Course info

Conducting business in a networked economy invariably involves interplay with technology. The purpose of this course is to improve understanding of technology (what it can or cannot enable), the business drivers of technology-related decisions in firms, and to stimulate thought on new applications for commerce (including disruptive technologies). The class provides a comprehensive overview of various emerging technology enablers and culminates in discussion of potential business impact of these technologies in the near future. No prior technical background is assumed and hence every effort is made to build most of the lectures from the basics.

Every class, we will choose a specific sector of the tech industry and investigate the technology enablers, the major players in the sector, competitive dynamics and future opportunities in the sector. The topics covered include:

• Internet industry structure
• Media delivery infrastructure (Content Delivery Networks, P2P)
• Wireless / cellular markets (3G/4G)
• Case: Qualcomm Inc
• Mobile platforms and apps
• Video on demand / interactive TV
• Internet media (what’s unique)
• Case: Media and the internet
• Internet marketing:
  • Search engines
  • Display ads, ad networks
  • Recommender systems
• Web 2.0 and social web
• Case: NTTDoCoMo (new market entry)
• Analysis of first movers in technology markets
• Innovation in tech firms: Google, Apple, Pixar
• Hit-driven Industries: music, movies, gaming, venture capital
• Venture capital perspective on new tech opportunities
• Evaluating a business plan