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This module teaches the practice of emerging ITs and new business models, and relevant theories to analyse business model.

The aim of this module is to provide participants with opportunities to learn the theory and practice of digital technologies in the business context, specifically:

- to elaborate on the concept of business model

- to study key theories and frameworks underpinning the business model concept

- to understand the trend of digital innovation, and relevant concepts and theories e.g. platform, ecosystem, value co-creation

- to understand the impacts of digital technologies and environment on business model

- to apply the studied concepts, theories and framework to analyse important business model practices with respect to typical digital technologies

On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:

• Understand the concept and components of business models, and analyse the impacts of IT and Internet on business opportunities in developing and transitional economies.
• Discuss the environmental constraints on executing a business model, the characteristics of current IT innovation and new business models
• Develop a set of theory-based tools and conceptual maps for uncovering the relation between Internet-based information systems and the adoption of novel business models.
• Explain critically the role of IS in business organisations, and the relationship between information systems and business strategy

There are 8 teaching sessions and 1 session of wrap-up and Q&A about assignments. Sessions 3-6 each consist of two parts - a lecture followed by a tutorial. Other sessions are lectures.

- Fundamentals of a business model, sustainable business model, business model innovation

- Frameworks of a business model

- Emerging digital technologies

- Digital technologies and business model

- Environment and business model

The course unit is delivered with lectures, guest lecture and tutorials.

Lectures contain a mix of emerging digital technologies, analytical frameworks and business model practices using specific digital technologies in various business environments.

The guest lecture will focus on the latest developments in digital technologies. With computer science background, the guest lecture will guide students to learn emerging digital technologies and their use in business.

Tutorials aim to guide students to analyse business models using different framework and focusing different digital technologies.

Students are required to be participative to actively share knowledge and experience. Students are trained to link theory to practice and use a framework to analyse business models based on emerging digital technologies.

This course unit is comprehensive in nature. In theory, the business model concept is built upon network economics, strategic management and information systems disciplines. In practice, digital technologies have innovated quickly and transformed the business landscape. The class is organised for students to be able to understand both important theories and practices, and to apply theories to analyse practices.

• Understand the concept and components of business models and analyse the impact of digital technologies on business opportunities in developing and transitional economies
•  Discuss the environmental constraints on executing a business model, the characteristics of current digital innovation and business models
• Develop a set of theory-based tools and conceptual maps for uncovering the relation between internet-based digital systems and the adoption of novel business models
• Critically explain the role of digital technologies in business organisations.

• Apply concepts and frameworks to design business model 
• Explore the business opportunities of digital technologies

• Written assignment (2,700 words)
• Oral assessment/presentation (300 words)

In each session, the first and last 10 minutes are for Q&A. Feedbacks will also be via emails and meeting appointments.

Textbooks and preliminary readings: 

Afuah, A., & Tucci, C. L. (2003). Internet Business Models and Strategies: Text and Cases (2nd ed.), New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin 

Bocij, P., Greasley, A., & Hickie, S. (2018). Business Information Systems: Technology, Development and Management (6th ed.), Pearson Education 

Chaffey, D., Hemphill, T., & Edmundson-Bird, D. (2019). Digital Business and E-commerce Management. Pearson 

Laudon, K. C., Laudon, J. P., & Traver, C.G. (2025). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (18th ed.), Pearson Education

Information
GDI Programmes on which course unit is offered:
MIS(core), ICT4D

Timetable
10 x 3hr lecture