Business process development (5 cr)

Objective

You learn to identify the components of business modelling.
You are able to make a value proposition and know how to deliver it.
You learn to analyze business platforms.
You are able to identify and utilize key business model patterns and pricing models.

Content

What are the components of business modelling (e.g. – BMC, Lean Canvas)?
How to make a value proposition and how to deliver it?
What are the main business platforms?
What are the key business model patterns and pricing models?

Course material

The learning material will be provided in XAMK Learn material. For further understanding, following readings are suggested.
Best book choices (select 2-3 books according to your interest):
1) The Automation Advantage by Thomas H. Davenport (2021): This book provides a roadmap for businesses to leverage automation and AI to improve their operations and competitiveness. It offers practical advice on how to implement automation, overcome challenges, and ensure a successful transformation.
2) Business Process Management: A Practical Guide by John Jeston (2014): This book offers a clear and concise overview of BPM, covering key concepts, techniques, and best practices.
3) BPMN Modeling Essentials by Bruce Silver (2010): This book offers a straightforward approach to modeling business processes using BPMN 2.0, a widely used standard for process modeling.
4) The Future of Business by Gary Hamel (2021): While not exclusively focused on the platform economy, this book offers a comprehensive overview of emerging business trends, including the rise of platform-based models.
5) The Platform Design Book by Sangeet Paul Choudary (2022): This book provides a practical guide to designing and implementing effective platform business models, covering topics such as network effects, governance, and monetization.

Other good books if you want to study further (optional):
-Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K. & Csik, M., 2015. The Business Model Navigator. Harlow, England: Pearson.
-Osterwalder, A., Pigneur, Y., Etiemble, F. & Smith, A., 2020. The Invincible Company. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
-Osterwalder, A. et al., 2014. Value Proposition Design. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
-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.
-Rogers, D. L., 2016. The Digital Transformation Playbook: Rethink your business for the digital age. New York: Columbia Business School Publishing.

Study forms and methods

Individual study tracks can be negotiated with the instructor. It will be available only if the student can provide sufficient basis for such implementation. There can be a pre-test to assess the students’ ability and suitability to complete the course individually.

RDI and work-related cooperation

The students will develop their own business processes based on business models, value propositions and platform thinking. It is recommended to use organization where you are employed as cases. You will mostly do group work, so not every one needs a case company.

Timing of exams and assignments

There are no written exams. There will be 5 (or 6) group theme tasks, one at the end of most modules. The deadline for the first task is before the second meeting and so on.

International cooperation

Students have possibilities to complete theme tasks in international and multicultural groups. The case assigned for the theme specific project report can involve collaborating with SMEs aiming to internationalize abroad.

Student workload

5 credits = 135 hours of studying

-There will be six contact sessions (F2F). The contact sessions will be held at the Kouvola campus. There are no virtual sessions.
-There are books to study
-There is content in Learn to study
-There are group works to complete after each module and possibly smaller assignments

Course part description

You learn to identify the components of business modelling.
You are able to make a value proposition and know how to deliver it.
You learn to analyze business platforms.
You are able to identify and utilize key business model patterns and pricing models.
You will study digital platforms and service industry.

Six module sessions:
-Analyzing the business environment
-Challenges due to digital disruption
-Business model
-Value propositions
-Business idea in digital platforms
-Business idea in service industry

In the class we will have practical group work and discussion about the topics.

Further information

Please contact marko.lumijarvi@xamk.fi directly for further information.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Students can:

* Gather appropriate insights from stakeholders using multiple sources and methods
* Map and develop business processes for own commissioner or a case company
* Work individually and in development teams to solve given business problems
* Apply key theoretical frameworks in business and management to solve case problems
* Demonstrate independent expertise in developing own business processes as an entrepreneur
* Communicate own expertise through written reports and presentations in English.