phase of the programme students will comprise a project where they either write a business plan or do a project for a company within the field of e-commerce.
What to expect from us
In the first weeks of the programme, students get acquainted with the relevant concepts and developments in online commerce, and entrepreneurial opportunities and approaches arising in this sector. Besides this, success is also determined by how they do logistics, also called E-Fulfilment. Examples of developments in this area are same-day delivery, the use of drones or pick-up points. Therefore students will learn how e-commerce logistics work, and how they are to be improved. All this, so students are not only aware of relevant theory in online commerce, but they also are able to work for- and advise online players in how to improve their service proposition towards customers. This also requires students to bring their knowledge into practice and apply it in real (e-commerce) projects in the second part of this programme. This can either involve working on improvements for an e-commerce company, or writing an entrepreneurial business plan for an online business. This programme prepares students for that future, complementary to their main study.
What do we expect from you
While the team of professionals behind this programme will provide you with the knowledge needed, we expect you to use this knowledge and apply it to both fictional and real life cases. Creativity and alternative thinking has always defined the thriving nature of e-commerce environments. That is why you will be applying your knowledge on a theoretical basis during the first phase, and even develop a project with real online players in the second part of the minor. Hence, creativity, proactivity and a practically oriented attitude will be the core competences you have to exhibit in this programme.
Programme format
Students participating in this programme will follow three basic modules, two of them content-based: An initial introduction phase including a variety in e-commerce related sub-topics for instance last-mile delivery and returns management and an in-depth follow-up called advanced phase. These two basic modules are supplemented with entrepreneurial skills facilitating creativity, proactivity and self-employment.
The total workload for this programme is 30 European Credits, duration is 1 semester. All courses have to be taken in order to achieve the full credits. The following programme parts (courses) have been defined:
| E-fulfilment: Introduction phase | E-fulfilment: Advanced phase | Entrepreneurship |
| Introduction to e-commerce | Cross-border e-fulfilment | Business plan writing |
| Assortment, Buying & Merchandising | Innovation concepts in E- Commerce | Research methods and business planning |
| E-Warehousing | Utilizing Big Data in E-Commerce & Supply Chains | E-Business finance |
| Transportation, Delivery & the Last-Mile | Optimizing the Last-Mile | E-Marketing and Sales |
| Returns Management | Legal, Customs and Compliance | Traffic channels and internet marketing or E-Procurement* |
| ICT and E-Commerce | Managing hyper growth | Skills** |
| Mechanization versus Human Resources |
*elective based on choice and availability
** not assessed in business plan, but in the course of final presentation advanced phase
Praticipate in research projects
The students are also offered the possibility of participating in research projects on various e-commerce topics. These research projects are often joint ventures between educational institutes, government and businesses. They provide a first-hand opportunity to employ acquired skills and to start building a broader personal network. Numerous innovative tools and techniques are introduced and used to generate interesting results. A good example is the introduction of Simio simulation software, which started as a tool in a small sub-project, but has the potential to grow and even make its way into the day-to-day curriculum.
Fontys University of Applied Sciences uses Simio simulation software under a grant from Simio LLC (www.simio.com).
Admission requirements
For this exchange programme we have the following admission requirement:
- English level: equivalent to IELTS 6.0;
Fontys way of studying
At Fontys you will study in various ways. There are tutorials and lectures in classrooms with about 25 other students. In these sessions you will work in small groups or independently and depending on course choices, within a project team on your assignments. The campus offers a wide array of facilities to study alone or with a group. Here at Fontys, we believe that collaborative learning stimulates a hands on, independent way of working. At Fontys we believe in interaction. We like it when you ask questions during lectures and also outside lectures we are there for you.
Recognition
How will your course programme be recognised by your home university?
Fontys will provide you with a so-called ‘Transcript of Records’, which will clarify the results that you have achieved. Depending on your results, you will receive a maximum of 30 ECTS credits. ECTS credits are recognised throughout Europe. The agreement between your home university and Fontys University of Applied Sciences will usually include a condition whereby the credits that you obtain will be recognised and transferred into the records kept by your home university.
Scholarschips
Fontys does not provide scholarships for its exchange students
Studycoach
If you encounter problems regarding a certain subject, you can either speak to your lecturer or contact your exchange coordinator.
Tegelseweg 255, Venlo
