Course Catalogue

Prerequisites

Participants must read the following book before the kick-off session:

• Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., & Sauer, R. (2016). Exploring the Field of Business Model Innovation: New Theoretical Perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan.

Willingness and motivation to engage with the topic of business innovation are required. Punctual arrival, appropriate conduct, and full participation in all course sessions are mandatory.

Learning objectives

The course aims to enable students to:

• Discuss the main theoretical perspectives used to describe business models and business model innovation.
• Explain other major theories and how they can help to explain business models.
• Understand how these theories contribute to understanding business model innovation.
• Apply a selected theory to their own work and explain how this theoretical perspective helps to advance their research question.

Content

The business model concept has attracted substantial attention among academics and practitioners. Although the literature provides several definitions, a business model describes the logic of how a firm does business. Researchers have used various theories to explain business models.

This course presents and discusses the main theoretical perspectives used to describe business models and business model innovation. It also considers other major theories and how they can help to explain business models.

Participants develop a short essay of up to five pages and a presentation addressing two tasks:

• Select and describe a theory (80%).
• Link the theory to their own work and explain how it can help address their research question (20%).

Through writing, presenting, and discussing their work, participants learn about different theories in detail, understand their significance for business model innovation, and develop their academic writing skills.

Structure and indications of the learning and teaching design

This course is worth 6 ECTS credits and consists of the following elements:

1. Kick-off session: Preliminary discussion and technical introduction. The session is offered in a hybrid format, allowing participation in person or online.
2. Block seminar, day 1: Presentation and discussion of participants' essays.
3. Block seminar, day 2: Presentation and discussion of participants' essays.

The two-day block seminar takes place in person only. Participants must attend both days in full.

Literature

• Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., & Sauer, R. (2016). Exploring the Field of Business Model Innovation: New Theoretical Perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan.

The book can be purchased in advance from the Script Commission (SKK).

Overview examination/s

Decentral - Written work, Digital, Peer Review (40%)
Examination time: Term time

Decentral - Presentation, Analog, Individual work individual grade (40%)
Examination time: Term time

Decentral - Active participation, Analog, Individual work individual grade (20%)
Examination time: Term time

Lecturer: Oliver Gassmann
Course language: English

Timetable

The course is offered every autumn semester. Detailed course dates and times will be added once available.

Additional information

• Application: Students are asked to apply by the end of 27 August each year by submitting a short motivation letter (half a page) and their CV.
• Registration: Registration is finalized in the first week of September.
• Attendance: Full participation in all course sessions is mandatory. Online participation is available for the hybrid kick-off session only. Participants must attend the two-day block seminar in person and remain present throughout both days.
• Course dates and location: Binding information on time and place will be published on the course website.

Examination information

Examination sub part 1: Written work (40%)

Participants submit a paper describing a selected theory and linking it to their own research. The paper must not exceed five pages, including all content, and must use an 11-point font. It is assessed through peer review.

Question language: English
Answer language: English
Examination type: Written work
Examination time: Term time
Examination mode: Digital
Examination execution: Asynchronous
Examination location: On Campus
Grading type: Peer Review
Weighting: 40%

Students are generally free to choose aids. Any restrictions are defined by the faculty members responsible for the examination under supplementary aids.

Examination sub part 2: Presentation (40%)

Participants prepare a presentation of approximately 10 slides, lasting approximately 10 minutes. The presentation must be shared with all participants before the seminar.

Question language: English
Answer language: English
Examination type: Presentation
Examination form: Oral examination
Examination time: Term time
Examination mode: Analog
Examination execution: Asynchronous
Examination location: On Campus
Grading type: Individual work individual grade
Weighting: 40%

Students are generally free to choose aids. Any restrictions are defined by the faculty members responsible for the examination under supplementary aids.

Examination sub part 3: Active participation (20%)

Participants are required to contribute actively to class discussions and attend both days of the block seminar in full. Active participation is assessed individually.

Question language: English
Answer language: English
Examination type: Active participation
Examination form: Oral examination
Examination time: Term time
Examination mode: Analog
Examination execution: Synchronous
Examination location: On Campus
Grading type: Individual work individual grade
Weighting: 20%

Students are generally free to choose aids. Any restrictions are defined by the faculty members responsible for the examination under supplementary aids.

Examination literature

• Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., & Sauer, R. (2016). Exploring the Field of Business Model Innovation: New Theoretical Perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan.

Students are expected to identify further literature through their own literature research.