Module overview
The emergence of the digital economy has unlocked new opportunities, leading to the creation of new innovations in data driven industries. New digital business models have also accelerated ‘creative destruction’, disrupting the existing business models of established industries. While the digital economy initially stemmed from the technology sector, digital business models have begun to permeate large and small organisations in a variety of sectors. Entrepreneurs have been particularly keen to locate opportunities where digital business models can be created to unleash disruptive innovation in existing markets. This module provides insight into the emergence of digital business models in existing and emerging markets. This module will be of interest to students planning on developing their own enterprise, or who intend on working in dynamic, digital businesses.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- understand and apply appropriate theoretical concepts, tools and techniques to design appropriate digital business models;
- identify how digital business models can capture value;
- evaluate how digital business models can create and sustain competitive advantages.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- create diverse venture teams and communities of practice to build digital businesses;
- evaluate the appropriateness of particular digital business models.
- locate opportunities where digital business models can deliver disruptive innovation in new and existing markets;
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- plan and control effectively for successful completion of a personal and group workload;
- use a wide range of information sources requiring the development of bibliographic skills;
- communicate effectively, in both oral and written form, using and justifying argument within reports, presentations and debates.
- self-manage the development of learning and study skills, both individually and as part of a collaborative learning group;
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the circumstances that led to the emergence of the digital economy;
- the typologies of different models used by digital businesses;
- the emergence of new digital business sectors.
- the impact of new digital business models on existing market sectors;
Syllabus
The topics covered in this module will include:
- Introduction – the digital economy and key concepts
- The movement from ‘e-business’ to digital business models
- Key actors and stakeholders in the digital economy
- The emergence of new digital spaces and business models
- Adapting digital business models and disrupting established market sectors
- Developing digital business models that capture value and sustain their competitive advantage
- Communities of practice, diverse venture teams and socio-technical systems needed to create successful digital models
- New(est) digital industries: the case of open data
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
Lectures, interactive case studies, problem-solving activities, directed reading, and private/guided study. Visiting speakers/interaction with entrepreneurs, if available.
Learning activities include:
- Introductory lectures
- Individual assignment
- Case study/problem solving activities
- In class debate and discussion
- Private study
- Use of online materials
Class activities, such as problem solving activities, discussions and use of case studies will provide opportunities for you to gain feedback from your tutor and/or peers about their level of understanding and knowledge prior to any formal summative assessment. Feedback on the coursework will normally be provided through a written report for each individual/group within four week of the submission date.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 24 |
Follow-up work | 20 |
Wider reading or practice | 20 |
Revision | 30 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 22 |
Seminar | 10 |
Completion of assessment task | 24 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice. Journal
Journal of Small Business Management. Journal
Journal of Economic Geography. Journal
Journal of Management Studies. Journal
Entrepreneurship and Regional Development. Journal
British Journal of Management. Journal
International Journal of Entrepreneurship. Journal
Journal of Business Venturing. Journal
Family Business Review. Journal
Small Business Economics. Journal
Textbooks
Malecki, E. and Moriset, B (2007). The Digital Economy: Business Organization, Production Processes and Regional Developments. London: Routledge.
Jorodn, J (2012). Information, Technology, and Innovation: Resources for Growth in a Connected World. London: John Wiley & Sons.
Turban, E., Volonino, L., McLean, E., and Wetherbe, J. (eds.) (2009). Information Technology for Management: Transforming Organizations in the Digital Economy. London: John Wiley & Sons.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 70% |
Group report | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External