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2020/2021  BA-BDMAO2022U  Business Models and Value Chains in the Digital Economy

English Title
Business Models and Value Chains in the Digital Economy

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
BSc in Digital Management
Course coordinator
  • Michael Wessel - Department of Digitalisation
Main academic disciplines
  • Managerial economics
  • Information technology
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 10-12-2020

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Understand and apply business model concepts for start-ups in digital environments
  • Understand and compare different types of digital business models
  • Evaluate the challenges for traditional businesses’ digital transformation in relation to business models and value chains
  • Identify and describe the specific characteristics of digital business models and digital value chains
  • Reflect on digital business models and value chains of organizations competing in the digital arena
  • Analyze the opportunities and challenges for companies arising from digital platforms and digital ecosystems
  • Develop a business model and test its feasibility using a minimum viable product
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively document and present business models
Examination
Business Models and Value Chains in the Digital Economy:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance.
Individual or group exam Oral group exam based on written group product
Number of people in the group 2-3
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Synopsis
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Summer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The proliferation of digital technologies has a significant impact on business models and traditional value chains. Digital platforms with international impact, such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook are building digital ecosystems challenging existing business models and value chains. The course starts by introducing the logic behind traditional business models and value chains. Then, the course explains the digital trends which lead to new value creation structures, enabled by digital platforms. Traditional value chains are being replaced and new digital business models emerge. The course also presents strategic tools for supporting traditional businesses experiencing digital transformation. Concepts, models, and economic principles that are useful in analyzing the digital business models and digital structures of value creation will be taught and applied on real-life cases. Based on the knowledge gained in the course, students will develop their own business model in groups and demonstrate its feasibility using a minimum viable product.
Description of the teaching methods
The course uses blended learning and combines pre-recorded video lectures and online exercises with in-class discussions and workshops. Both online and offline classes are highly interactive, and students are thus expected to actively shape and contribute to the learning experience.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students will receive feedback continuously throughout the course from the teachers as well as from their peers. During the online lectures, students will get feedback on their learning progress through short exercises and quizzes. In the workshop sessions, students will receive feedback on their business idea for their project as well as on their presentations. Teachers will be available during office hours to give feedback or answer questions from students.
Student workload
Lectures and workshops 38 hours
Preparation for class 92 hours
Preparation for the exam project 76 hours
Expected literature

The following is a tentative list of readings. The expected literature can be subject to changes before the start of the semester. The final reading list can be found in the syllabus.

 

TEXTBOOK

  • Parker, G. G., Van Alstyne, M. W., & Choudary, S. P. (2016). Platform revolution: How networked markets are transforming the economy and how to make them work for you. WW Norton & Company.

 

JOURNAL ARTICLES

  • Amit, R., & Zott, C. (2012). Creating value through business model innovation. MIT Sloan Management Review.
  • Eisenmann, T., Parker, G., & Van Alstyne, M. W. (2006). Strategies for two-sided markets. Harvard Business Review, 84(10), 92.
  • Jacobides, M. G. (2019). In the Ecosystem Economy, What’s Your Strategy? Harvard Business Review, 97(5), 128-137.
  • Loebbecke, C., & Picot, A. (2015). Reflections on societal and business model transformation arising from digitization and big data analytics: A research agenda. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 24(3), 149-157.
  • Teece, D. J. (2010). Business models, business strategy and innovation. Long Range Planning, 43(2-3), 172-194.
Last updated on 10-12-2020