A new Holland College business program exploring the ways organizations can use the Internet to capture new markets, increase sales, expand on current marketing strategies and provide added customer value was announced today in Charlottetown.
The Internet Marketing and Electronic Commerce program was officially announced by George Proud, Member of Parliament for Hillsborough and the Honourable Mike Currie, PEI Minister of Development and Technology, both representing the Knowledge Economy Partnership (KEP) of PEI. Also participating in the announcement were Ed Lawlor, Chair of the Holland College Board of Governors, and Philip Acorn, President and COO of Island Tel.
The 26-week Distance Delivery Internet Marketing and Electronic Commerce program, expected to begin this month, is an intensive practical program for marketing professionals and business entrepreneurs. The program consists of 12 modules with four mandatory face-to-face sessions. The subject and skill areas of the program include Internet technologies, online behavior, the online business environment, product and service development, E-commerce and integrated marketing plans.
"A study released by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency earlier this week shows that not enough small and medium-sized enterprises in the Atlantic region are moving to take advantage of the explosive growth opportunities offered by the Internet and electronic commerce.
Lack of knowledge of how to use e-commerce effectively was cited as a main barrier for companies. This new program will certainly assist Island business to overcome that barrier," said Mr. Proud.
"There is great potential for Island businesses to become involved in e-commerce," said Minister Currie. "My department has already demonstrated its commitment to helping businesses use the Internet. We are pleased that Holland College has taken this next, very important step."
"This new Holland College program provides a learning environment for participants to understand Internet marketing and e-commerce opportunities and explores innovative methods to expand current marketing communications and develop new markets for online customers," stated Mr. Lawlor. "Participants will gain insights into the creative ways organizations can fulfill customer needs through the application of Internet technologies, e-commerce and online marketing methods and strategies."
Lawlor, who is also President of the Information Technology Association of PEI, added that because the course is delivered through the Internet, it will provide participants with greater flexibility as to when they choose to learn or study. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that want to sponsor an employee, and for individuals who work during the traditional nine-to-five work day.
The Holland College program is based on the award-winning University of British Columbia Internet Marketing Certificate program. In 1999, the UBC program received two prestigious awards: the 1999 Program Award of Excellence from the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education, given to programs that exemplify quality, innovation and advancement in the practice of continuing education in Canada; and the 1999 Innovative Programming Award Non-Credit from the University Continuing Education Association, Western Region, given to the continuing education program that best exemplifies innovative curriculum and teaching methods that highly impact individuals, the community and the university.
Partners in The Internet Marketing and Electronic Commerce program are Holland College, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Island Tel Advanced Solutions. The program is sponsored by the Knowledge Economy Partnership, an initiative of the Government of Canada, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College.