Internet-based Business Models

The number of participants is limited to 50 students. Participation in the kick-off is obligatory for obtaining a place in the course. During the kick-off meeting, the allocation procedure, contents of the course and the procedure for moving up the lecture will be explained. By participating in the kick-off, you have not yet secured a place in the lecture or case study exercise.

The course comprises two parts. Firstly, students will delve into theories, concepts, and practical applications for analyzing and developing Internet-based business models. In lectures, they will acquire fundamental tools and frameworks, such as the Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, Customer Journey, and Experimentation, enabling them to grasp the essential components required to create digital business models. Through case study exercises, students will reflect on and actively discuss pivotal lessons from both successful and unsuccessful start-ups.

In the second part of the course, students will collaborate in teams to generate their own business ideas, which will subsequently serve as the foundation for their unique business models. Throughout the semester, these ideas will undergo multiple iterations of refinement and revision in teams, culminating in the presentation of a business plan and a prototype (also known as a minimum viable product) of the business model. This final presentation will be made to a jury of assessors, akin to the format seen in shows like “Die Höhle der Löwen” or “Shark Tank.”

After the course, students are able to

• to understand how business models can be subdivided and systematized
• to understand the role of information technologies in the development and implementation of Internet-based business models.
• to analyze and evaluate existing general and Internet-based business models.
• to develop new, especially Internet-based business models