IDCS -Elective Unit - DEE006 - Developing a Web Site

Introduction

The Internet is becoming a major tool in business for accessing information, promoting company image and as a marketing tool. Good design of a web site is therefore important to business, as, in many cases, it is the first contact potential customers have with the organisation.  

This section of the syllabus is designed to enable candidates to design and build a relatively complex web site based on sound design and business principles.  

They will demonstrate both practical skills, such as web page construction using HTML, and an understanding of the use of web sites as a business tool.  

This module is intended to complement the e-commerce module. This module concentrates on the technical skills that are needed to create and manage a web site, whilst the e-commerce module focuses on how a web site can be used to meet business objectives.  

There is a significant emphasis on practical skills, involving the use of HTML up to the latest standard. However, this module is intended to be usable by candidates who have had no (or very little) programming experience.  

General Objectives  

Upon successful completion of this module candidates will be able to demonstrate a satisfactory performance in the following topic areas:  

A. Principles of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

B. The Use of Web Sites in Business.

C. Building a Web Site Using Simple HTML.

D. Applying Advanced HTML and Associated Techniques.

E. Tools and Products Available to help in Web Site Design and Use.

F. Connecting the Web Site to Business Applications.

G. Implementing and Managing a Web Server.

Specific Objectives

Objective A: Principles of the Internet and the World Wide Web 

A1.Discuss the origins and history of the Internet.

A2.Identify and use the major applications of the Internet.

A3.Describe the history and development of the World Wide Web.

A4.Provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical context of web pages.

A5.Recognise how the World Wide Web can be applied in an Intranet and Extranet context.

A6.Describe some of the newer applications of the Internet, including web based e-mail, instant messaging and Voice over IP (VoIP).  

Objective B: The Use of Web Sites in Business

B1.Discuss the primary basis on which the design of web sites is based, keeping the needs of both the sponsor and the user in mind.

B2.Be aware of the trends in usage, the use of marketing media, and all aspects of the internet as a business tool.

B3.Apply sound basic concepts of design and production, including both the content and the appearance of web pages.

B4.Use some techniques to make a web site accessible and popular.

B5.Recognise the need to protect a web site.  

Objective C: Building a Web Site Using Simple HTML

C1.Use core HTML to build web pages, including navigation, hypertext linking, graphics and tables.

C2.Apply some basic guidelines for web page design.  

Objective D: Applying Advanced HTML and Associated Techniques

D1.Recognise the need for advanced HTML, including frames, forms, controls and scripting.

D2.Apply simple Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).

D3.Discuss how Dynamic HTML is used.

D4.Recognise the potential of XML and how this can be used in a business context.  

Objective E: Tools and Products Available to Help in Web Site Design and Use

E1.Describe the advantages and disadvantages of HTML editors and other web site design and maintenance tools.

E2. List some of the most important file formats associated with web sites and their applications, including graphics, animation, and sound.

E3.Explain the role of web browser plug-ins.

E4. Apply a basic understanding of Java and JavaScript and explain their use in web site design.  

E5.Describe the application of ActiveX and other types of controls.  

Objective F: Connecting the Web Site to Business Applications

F1.Explain the uses and applications of CGI.

F2.Recognise the advantages and limitation of the CGI approach.

F3.Describe the types of service that can be provided by database backed web sites.

F4.Discuss the underlying technology linking databases and web sites.

F5.Define the typical transactions which can be carried out with database linked web sites.

F6. Describe the most important proprietary methods of linking web pages to back end software applications, particularly from a Windows viewpoint.  

Objective G: Implementing and Managing a Web Server

G1.Describe the function of a web server.

G2.Explain, in outline, the HTTP protocol.

G3.Describe the operational model for a web server.

G4.Recognise the most significant security and legal threats.

G5.Apply simple security precautions.

G6.Explain the role of the web master