Blockchain and Business from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Decentralizing the Enterprise

The corporation represents a pillar of modern capitalism. With the rise of a global peer-to-peer platform for identity, trust, reputation, and transactions, we will be able to re-engineer deep structures of the firm for innovation and shared value creation. In this module, we explore blockchain’s role in decentralizing the enterprise and its implications on the roles and boundaries of the firm.

Blockchain Business Models

There are countless opportunities for blockchain to disrupt or displace traditional centralized business models. In this module, we explore how blockchain technology can support new business models through the inclusion of native payment systems, reputation systems, uncensorable content, trustless transactions, smart contracts, and autonomous agents.

Blockchain and the C-Suite

Because blockchain changes the deep structures and architecture of the firm, it will consequently transform our models of management and the roles of the C-Suite. Navigating the balance between blockchain’s hype and its true potential is a key responsibility of an organization’s management team. In this module, you will learn about some of the decisions and changes that business leaders can anticipate when considering how the future of blockchain will unfold within their business.

Blockchain Consortia

With companies across sectors seeking to harness the transformative potential of distributed ledger technologies (DLT), the blockchain ecosystem is an exemplar of new models of industry collaboration. Coopetition—the strategy of cooperating with competitors for defined purposes to cultivate a new economic ecosystem that benefits both—has become the new norm. In this module, you will learn what companies are trying to gain from consortia projects, and what industries and competitors need to accomplish to get to a win-win. You will discuss various design options, organizational models, and best practices for consortia projects, and will explore several examples of industry consortia that are at the forefront of the blockchain ecosystem.

Leadership for the Web3 Era

Blockchain alone is just a tool. In order for this technology to fulfill its long-term promise, humans must lead. Rather than relying on state-based institutions, blockchain must be primarily self-governed through collaborations of civil society, private sector, government, and stakeholders in non-state networks. In this module, we'll discuss some of the key issues, challenges, trade-offs, and future scenarios related to blockchain regulation. We'll discuss key distinctions between "regulation" and "governance," and explore the idea of blockchain governance networks, including how they can support blockchain stewardship at three levels: The platform level, the application level, and the ecosystem level. As well, you will learn about the conditions that are necessary for a blockchain-based hub of innovation to succeed.

Blueprint for a New Social Contract

As the digital revolution unfolds, it is driving profound changes in the global economy, labor markets, old institutions, and society as a whole. To realize the potential of the blockchain revolution, we need business leaders to come to the table as responsible and active participants in a new social contract for both their own long-term interests as well as in the interest of a healthy society and economy. In this module, you will explore possible directions for a new social contract—i.e. the agreements, laws, and behaviors that people, companies, civil society, and their governments adhere to. The aim of this module is not to provide a definitive strategy for instituting and enforcing a new social contract, but rather to catalyze investigation, debate, and action.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for learners seeking to understand the potential impact of blockchain on business and industry

Relevant for executives, managers, and leaders who want to navigate the transformative effects of blockchain on business

Taught by Alex Tapscott and Don Tapscott, prominent authors and researchers in blockchain technology

Covers a range of topics related to blockchain, including business models, C-Suite roles, blockchain consortia, leadership, and social contracts

Examines the role of blockchain in decentralizing and restructuring enterprises

Provides insights into blockchain governance and regulations

Reviews summary

Highly recommended blockchain course

Learners largely agree that this highly engaging course by INSEAD broadens perspectives on blockchain and its impact on business and society. They commend the depth of knowledge, current events, and real-life case studies. Engaging assignments and excellent instructors are other highlights.

Course provides practical applications for blockchain

"Excellent high level course "

"Great course, learned a lot. "

"It was very detailed and well drafted to reflect the implecations and applications of blockchain"

Instructors are knowledgeable and engaging

"Great professors and a good insight to what blockchain is and its potencial."

"Easy to Understand And was easy to learn also. Great effort by the instructors"

"Very well structured course with detailed discussion on a host of mission-critical implications on blockchain for businesses. "

Course content is excellent and well structured

"Very interesting session with lots of learning."

"That is an excellent cource with important topics."

"Excellent examples, and case studies for understanding the Blockchain application in real life setup."

Peer review delays in completing course

"Peer review assignments take too long to get graded."

"I ended up with the same reviewer a multiple times, and they gave me the same failing mark for each question each, even though on re-submission of the assignment the content was significantly updated."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Blockchain and Business with these activities:

Mentor other students in the course

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Enhances your understanding through teaching and provides support to fellow learners.

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Identify topics or areas where you have strong knowledge and are comfortable providing guidance.
Connect with other students, offer your assistance, and provide support as needed.
Reflect on the mentoring experience and identify opportunities for your own growth and development.

Read “Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money, Business, and the World”

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Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology and its potential implications for business and society.

View Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology... on Amazon

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Read the book, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Summarize the main arguments and insights of the book.
Discuss the book with classmates or colleagues and share your perspectives.

