Blockchain is a disruptive foundational technology which will transform the manner with which a multitude of industries will carry out trusted tractions. Upon completion of this module students will be able to provide an overview of the nuanced characteristics of blockchain technologies and identify blockchain solutions and services which organisations can adopt. Students will learn the core concepts which encompass blockchain which include private and public blockchain, cryptocurrencies, protocols, nodes, decentralisation, and digital assets. Students will also evaluate how other technologies such as web 3.0, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence are fusing with blockchain as part of new technology stacks.

1. Appraisethe basic concepts and principles of blockchain and its potential applications and limitationsin various industries

2. Synthesise the evolution of blockchain and decentralisation

3. Formulate strategies for deploying blockchain business solutions

4. Critically evaluate the concept of smart contracts and their role in automating business processes and agreements

5. Critically assess the challenges and risks associated with implementing blockchain in a business context, including scalability, interoperability, and regulatory compliance

6. Research how blockchain can be merged with legacy andemerging businesstechnologies

Digital transformation is defined as the manner with which new emerging digital technologies transform the business models of organisations. Blockchain itself is a new and innovative business model which has created new opportunities for organisations and consumers to create and capture value. However, the ability to find the right blockchain business models and implementation strategy is challenging. The objective of this module is to equip students with knowledge of how do develop blockchain-based business models and strategies that improves how businesses work while also concurrently benefiting end users. The module will also explore how other technological developments such as the Internet of things (IoT), Cloud Computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are diffusing with blockchain to create new business models and strategies encompassing new business value.

1. Critically analyse the characteristics of digital transformation

2. Appraise the impact of blockchain digital transformation

3. Critically examinecentralised and decentralised business models within the context of blockchain and identify the key nuances between them

4. Critically appraise various blockchain business models and their effectiveness in different industries

5. Research how to create and develop robust blockchain business models

6. Evaluate the role of business strategy when creating blockchain business models and analyse how to successfully align both concepts

The evolution in financial practices over the past decades has paved the way for a more open, autonomous technology called DeFi that has the potential to shift the entire framework of finance at a macroeconomic level. DeFi (or 'decentralised finance') is an umbrella term for financial services on public blockchains. DeFi disintermediates traditional banking gatekeepers and replaces them with peer-to-peer blockchain protocols which enable new financial business models such as the lending and borrowing of cryptocurrencies sans traditional know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. Understanding DeFi protocols requires an understanding of the definition, protocols, uses cases and characteristics of decentralised finance. The objective of this module is to equip students with this understanding. The module will also explore how DeFi can be used by incumbent financial institutions to leverage the benefits of blockchain.

1. Explain the key principles and concepts of decentralized finance, such as smart contracts, tokens, and decentralized exchanges

2. Analyze different blockchain platforms and protocols used in decentralized finance and compare their features and capabilities

3. Critically reviewthe core facets of thedecentralised finance stack framework

4. Evaluate the risks associated with decentralized finance applications, including security vulnerabilities and potential exploits

5. Formulate strategies for deploying specificdecentralised finance solutions

6. Critically analyse and propose solutions to regulatory and legal challenges surrounding decentralized finance