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Hank C. Lucas

The purpose of this course is to help individuals and organizations survive when confronted with disruptive technologies that threaten their current way of life. We will look at a general model of survival and use it to analyze companies and industries that have failed or are close to failing. Examples of companies that have not survived include Kodak, a firm over 100 years old, Blockbuster and Borders. It is likely that each of us has done business with all of these firms, and today Kodak and Blockbuster are in bankruptcy and Borders has been liquidated. Disruptions are impacting industries like education; Coursera and others offering these massive open online courses are a challenge for Universities. In addition to firms that have failed, we will look at some that have survived and are doing well. What are their strategies for survival?

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The purpose of this course is to help individuals and organizations survive when confronted with disruptive technologies that threaten their current way of life. We will look at a general model of survival and use it to analyze companies and industries that have failed or are close to failing. Examples of companies that have not survived include Kodak, a firm over 100 years old, Blockbuster and Borders. It is likely that each of us has done business with all of these firms, and today Kodak and Blockbuster are in bankruptcy and Borders has been liquidated. Disruptions are impacting industries like education; Coursera and others offering these massive open online courses are a challenge for Universities. In addition to firms that have failed, we will look at some that have survived and are doing well. What are their strategies for survival?

By highlighting the reasons for the decline of firms and industries, participants can begin to understand how to keep the same thing from happening to them. Through the study of successful organizations, we will try to tease out approaches to disruptions that actually work. Our ultimate objective is to develop a strategy for survival in a world confronting one disruptive technology after another.

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What's inside

Syllabus

1.1
A Model and framework to help understand disruptive technologies
1.2
Some examples of companies that were not able to survive disruptive technologies
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2.1
A company that did not survive and its disruptor
2.2
Another story of disruption and a summary of our examples
3.1
Newspapers are an important component of a democratic society; the Internet threatens them in a number of ways
3.2
Social media has transformed the way people relate to each other, but it has a disruptive component that is worrying
4.1
Two companies in this module are private and are very successful; a quasi-public agency has a hard time competing with them and their technology
13
Conclusions about disruption
14
Suggestions for how to respond to a disruptive technology
15
Survival in the physical world

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the impact of disruptive technologies on individuals and organizations, which is a timely and relevant topic
Led by Hank C. Lucas, who has expertise in technology and strategy
Examines real-world examples of companies and industries affected by disruptive technologies
Provides a model and framework for understanding disruptive technologies and their potential impact
Develops strategies and approaches for survival in the face of disruptive technologies
Relevant for professionals, business owners, and students interested in innovation and technology

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Reviews summary

Disruptive tech dissertations

Learners say this course is a highly informative look into how established companies can be disrupted by new digital technologies. Students say the course offers interesting case studies and lectures, but that assignments can be time-consuming. While there were some technical problems and grading confusion in earlier iterations, most agree the course content is well worth the effort.
Assignments can be time-consuming but rewarding.
"Very interesting class. I found the assignments time consuming, but the lectures were very interesting."
Knowledgeable instructor gives great insights.
Engaging studies show how big companies fell to newer tech.
"Very cool to have failures as the focal point for case studies."
"This course was worth it for the lecturer's Case Studies alone."
"Professor Lucas referred to Blockbuster, Borders and Kodak as the three amigos and gives a deep research about their problems and disruptions."
Technical problems and communication issues need to be addressed.
"I really like the instructor but there is serious issue with the course content! Please remove irrelevant videos."
"The most poorly organised MOOC I've ever taken. There were technical problems the staff refused to attend to. Communication about these issues was absent."

