In this course, the why, what and how of digital business models will be explained together with several examples of companies failures and successes in their aim to use modern digital technologies (AI/ML, Blockchain, Digital Twins, Industry Platforms, Cloud Computing, Robotics, Internet of Things, 5G, Additive Manufacturing, A/R, Big Data and Analytics, Cybersecurity) to improve existing or create new value propositions to their customers / users. After explaining why enterprises must transform their current business models to cope with the challenges of the modern digital economy, a five-step-framework will be introduced to enable digital transformation. Students will then apply this framework in a company of their choice.

At the end of the course, students will:

• Understand why enterprises must transform better and faster along their strategy journey by leveraging the power of data to create value in their supply chains.
• Understand what makes a business grow in value and how co-creation, innovation, service design and digital transformation contribute to it.
• Understand how to successfully navigate from strategy-to-execution to achieve business transformation that delivers value to customers, partners and stakeholders in the digital business ecosystem.
• Apply a five-model-framework to support a real case of business transformation in the digital economy.

Attendance of minimum 80% (or 4/5 sessions) is mandatory.

• Lectures
• Case studies
• Discussions

The course will have 4 evaluation modes:

Participation in class (individual): It counts for 30%. From session 2 to 5, the lecturer will ask questions related to the course theory and/or the in-class case study (https://www.kotanyi.com/en/). Thus, students are expected to read the course slides before the respective session. Similarly, students shall research the characteristics of the spice industry and of the company KOTANYI, in specific, trying to apply each of the course framework steps on developing a digital business model for KOTANYI. Students' answers will be marked with 2 points (excellent), 1 point (good), 0 points (insufficient). At the end of the course, students belonging to the top 25% will be graded with 100, the next 25% with 75 and so on. Students with no participation will be graded with 0.

Written report (group). It counts for 35%. Each student group will choose a company with a low degree of digitalization (preferably in the manufacturing and/or distribution industry) and propose a digital business model with the potential of significantly impact company' profit, working capital and/or risk in a positive way. The development of the new business model can use some elements of the 5-step framework seen in the course but shall be explained in a concise and clear manner.

Pitch video (group). It counts for 15%. To implement the digital business model proposed in the written report, students groups will pitch it in a 5-min. video to financial investors, asking for the necessary funds to enable its implementation.

Final exam (individual). It counts for 20%. It is a single-choice-quizz to test the knowledge and understanding of the terms and concepts used in the course.

Grading scale:

- Excellent (1): 90% - 100.0%

- Good (2): 80% - <90%

- Satisfactory (3): 70% - <80%

- Sufficient (4): 60.0% - <70%

- Fail (5): <60.0%

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• Before and after class
• By appointment via email