ULSIT · Forschung

This course-exam synopsis summarizes Chapter 1 (“Co-creation of Value”) from "The Future of Competition" by C. K. Prahalad and Venkat Ramaswamy (2004). The text outlines the authors’ central argument that traditional, firm-centric value creation and linear value-chain thinking are increasingly insufficient in a digital economy shaped by connected, informed, and active customers. It explains how customer access to information, global connectivity, networking, experimentation, and activism transform markets and shift competitive dynamics. The synopsis highlights the move from product-focused delivery to personalized co-creation experiences, where value emerges through interaction between firms and customers and is supported by flexible experience environments and networks. The paper concludes with a reflective assessment of the practical benefits of co-creation—such as stronger loyalty, better product-market fit, and reduced development risk—while emphasizing technology as a key enabler of meaningful customer participation.

This course-exam essay discusses the increasing relevance of IT governance in organisations that depend on digital systems to achieve business goals, drive innovation, and manage growing operational and cyber risks. It explains IT governance as a set of structures, processes, and responsibilities that align IT activities with business objectives while ensuring compliance, risk control, and effective use of resources. A central focus is COBIT 2019 as a leading governance framework by ISACA, highlighting its holistic approach across technical, organisational, and human dimensions. The essay outlines key principles and components of COBIT 2019—governance objectives, enablers, and implementation steps—and argues that structured governance improves stakeholder confidence, resilience, and value creation. The conclusion emphasises COBIT 2019 as a strategic instrument for organisations seeking sustainable performance and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

This course-exam synopsis summarizes and reflects on Chapter 2 (“Evaluating Data Sites”) from "Analyzing Social Settings: A Guide to Qualitative Observation and Analysis" by John Lofland and co-authors (2006). The text outlines key foundations of qualitative inquiry, with a focus on observational techniques in natural social environments and the distinctions between qualitative and quantitative approaches. It discusses essential methodological elements such as immersion in the field, rapport building, and the systematic organization and interpretation of data (including coding and thematic analysis). A dedicated section addresses ethical requirements—especially informed consent, confidentiality, and harm minimization—alongside the role of reflexivity and positionality in strengthening transparency and rigor. The synopsis concludes with a personal reflection on the relevance of qualitative methods for understanding social dynamics and responsible scholarship.

This essay discusses Alvin and Heidi Toffler’s concept of “Revolutionary Wealth” and interprets wealth as a multidimensional phenomenon that goes beyond money to include knowledge, skills and education. Building on central arguments of the book, the text analyses three major drivers of transformation—technological progress, social change and economic restructuring—and critically contrasts selected forecasts with observable developments (e.g., automation, virtual communication, shifting family structures and productivity effects). The essay highlights both the explanatory power of the Tofflers’ paradigm shift and potential ambiguities regarding the normative stance and the distributional consequences of technology-driven growth.

The paper reviews Thomas L. Friedman’s "The World Is Flat" and examines how technological advances and improved communication intensify globalization and create more level competitive conditions among firms and countries. It focuses on four challenges: tensions between strongly state-driven and strongly market-driven economic models, the “number gap” (insufficient STEM talent), the “education gap” (unequal educational attainment), and the way globalization can facilitate terrorist networking. It concludes with a critical assessment, highlighting persistent structural advantages, rising inequality, and political side effects.