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2023/2024  MA-MMBDV1062U  Blockchain for Digital Transformation in Practice

English Title
Blockchain for Digital Transformation in Practice

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 3 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Part Time Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Min. participants 10
Max. participants 30
Study board
Study Board for Master i forretningsudvikling
Course coordinator
  • Michel Avital - Department of Digitalisation (DIGI)
Main academic disciplines
  • Information technology
  • Innovation
  • Organisation
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 03-07-2023

Relevant links
Learning objectives
By the end of the course the students should be able to:
  • Identify and explain the theories, concepts and technologies that were presented in the course, including their key terminology, underlying assumptions, and how they relate to one another.
  • Demonstrate how the theories, concepts and technologies that were presented in the course were applied in the process of developing the prescribed blockchain project.
  • Exhibit the ability to apply blockchain technology through a written assignment that describes the blockchain innovation project and a tangible prototype that illustrates it.
  • Evaluate the blockchain innovation project through theory-based critical assessment and discuss the results, including how to mitigate the prevailing challenges as well as how to move ahead with the development of the underlying project.
Examination
Blockchain for Digital Transformation:
Exam ECTS 3
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 5 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 Spring
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

Each student is expected to draw on the course material to: 

  • Develop a mini use case about how blockchain technology can generate value and potentially disrupt his/her company’s current business model  
  • Produce and discuss managerially-relevant insights into his/her company’s approach to the application of blockchain technology.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

Blockchain, mostly known as the backbone technology behind Bitcoin, is one of the most intriguing and potent technologies in the digital age. Similar to the Internet's effect on the distribution and availability of information, blockchain technology has the potential to drive digital transformation that disrupts multiple industries by making transactions and processes more efficient, more secure, more transparent, and more democratic. If the blockchain lives up to its potential, it can provide a secured decentralized information infrastructure that is conducive to efficient value chains and massive horizontal integration across customary institutional boundaries.  For example, Maersk and Walmart use blockchain to slash mounting administrative costs of supply chain management while increasing tracking accuracy; and central banks aspire to use blockchain beyond cryptocurrencies to provide more efficient digital currencies and secure global payment infrastructure.

 

The course provides insights and tools for harnessing blockchain technology to inspire value-generating digital transformation and new business models that are applicable to both legacy organizations and new business ventures. Global organizations and governments, as well as startup companies and investors, have all identified blockchain as a revolutionary technology that can drive digital transformation. Building on this vision, we will explore the unique features and the consequent new business models of blockchain technology to figure out how it can drive innovation and generate business value.

 

In the context of today’s technology-intensive environment, business development is the vehicle of sustainable growth and competitive advantage. The course is designed to prepare highly valued professionals for leveraging blockchain technology in digital transformation initiatives and ventures in a wide array of industries, such as the financial sector, logistics, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and public administration.

 
Description of the teaching methods
This interactive course includes a mesh of presentations on core topics by the instructors and hands-on workshops to practice blockchain application in an organizational context. The course provides a framework for understanding blockchain technology in the context of organizational settings and digital transformation.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback is integrated into every part of the course. The lectures are discussion-based and allow students to engage with course material and get immediate feedback in response. The class exercises provide students with feedback on their ability to apply the theory in practice. The instructors will give further feedback via email and during office hours as needed. Written feedback will be given in connection with the examination.
Student workload
Preparation and examination 70 hours
Teaching 20 hours
Last updated on 03-07-2023