No abstract

Intelligent software agents offer the potential to unleash the power of the Internet to optimise the process of supplier sourcing. Aims to promote an awareness in the buyer/supplier community of the potential for using intelligent software agents over the Internet for this purpose. The traditional relationship between suppliers and buyers is contrasted with that of Internet‐based trading. This comparison confirms that trust is a critical component in the traditional relationship and that an understanding of the nature of trust is necessary in revealing where and how agent technology will have maximum benefit for both buyers and suppliers. It is shown that the technology that can enable this form of sourcing is already well established, and a range of conceptual agents are described. Finally, identifies the benefits that will accrue to organisations that adopt agent technology as part of their supplier‐sourcing portfolio, and recommendations for further work are made.

This paper describes how we at the Manchester Metropolitan University Business School. (MMUBS) have adopted a blended learning approach to teaching information and communication technology (ICT) skills to our first year undergraduate students. This innovative approach has enabled us to deliver a high quality educational experience whilst, at the same time, making more effective use of traditional teaching methods. We will describe the development of blended learning at MMUBS and we will provide evidence that our approach has secured a substantial, positive impact student on learning and at the same time improved cost effectiveness.