IS-116 Digital platforms (Autumn 2023)

Digital platforms play an increasingly important role in society and the economy. Such platforms connect players in a market in new ways. Knowledge of such platforms and ability to lead the development of new platforms is therefore a key skill for our students.

After successful completion of the course, the students should:

• understand digital platforms as a business model, and be able to model similar new business models
• have a basic understanding of how to develop a website with dynamic, interactive web content yourself
• have knowledge of management of analytical test and strategy work related to further development and continuous improvement of the organization's digital solutions and business models

After completing the course the students should also:

• have basic knowledge of digitalization, digital transformation and network effects in the digital economy
• have knowledge of different types of digital platforms
• have the ability to reflect on ethical challenges in digitization
• understand the mechanisms of service in a digital world

Theories and examples illustrate how the digital economy and digital platforms can lead to digital transformation and radically new business models. Data becomes more important as basis for innovation and service. Sustainability and ethical considerations will therefore be strategically important in it digital economy. The course provides good insight into digital transformation, platform economics, ethics challenges and service. The subject contains the following topics:

• Digitization and digital transformation
• Digital economy and network effects
• Sustainability and ethical issues
• Digital platforms and ecosystems
• Economic characteristics of platforms
• Business models for digital platforms
• Service definition in a digital world

This course also provides training in implementing a working prototype of a company's web solution, with social networking and collaboration features, and documenting this work.

Approved group assignments and presentations, including potentially, individual assignments, and at least 80% attendence at seminars, and scheduled group work. More information in Canvas at semester start.

Group submission to folder, of final report (Deadlines and requirements for the report are stated in the subject's room in Canvas). The grades on the group exam are common to the whole group (letter grades). A postponed exam is not possible. It requires re-take of the full course.