Assignment 1: Discussion—Ethical Issues and E-Commerce

In November 2011, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency seized 150 Web sites accused of selling counterfeit merchandise. Attorney General Eric Holder warned that counterfeit merchandise not only affects American innovation but can also be hazardous to a person’s health and that the profits can be used to fund organized crime. The federal government has recently stepped up efforts to enforce laws associated with e-commerce such as copyright laws. The rise of e-commerce presents some interesting legal and ethical issues such as the fact that it is illegal to sell counterfeit merchandise, but such laws are often only lightly enforced.

Using the module readings,  University online library resources, and the Internet, conduct research regarding ethical issues and e-commerce.

Respond to the following:

• Describe a minimum of two ethical and two legal issues of e-commerce as it relates to buyers and sellers. For example, explain if online auction sites should be liable for illegal or counterfeit merchandise sold on behalf of third party sellers.

Give reasons and examples to support your response.

Write your initial response in approximately 300-400 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Assignment 2: Online Payment Systems

With the increasing use of digital payments and the decreasing use of cash payments, enhanced digital security and tracking of financial transactions have become significant aspects of many businesses. The executive director of operations of Centervale Apparel has asked you to research this issue and prepare a presentation for the executive committee to educate them on these issues. You remember hearing that the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) is a leader in this field and would be a good place to start your research.

Review the following:

• NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association. (2011). News headlines. Retrieved from www.nacha.org

Using the  University online library resources as well as NACHA’s Web site article complete the following:

• Describe NACHA and its role.
• Examine and explain the Automated Clearing House (ACH), its role, and how it relates to NACHA.
• List and explain the key participants in an ACH e-payment.
• Describe the key initiatives currently underway at ACH.
• Identify and analyze at least four digital payment concerns Centervale Apparel might want to consider in light of what you’ve learned from NACHA.
• Use the Notes function in Microsoft PowerPoint to prepare detailed speaker’s notes for your formal presentation to the executive committee.

Develop a 4–6-slide presentation in PowerPoint format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M5_A2.ppt.