Study Guide

Objective

You learn what blockchain technology is and how it is operated.

You learn how to analyse blockchain-driven businesses and how to develop a blockchain technology into an existing or new business.

You learn key principles of decentralized applications and smart contracts.

You are able to analyse different types of platforms in business and explain how such platforms function.

You are able to develop platform business models and analyse network effects.

Content

What is the blockchain technology and its operational principles?

How to analyse blockchain-driven businesses?

How to develop a blockchain technology in business?

What are the business features of decentralised applications and smart contracts?

What types of platforms exist in business and how do the platforms function?

How to design a suitable platform business model for a business?

What are the characteristics of network effects in platform economy?

Materials

(1) Lecture notes and other readings provided by the instructor
(2) Following text-books to deepen understanding on the subject matter
(a) Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K. & Csik, M., 2015. The Business Model Navigator. Harlow, England: Pearson.
(b) Parker, G. G., Alstyne, M. W. V. & Choudary, S. P., 2018. Platform Revolution: How networked markets are transforming the economy and how to make them work for you. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
(c) Rogers, D. L., 2016. The Digital Transformation Playbook: Rethink your business for the digital age. New York: Columbia Business School Publishing.

Teaching methods

At the end of the study unit, students should be able to:
(1) Understand the Blockchain technology
(2) Recognize applications of blockchain technology in business innovation
(3) Differentiate pipeline model from platform business strategies
(4) Innovate platform businesses model using appropriate tools

Employer connections

(1) You have to analyze existing platforms or develop platform strategy for existing businesses
(2) You have to think about integrating blockchain technology in the existing processes of a particular business

Exam schedules

There will be approximately 4 theme specific take-away tasks that students must complete after the end of each themes. The exact deadline will be decided during the classes.It is essential to complete all the tasks and obtain at least half points from each of the assignments in order to pass both courses.

International connections

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Student workload

1 credit = 135 hours of work

Content scheduling

(1) Understanding the Blockchain technology
(2) Recognizing applications of blockchain technology in business innovation
(3) Differentiating pipeline model from platform business strategies
(4) Innovatig platform businesses model using appropriate tools

Further information

The course consists of F2F meetings. Only some sessions can be implemented virtually.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

There will be approximately 4 theme specific take-away tasks that students must complete after the end of each themes. The exact deadline will be decided during the classes.It is essential to complete all the tasks and obtain at least half points from each of the assignments in order to pass both courses.