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2023/2024  BA-BHAAV2706U  Introduction to Platform Business and Organization

English Title
Introduction to Platform Business and Organization

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 60
Study board
Study Board for BSc in Economics and Business Administration
Course coordinator
  • Christiane Lehrer - Department of Digitalisation (DIGI)
Main academic disciplines
  • Information technology
  • Management
  • Organisation
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 08-02-2023

Relevant links
Learning objectives
By the end of the course students should demonstrate an ability to
  • Identify and describe the specific characteristics of digital platforms
  • Describe and apply theoretical frameworks to explain platform business and organization
  • Analyse the opportunities and challenges for companies taking part in digital platform economy
  • Assess and criticise the role of platforms in business, organization, and society
Prerequisites for registering for the exam (activities during the teaching period)
Number of compulsory activities which must be approved (see section 13 of the Programme Regulations): 1
Compulsory home assignments
Half-way through the course, there is a mandatory written group assignment (self-selected case) that addresses the concepts, models, and principles of digital platforms. In addition, students must provide peer feedback to other exam groups.

If a student cannot hand in due to documented illness, or if a student does not get the activity approved in spite of making a real attempt, then the student will be given one extra attempt before the ordinary exam. The extra attempt will require handing in a written report of 10 pages on a topic assigned by the course instructor.
Examination
Introduction to Platform Business and Organization:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Group exam
Please note the rules in the Programme Regulations about identification of individual contributions.
Number of people in the group 2-4
Size of written product Max. 15 pages
The exam assignment should be written in groups of 2-4. In special circumstances, it is possible to hand-in as an individual. In such a case, the extent of the written product would be set to 10 pages.
Assignment type Written assignment
Release of assignment An assigned subject is released in class
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
If a student participated in writing the group assignment, but did not pass examination, the student can choose either to resubmit the original group assignment or to write a new, individual assignment within a specified time period.
Description of the exam procedure

Participants of the course will develop their own concept for innovative digital platforms with the objective to analyze and reflect upon platform business and organization. The results and analyses are documented as a project report and are submitted at the specified deadline.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

Platforms are eating the world; the top most valuable brands (e.g., Amazon, Apple, Google, Facebook) are platform businesses, while others (e.g., Uber, Airbnb) disrupt mature markets and incumbents. The platform economy attracts enormous investments and the “platforming” of long-held institutions changes fundamental social categories of labour, sharing, identity, and many more. Managing platforms is now a core competency increasingly required from general managers, who need to understand how to leverage the opportunities while tackling the challenges. This course will prepare students to become such general managers of the 21st century by addressing how platforms change core aspects of business and organization. Such core aspects include the shift from value chains to value networks, a strategic focus on ecosystems for innovation and value creation, and the change in mind-set from firm-centric to platform-centric thinking.
Description of the teaching methods
Lectures will be used to enable students to identify and describe characteristics, concepts, models, and principles of digital economy and platform-based ecosystems.

In additional workshops, students will work on digital platforms, developing knowledge and skills in describing opportunities, challenges and consequences of digital platforms. Students are expected to take active part in the workshops, in order to capture the most current trends and developments in the area.
Feedback during the teaching period
The course provides the following opportunities for feedback:

1) Groups will have the chance to receive feedback on their work with lecture material and group projects during the workshops.

2) Half-way through the course, students submit a draft of their written home assignment (mandatory) to receive feedback from teacher(s) and peers on their group project as well as mastery of course material.

3) Throughout the course, individual questions can be addressed during office hours with respective teacher(s).
Student workload
Lectures 26 hours
Workshops 12 hours
Preparation for class 108 hours
Exam and preparations 62 hours
Total 206 hours
Expected literature

The literature can be changed before the semester starts. Students are advised to find the final literature on Canvas before they buy the books.

 

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

 

Tiwana, A. (2013). Platform ecosystems: aligning architecture, governance, and strategy. Newnes.
Last updated on 08-02-2023