Virtual firms as education tool in the field of eCommerce

The use of information and communication technologies brings many opportunities to innovate educational process. In the case of education of potential future entrepreneurs, it might be suitable for them to try out firm establishment and operation in virtual environment. Usage of virtual companies is supported by ICT means. The aim of this paper is to present how virtual companies serve for educational purposes at our faculty. At our faculty, we have started several years ago with such a subject of study that allows students to experience setting up and running their own small virtual business in the first period of its existence. Students set up small trade firms in form of limited liability companies, which operate e-shops. Virtual bank of our faculty provides services of electronic payments in e-shops. Also electronic communication with different virtual institutions supported by use of digital signature is used. Our results show virtual firms as very good mean to allow students to gather experience with the establishing and operating firms and develop practical entrepreneurial skills.