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Digital Platforms and E-Business



Module name (EN):
Name of module in study programme. It should be precise and clear.
Digital Platforms and E-Business
Degree programme:
Study Programme with validity of corresponding study regulations containing this module.
Digital Business and IT, Bachelor, regulation 01.10.2023
Module code: WINF-B23-520
Hours per semester week / Teaching method:
The count of hours per week is a combination of lecture (V for German Vorlesung), exercise (U for Übung), practice (P) oder project (PA). For example a course of the form 2V+2U has 2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of exercise per week.
2V+2U (4 hours per week)
ECTS credits:
European Credit Transfer System. Points for successful completion of a course. Each ECTS point represents a workload of 30 hours.
5
Semester: 5
Mandatory course: yes
Language of instruction:
German
Assessment:
Written exam

[updated 25.08.2026]
Applicability / Curricular relevance:
All study programs (with year of the version of study regulations) containing the course.

WINF-B23-520 Digital Business and IT, Bachelor, regulation 01.10.2023 , semester 5, mandatory course
WINF-B25-510 (P460-0028) Digital Business and IT, Bachelor, regulation 01.10.2025 , semester 5, mandatory course
Workload:
Workload of student for successfully completing the course. Each ECTS credit represents 30 working hours. These are the combined effort of face-to-face time, post-processing the subject of the lecture, exercises and preparation for the exam.

The total workload is distributed on the semester (01.04.-30.09. during the summer term, 01.10.-31.03. during the winter term).
60 class hours (= 45 clock hours) over a 15-week period.
The total student study time is 150 hours (equivalent to 5 ECTS credits).
There are therefore 105 hours available for class preparation and follow-up work and exam preparation.
Recommended prerequisites (modules):
None.
Recommended as prerequisite for:
Module coordinator:
Prof. Dr. Henrik Fälsch
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Henrik Fälsch

[updated 24.07.2023]
Learning outcomes:
After successfully completing this module, students will:
be familiar with the basic terms and concepts of e-business and digital platforms.
understand the key characteristics of digital business models.
be able to describe, classify, and evaluate platform and e-business models.
be able to recognize the opportunities, risks, and potential business applications of digital platforms.

[updated 25.08.2026]
Module content:
Traditional B2B companies must increasingly digitize their operating models to generate customer value: From procurement and product design to sales and customer service. The lecture therefore provides a general overview of various B2B business models in digital business, covering topics and concepts such as digitalization strategy, business model adaptations, artificial intelligence in procurement and sales, “seamless customer experience,” and approaches to cross-company collaborations.  The focus is always on an economic analysis of these developments and a customer-centric approach that addresses their needs. A wide range of practical examples round off the lecture.
 
 
Fundamentals of E-Business and digital platforms
Digital business models
Platform economy and network effects
E-commerce and digital marketplaces
Monetization strategies for digital offerings
Opportunities, risks and success factors of digital platforms
Case studies from business practice

[updated 23.10.2026]
Recommended or required reading:
• Kollmann, T.: Digital Business. Springer Gabler, aktuelle Auflage.
• Wirtz, B. W.: Digital Business. Springer Gabler, aktuelle Auflage.
• Heinemann, G.: Der neue Online-Handel. Springer Gabler, aktuelle Auflage.
• Clement, R. / Schreiber, D.: Internet-Ökonomie. Springer Gabler, aktuelle Auflage.
• Schallmo, D. et al.: Die digitale Transformation gestalten Springer Gabler, aktuelle Auflage.


[updated 23.10.2026]
 
[Sat Oct 31 19:13:17 CET 2026, CKEY=wdpue, BKEY=winf, CID=WINF-B23-520, LANGUAGE=en, DATE=31.10.2026]