Blockchain and platform economy (5 cr)

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?

Evaluation

Students can
a. use professional vocabulary and concepts in an expert way in different situations.

c. work as team members in working life expert duties and identify and describe the problems of the professional field.

e. choose appropriate models, methods, software and techniques according to the purpose and justify these choices.

f. promote teams’ goal-oriented operation.

Course material

- Information provided by the instructors
- a set of readings provided at the beginning of the course
- a set of business cases involving blockchain and platform technologies

Study forms and methods

At the end of the course, you are able to:
-understand the blockchain infrastructure
-recognize applications of blockchain technology in business innovation
-Differentiate pipeline model from platform business strategies
-Innovate platform businesses model using appropriate tools
-Recognize the developing trends in blockchain and platform businesses

Timing of exams and assignments

The course evaluation will consists of:
- a group or an individual project incorporating elements of blockchain or platform technology (60%)
-a final exam to test the concepts taught during the class (40%)

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The evaluation will be based on the following:
- You understand key concepts regarding the blockchain technology and platform businesses
- You can use given set of tools to innovate a new business model
-Apply the technology and tools to understand own business or other existing businesses