This course will delve deeper into questions of digital markets and behavior in digital markets and platforms, from the perspectives of (micro)economics and information systems. Topics are subject to change but will touch on one or several of the topics discussed in the first-year lecture “Digital Markets and Strategies”: characteristics of digital markets, the strategic competition of firms on these markets and aspects of consumer behavior such as preferences and decision-making, the effects of digital decision support tools and reputation systems, and the role of social media.

Upon completion of the course, students are able to

- Critically evaluate a research question in the broad topic of Digital Economy from the view of (micro)economics and information systems
- Plan a research project to answer such a research question
- Perform a structured literature search on a given topic
- Design an experiment or empirical study for a specific research question
- Identify appropriate analysis methods
- Conduct appropriate statistical analyses for said data
- Interpret the results of said analyses and evaluate them critically
- Write a research paper according to current academic standards from the relevant disciplines describing the research project and its outcomes

Attendance is mandatory.

Students conduct an interdisciplinary research project spanning all stages: from defining a research question, doing a literature research, to stating hypotheses, implementing an experimental or empirical study, analysing the experimental or empirical data and interpreting and critically reflecting the findings. Besides acquiring methodological knowledge, students gain practical experience in planning and carrying out a research project and also take the perspective of a project manager. Students work in groups and are coached regularly by the two lecturers.

1. Research project plan incl. tasks, responsibilities and milestones (20%)
2. Interim report incl. update of research project plan, draft of research paper (20%)
3. Draft of final report (pass / no pass)
4. Final presentation (20%)
5. Final report incl. research paper, critical reflection of project plan and project work („lessons learned“), project result poster and 1-minute elevator pitch (40%)

Grading scale:

90% to 100% Excellent (1)

80% to <90% Good (2)

70% to <80% Satisfactory (3)

60% to <70% Sufficient (4)

<60% Fail (5)

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Course "Digital Markets and Strategies"