• Learn business/database concepts in a "real world" environment
• Exposure to one of the most prevalent Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications using the Salesforce.com platform.
• Exposure to customizing a business application (It's easier than you think...)

       This series of  excellent and fun assignments  (called MaxLabs)  was designed/packaged and supported by Dr. Timothy Hill at San Jose State University. We will be using the developer edition of Salesforce.com for the labs.   Noted that the 6 exercises are not just for learning the functionality of Salesforce but most importantly for understanding database system and CRM application concepts.    We will be discussing the lab assignments and the process for signing up for Salesforce.com in class.    
        The labs are individual assignments, so you must turn in the assignment (showing in your name as instructed)  to earn credit for it.   Each lab assignment also has a single page “pre-flight checklist” that lists the deliverables you will turn in for grading. At the bottom of each lab’s checklist is a URL to a group that is staffed by the lab teaching assistants and they can provide help if you get stuck (and have started doing the assignment early).

1. Forming the Group:   1) Form a team of  7-8 people and elect a leader,  2) Post your team member names (each with a selected executive title, such as CEO, CIO, CFO, CTO, CMO, etc.) on Laulima,  and 3) present your group (with team name, slogan, cheer, etc.) in class.     (3% of  project grade)
2. Project ideas: 1) Select an online-industry and brainstorm e-business ideas. Each group member has to contribute at least one e-business idea.  The group needs to submit via Laulima a list of at least 4  e-business ideas brainstorms. (4% of project grade).  2) Elect one idea to work on and articulate your value proposition, competitive advantages and justify your profitability.   3)  Perform comparative analysis.  List your competitors and outline your competitive advantages.  4)  Post your project idea on Laulima.  5)  Obtain approval from your Professor: I will approve or disapprove on your post.  (Your idea must be unique; no repeating of previous BUS311 group project ideas.)   6) Present your project idea in class.   (8% of project grade).    Here is an example of my feedback to a business idea to help you develop a winning business idea and some critical points to consider for your project progress report.
   
3. Progress-report:  After the project idea presentation,  you will refine your project idea and develop a complete e-business model for your e-business idea.   You need to follow the guideline of the first part of the final report (see the specification below).   You need to detail  the 5 elements of a business model and articulate your competitive advantage for justifying your profitability  in greater detail.      (10% of project grade)
4. Project-website Homepage design:   Refine your e-business model and implement your e-business model on your website.  Outline business processes you've designed and software/services that you may develop or purchase or "rent"(cloud-computing)  for your e-business site.    (5% of  project grade)
5. Presentation and e-Business Website Prototype Demo (Guidelines):       (25% of  project grade)
6. Final Report (Specifications):     (45% of  project grade)
7. Group Project Peer Evaluation Form
8. Group Presentation Grading Sheet
9. Group Project Grading:  
   
• Group leaders should take the responsibility of making sure tasks/reports are done on time and communicate with your Professor for any matters regarding the group.
• Group leaders should schedule regular weekly meeting and also keep attendance record of project meetings for submitting with the final report.    
• Absence from group project meetings is considered the same as missing classes and thus will affect your participation and final grade adversely. 
  
• Group leaders' individual grade will be affected negatively if the group assignments are not preformed in a timely matter.
  
• Good group leaders as well as outstanding group members will be rewarded with extra credit points. 
  
• Your group project grade is based on your peer evaluations from your group members.   To ensure that you receive fair peer evaluations, you are encouraged to document and communicate your contributions to your group before the Peer Evaluation Form is due.    To ensure accountability of each member in the group,  if you receive less than 80% (total from both yourself and your peers) in your group project, your final grade for this course will be adjusted downward.