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 Surviving Disruptive Technologies (On Demand) with these activities:
Read "The Innovator's Dilemma"
Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of disruptive technologies from a seminal work in the field.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
  • Discuss the book's ideas with a peer or mentor.
Review Current Disruptive Technology
Begin to refresh your knowledge of current disruptive trends and technologies.
Browse courses on Emerging Technologies
Show steps
  • Read articles and watch videos about emerging technologies.
  • Attend a webinar or conference on disruptive technology.
Technology Impact Analysis
Develop your analytical skills by identifying and assessing the potential impact of disruptive technologies on various industries.
Browse courses on Disruptive Technologies
Show steps
  • Select an industry and a disruptive technology.
  • Gather data on the technology's capabilities and potential applications.
  • Analyze the technology's potential impact on the industry's value chain, business models, and competitive landscape.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Connect with Industry Experts
Seek guidance and insights from industry experts who have experience navigating disruptive technologies.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors in your field who have experience with disruptive technologies.
  • Reach out to mentors via LinkedIn or email to express your interest in connecting.
  • Schedule a meeting or coffee chat to discuss your career goals and learn from their experiences.
Attend Innovation Conference
Immerse yourself in an environment where experts and innovators discuss the latest disruptive technologies and strategies.
Show steps
  • Research upcoming innovation conferences in your industry.
  • Register for a conference that aligns with your interests.
  • Attend keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking events.
Disruptive Tech Blog Post
Create a blog post discussing the potential impact of a specific disruptive technology on a particular industry.
Browse courses on Industry Analysis
Show steps
  • Research the disruptive technology and its potential applications.
  • Identify the industry that is most likely to be impacted by the technology.
  • Analyze the potential impact of the technology on the industry's business models, revenue streams, and competitive landscape.
  • Write a blog post presenting your findings.
Develop a Disruption Survival Plan
Apply the course concepts to create a comprehensive plan for your organization to survive and thrive in the face of disruptive technologies.
Browse courses on Business Strategy
Show steps
  • Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential disruptive technologies that could impact your organization.
  • Develop a strategy for monitoring emerging technologies.
  • Create a plan for responding to disruptions, including contingency plans and innovation initiatives.
  • Implement the plan and regularly review and update it as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Surviving Disruptive Technologies (On Demand) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Technology Manager
Technology managers oversee the research, development, and implementation of new technologies. They work with engineers and other technical staff to ensure that new technologies are compatible with existing systems and that they meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for technology managers who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Research Scientist
Research scientists conduct research to develop new technologies and products. They work in a variety of fields, including engineering, computer science, and medicine. This course may be useful for research scientists who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Business Analyst
Business analysts help organizations to identify and solve problems. They use data and analysis to identify trends and patterns, and they develop recommendations for how to improve organizational performance. This course may be useful for business analysts who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Product Manager
Product managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and other team members to ensure that products meet the needs of customers. This course may be useful for product managers who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, including technology, strategy, and finance. This course may be useful for consultants who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They identify opportunities in the market and develop new products and services to meet those needs. This course may be useful for entrepreneurs who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts provide advice and guidance to individuals and organizations on investment decisions. They use data and analysis to identify undervalued stocks and bonds. This course may be useful for financial analysts who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Investment Banker
Investment bankers help companies to raise capital by issuing bonds and stocks. They also advise companies on mergers and acquisitions. This course may be useful for investment bankers who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Lawyer
Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. They work in a variety of fields, including corporate law, criminal law, and family law. This course may be useful for lawyers who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Doctor
Doctors provide medical care to patients. They diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. This course may be useful for doctors who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Teacher
Teachers provide instruction to students in a variety of subjects. They work in schools, colleges, and universities. This course may be useful for teachers who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Journalist
Journalists gather, write, and report news stories. They work for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for journalists who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Social Worker
Social workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centers. This course may be useful for social workers who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement programs, raise funds, and manage staff. This course may be useful for nonprofit managers who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.
Politician
Politicians hold elected office and make decisions that affect the public. They work at the local, state, and federal levels. This course may be useful for politicians who want to learn more about how to identify and respond to disruptive technologies.

Reading list

We've selected 24 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Surviving Disruptive Technologies (On Demand).
Provides a framework for understanding how disruptive technologies can lead to the downfall of even the most successful companies. It classic work in the field of innovation and is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how to survive in a rapidly changing world.
Explores the impact of automation on the workforce and argues that we need to rethink our economic and social policies in order to avoid a future of mass unemployment. It timely and important read for anyone who is concerned about the future of work.
Provides a practical guide to how businesses can use the Lean Startup methodology to innovate. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their innovation processes.
Provides a sobering look at the potential impact of automation on the workforce. It valuable resource for anyone who is concerned about the future of work.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fourth industrial revolution. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the future of technology and its impact on society.
Provides a framework for understanding how disruptive innovators think and act. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to be more innovative.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the future of work and explores the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the workforce. It thought-provoking read for anyone who is interested in the future of our economy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Toyota Production System. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their manufacturing processes.
Provides a step-by-step guide to how entrepreneurs can build successful businesses using the lean startup methodology. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to start a business or improve their existing business.
Provides a framework for understanding how new organizations are using technology to disrupt traditional industries. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the future of business.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the platform economy. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how platforms are changing the way we do business.
Explores the impact of automation on the workforce and argues that we need to prepare for a future in which robots and artificial intelligence will take over many of the jobs that are currently done by humans.
Argues that the traditional job market is dying and that we need to prepare for a future of freelance, gig, and project-based work. It must-read for anyone who is interested in the future of work.
Provides a look at the industries that are likely to shape the future of the global economy. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the world in the 21st century.
Provides a sweeping overview of the history of humanity and argues that we are on the cusp of a new era in which humans will use technology to transcend our biological limits. It thought-provoking read for anyone who is interested in the future of humanity.
Explores the psychology of success and argues that we can achieve more by having a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. It valuable read for anyone who is interested in personal development or organizational change.

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