Solve practice problems on blockchain fundamentals

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Provides hands-on practice and reinforces understanding of key blockchain concepts.

Browse courses on Blockchain Fundamentals

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Find practice problems on blockchain fundamentals online or in textbooks.
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Two other activities

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Participate in a peer discussion on blockchain business models

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Encourages critical thinking and exchange of ideas on how blockchain can disrupt traditional business models.

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Prepare talking points and questions on blockchain business models.
Participate in a peer discussion, sharing your perspectives and listening to others.
Summarize key insights and lessons learned from the discussion.

Design a blockchain solution to a real-world problem

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Challenges learners to apply their knowledge to solve practical problems and evaluate the feasibility of blockchain solutions.

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Identify a real-world problem that could be solved using blockchain technology.
Research and develop a proposed blockchain solution, including the architecture, consensus mechanisms, and use cases.
Present your solution to classmates or colleagues and discuss its potential benefits, challenges, and limitations.

Career center

Learners who complete Blockchain and Business will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Researcher

Blockchain researchers develop new blockchain technologies and solutions. They work with universities, research institutions, and businesses to develop new blockchain protocols, applications, and use cases. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful blockchain researcher. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms, how to develop and deploy blockchain applications, and how to conduct blockchain research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Researcher

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain developers are in high demand as businesses of all sizes look to implement blockchain technology. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, from its underlying principles to its applications in various industries. You will learn about the different layers of the blockchain technology stack, how to develop and deploy blockchain applications, and how to secure blockchain systems. This course will help you build the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful blockchain developer.

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Blockchain Consultant

Blockchain consultants help businesses understand and implement blockchain technology. They work with clients to identify business needs, develop blockchain solutions, and implement and manage blockchain systems. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful blockchain consultant. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms, how to develop and deploy blockchain applications, and how to advise clients on blockchain strategy.

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Blockchain Analyst

Blockchain analysts evaluate and assess blockchain technologies and solutions. They work with businesses to identify business needs, develop blockchain solutions, and implement and manage blockchain systems. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful blockchain analyst. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms, how to develop and deploy blockchain applications, and how to advise clients on blockchain strategy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Analyst

Blockchain Architect

Blockchain architects design and build blockchain systems. They work with clients to understand business needs, develop blockchain solutions, and implement and manage blockchain systems. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful blockchain architect. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms, how to design and develop blockchain applications, and how to secure blockchain systems.

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Blockchain Project Manager

Blockchain project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and delivering blockchain projects. They work with stakeholders to define project requirements, develop project plans, and manage project risks. This course will help you build the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful blockchain project manager. You will learn about the different phases of a blockchain project, how to manage blockchain project teams, and how to track and manage project progress.

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Chief Innovation Officer (CInO)

The CInO is responsible for the overall innovation strategy and vision of an organization. They work with business leaders to identify business needs, develop innovative solutions, and implement and manage new technologies. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful CInO. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms, how to develop and deploy blockchain applications, and how to advise clients on blockchain strategy.

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Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

The CTO is responsible for the overall technology strategy and vision of an organization. They work with business leaders to identify business needs, develop technology solutions, and implement and manage technology systems. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful CTO. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms, how to develop and deploy blockchain applications, and how to advise clients on blockchain strategy.

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Chief Information Officer (CIO)

The CIO is responsible for the overall information technology (IT) strategy and vision of an organization. They work with business leaders to identify business needs, develop IT solutions, and implement and manage IT systems. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful CIO. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms, how to develop and deploy blockchain applications, and how to advise clients on blockchain strategy.

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Chief Digital Officer (CDO)

The CDO is responsible for the overall digital strategy and vision of an organization. They work with business leaders to identify business needs, develop digital solutions, and implement and manage digital technologies. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful CDO. You will learn about the different types of blockchain platforms, how to develop and deploy blockchain applications, and how to advise clients on blockchain strategy.

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Product Manager

Product managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring new products to market. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful product manager. You will learn about the different phases of product development, how to manage product teams, and how to launch new products.

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Business Analyst

Business analysts work with businesses to identify business needs, develop business solutions, and implement and manage business systems. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful business analyst. You will learn about the different types of business analysis techniques, how to develop business solutions, and how to implement and manage business systems.

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Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of projects. They work with stakeholders to define project requirements, develop project plans, and manage project risks. This course will help you build the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful project manager. You will learn about the different phases of a project, how to manage project teams, and how to track and manage project progress.

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Data Analyst

Data analysts work with data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. They work with businesses to develop data-driven solutions. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful data analyst. You will learn about the different types of data analysis techniques, how to develop data-driven solutions, and how to communicate data insights to stakeholders.

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Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with businesses to develop software solutions. This course will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful software engineer. You will learn about the different phases of software development, how to develop software applications, and how to deploy and maintain software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer