MBA in Digital Innovation and Startup Entrepreneurship

Digital Business and Organizational Management

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with business and organizational management, the main financial, production, and promotional functions, as well as the basic IT and smart organization tools that facilitate management.

The course includes the following modules:

• Management functions.

• The external and internal environment of businesses and organizations.

• Business organization and analysis tools (SWOT, PEST, etc.).

• Strategy and business plan and analysis tools (BCG matrix, strategy clock, portfolio cube, etc.).

• Marketing function and research process (4Ps mix, market segmentation, data collection and analysis, sales forecasting, etc.).

• Digital / virtual businesses and internet business models.

• Assignment: Development of a business and operational plan for a company or organization. Analysis using the tools.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Financial Administration

The aim of the course is to equip students with the necessary foundational knowledge regarding the financial function of modern enterprises.

The course covers the following topics:

• Financial accounting: Basic principles & preparation of financial statements, accounts, journal, recording of accounting events.

• Financial analysis: Evaluation of the financial performance of enterprises, analysis of financial statements using financial ratios.

• Cost accounting & Budgets: Basic costing principles, preparation of budgets.

• Financial decisions: Financing decisions, investment evaluation techniques. Laboratory exercise on evaluating the financial function of businesses.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Innovation Management and Business Plan

The course focuses on the need for innovation for the survival and sustainable growth of businesses in an international and rapidly changing technological environment.

Course topics include knowledge management and technological change, patents and strategic choices, innovation models, and the development of innovation at both business and national levels.

Particular emphasis is placed on the concept of entrepreneurship and its role in economic development and business growth (scale-up), while also recognizing the main mechanisms for generating new knowledge and the typical stages in the development process of new ICT products and services.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

• Individual assignments (20%)

• Group project (20%)

• Written examination (60%)

Case Studies in Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship

The aim of the course is to present real-world cases of digital innovation and their management. The case studies include both successful and failed examples of digital innovations.

The reasons for each case's failure or success are analyzed.

The course also includes presentations and interviews with industry professionals, creating an interactive dialogue with students on topics selected by both the students and the instructor.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course. Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

• Individual assignments (20%)

• Group project (20%)

• Written examination (60%)

Contemporary Methods in the Design of Digital Products and Services

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with design methods for the development of digital products.

Based on modern management methods and processes, students will learn to extract business needs, understand customer requirements, design prototypes, document development requirements, develop verification and validation documents, and monitor success using metrics.

The course includes an introduction to the principles of Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and agile product development methods (e.g., Scrum, Kanban, eXtreme Programming).

As part of the coursework, students will be divided into teams and will undertake the development and testing of a digital product idea, with or without the use of programming, which they will present in class.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course. Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Entrepreneurship Simulation

The aim of this lab-based course is to provide students with a realistic view of applying basic management principles to real-world problems, by using a modern simulation environment to practice decision-making and management principles. Participants, organized in teams, take over the management of a startup company involved in the production and sale of computers.

They are assigned managerial roles corresponding to the company’s functions (general management, production, sales, marketing, financial management).

Within this context, they are required to develop and implement a complete business plan in order to understand how a company’s functions are combined and interact, as well as the impact of competition, which demands constant analysis of conditions and decision-making at both strategic and operational levels.

Additionally, lectures are held to delve into key issues of strategic management and business planning, as well as the management of individual business functions. Particular emphasis is placed on presenting relevant real-world examples from well-known companies and organizations.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course. Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Digital Marketing

The course provides students with the relevant theoretical background but primarily takes a practical approach to contemporary issues in the field of digital marketing.

Emphasis is placed on communication strategy and promotion through electronic channels (web, mobile, social media, etc.), consumer behavior, the increased potential for customization and personalization of digital content, website usability, CRM information systems, and advanced applications for collecting, processing, and utilizing business data.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Business Systems and Intelligence

The aim of this lab-based course is to familiarize students with enterprise resource management systems and their connection to innovation management and the facilitation of entrepreneurship.

The course includes an introduction to data analysis from business systems, including social networks, and the extraction of insights for shaping business and marketing strategies.

The course covers the following topics:

• Business Resources and Management, Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)
• Business Analytics
• The data lifecycle (from identification and extraction to analysis and visualization)
• Tools for mining, managing, and analyzing various data types (text such as tweets and comments, network data such as Facebook friendship networks and follow-following networks on X, actions such as likes, shares, views, location data) provided through social networks
• Applications in marketing and business intelligence
• Digital Enterprise Resource Management - Innovation - Entrepreneurship

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Artificial Intelligence in the Management of Open and Big Data

Artificial Intelligence in the Management of Open and Big Data

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the management of different types of data from various sources using machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms.

The course will present different types of algorithms and different types of data (big, linked, ledger), as well as tools for managing them (R, Linda).

Open data sources from around the world will also be presented, aiming at their utilization and the creation of value-added services.

The course will include lab exercises using tools for managing different types of data as well as methods for analyzing them.

Students in this course will be able to work as data analysts.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (50%)
2. Lab work (50%)

Supply Chain Management Systems

The course focuses on increasing the efficiency of supply chain processes (procurement, warehousing, distribution, etc.) and on reducing operational costs through the use of the Internet and specialized Information Systems.

Within the framework of the course, systems such as Warehouse Management Systems, Vehicle Routing Systems, Fleet Management Systems, RFID, etc. will be analyzed.

These are used to optimize the core supply chain processes and to enhance customer service.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

ICT Project Management & Information Systems Development

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with modern techniques and methods for managing ICT projects and developing information systems.

The course includes an introduction to the basic concepts of project management, such as the project life cycle (planning, organization, scheduling, and evaluation of results), and the relevant tools and methodologies (Gantt Charts, PERT, CPM, CPM-Cost, PRINCE2, project management information systems, etc.).

These concepts will then be connected to the specific context of managing ICT projects (software, infrastructure, integrated information systems, etc.).

Within this framework, the application of related methodologies will be discussed, including sequential (e.g. Waterfall) and iterative techniques (Agile, Spiral methods, etc.), and related case studies will be analyzed.

Finally, the connection of the above with the broader context of the information systems life cycle will be examined.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (30%)
2. Written examination (70%)

Thesis

As part of individual research and the development of research skills, the thesis course is offered with the supportive guidance of a faculty member assigned to each student.

Entrepreneurship Summer School

The ebiz Summer School (SS) is designed to introduce participants to the world of multichannel marketing and to provide them with the advanced technical skills required to identify, engage, and build relationships with customers in a digital environment.

The SS targets marketing professionals who wish to enhance their skills and stay up to date with the latest developments by interacting with experts willing to share their knowledge and experience.

Participants will learn how to increase the online visibility of their businesses through an effective marketing strategy across major search engines, social media platforms, and online advertising.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions and in shaping the course, as well as performance on the final individual or group assignment.

Internship in a Startup or Business Incubator

The aim of the course is to provide students with practical experience by applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the Master’s Program through their participation in a business incubator, contributing to the actual development of a business idea.

The course deliverables, which form the basis for student evaluation, include proof of participation, a report of activities, and the implemented business idea.

Digital Business and Organizational Management

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with business and organizational management, the main financial, production, and promotional functions, as well as the basic IT and smart organization tools that facilitate management.

The course includes the following modules:

• Management functions.

• The external and internal environment of businesses and organizations.

• Business organization and analysis tools (SWOT, PEST, etc.).

• Strategy and business plan and analysis tools (BCG matrix, strategy clock, portfolio cube, etc.).

• Marketing function and research process (4Ps mix, market segmentation, data collection and analysis, sales forecasting, etc.).

• Digital / virtual businesses and internet business models.

• Assignment: Development of a business and operational plan for a company or organization. Analysis using the tools.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Financial Administration

The aim of the course is to equip students with the necessary foundational knowledge regarding the financial function of modern enterprises.

The course covers the following topics:

• Financial accounting: Basic principles & preparation of financial statements, accounts, journal, recording of accounting events.

• Financial analysis: Evaluation of the financial performance of enterprises, analysis of financial statements using financial ratios.

• Cost accounting & Budgets: Basic costing principles, preparation of budgets.

• Financial decisions: Financing decisions, investment evaluation techniques. Laboratory exercise on evaluating the financial function of businesses.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Entrepreneurship Simulation

The aim of this lab-based course is to provide students with a realistic view of applying basic management principles to real-world problems, by using a modern simulation environment to practice decision-making and management principles. Participants, organized in teams, take over the management of a startup company involved in the production and sale of computers.

They are assigned managerial roles corresponding to the company’s functions (general management, production, sales, marketing, financial management).

Within this context, they are required to develop and implement a complete business plan in order to understand how a company’s functions are combined and interact, as well as the impact of competition, which demands constant analysis of conditions and decision-making at both strategic and operational levels.

Additionally, lectures are held to delve into key issues of strategic management and business planning, as well as the management of individual business functions. Particular emphasis is placed on presenting relevant real-world examples from well-known companies and organizations.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course. Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Business Systems and Intelligence

The aim of this lab-based course is to familiarize students with enterprise resource management systems and their connection to innovation management and the facilitation of entrepreneurship.

The course includes an introduction to data analysis from business systems, including social networks, and the extraction of insights for shaping business and marketing strategies.

The course covers the following topics:

• Business Resources and Management, Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)
• Business Analytics
• The data lifecycle (from identification and extraction to analysis and visualization)
• Tools for mining, managing, and analyzing various data types (text such as tweets and comments, network data such as Facebook friendship networks and follow-following networks on X, actions such as likes, shares, views, location data) provided through social networks
• Applications in marketing and business intelligence
• Digital Enterprise Resource Management - Innovation - Entrepreneurship

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Innovation Management and Business Plan

The course focuses on the need for innovation for the survival and sustainable growth of businesses in an international and rapidly changing technological environment.

Course topics include knowledge management and technological change, patents and strategic choices, innovation models, and the development of innovation at both business and national levels.

Particular emphasis is placed on the concept of entrepreneurship and its role in economic development and business growth (scale-up), while also recognizing the main mechanisms for generating new knowledge and the typical stages in the development process of new ICT products and services.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

• Individual assignments (20%)

• Group project (20%)

• Written examination (60%)

Case Studies in Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship

The aim of the course is to present real-world cases of digital innovation and their management. The case studies include both successful and failed examples of digital innovations.

The reasons for each case's failure or success are analyzed.

The course also includes presentations and interviews with industry professionals, creating an interactive dialogue with students on topics selected by both the students and the instructor.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course. Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

• Individual assignments (20%)

• Group project (20%)

• Written examination (60%)

Contemporary Methods in the Design of Digital Products and Services

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with design methods for the development of digital products.

Based on modern management methods and processes, students will learn to extract business needs, understand customer requirements, design prototypes, document development requirements, develop verification and validation documents, and monitor success using metrics.

The course includes an introduction to the principles of Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and agile product development methods (e.g., Scrum, Kanban, eXtreme Programming).

As part of the coursework, students will be divided into teams and will undertake the development and testing of a digital product idea, with or without the use of programming, which they will present in class.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course. Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Digital Marketing

The course provides students with the relevant theoretical background but primarily takes a practical approach to contemporary issues in the field of digital marketing.

Emphasis is placed on communication strategy and promotion through electronic channels (web, mobile, social media, etc.), consumer behavior, the increased potential for customization and personalization of digital content, website usability, CRM information systems, and advanced applications for collecting, processing, and utilizing business data.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

Artificial Intelligence in the Management of Open and Big Data

Artificial Intelligence in the Management of Open and Big Data

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the management of different types of data from various sources using machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms.

The course will present different types of algorithms and different types of data (big, linked, ledger), as well as tools for managing them (R, Linda).

Open data sources from around the world will also be presented, aiming at their utilization and the creation of value-added services.

The course will include lab exercises using tools for managing different types of data as well as methods for analyzing them.

Students in this course will be able to work as data analysts.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (50%)
2. Lab work (50%)

Supply Chain Management Systems

The course focuses on increasing the efficiency of supply chain processes (procurement, warehousing, distribution, etc.) and on reducing operational costs through the use of the Internet and specialized Information Systems.

Within the framework of the course, systems such as Warehouse Management Systems, Vehicle Routing Systems, Fleet Management Systems, RFID, etc. will be analyzed.

These are used to optimize the core supply chain processes and to enhance customer service.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual and group assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (20%)

2. Group project (20%)

3. Written examination (60%)

ICT Project Management & Information Systems Development

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with modern techniques and methods for managing ICT projects and developing information systems.

The course includes an introduction to the basic concepts of project management, such as the project life cycle (planning, organization, scheduling, and evaluation of results), and the relevant tools and methodologies (Gantt Charts, PERT, CPM, CPM-Cost, PRINCE2, project management information systems, etc.).

These concepts will then be connected to the specific context of managing ICT projects (software, infrastructure, integrated information systems, etc.).

Within this framework, the application of related methodologies will be discussed, including sequential (e.g. Waterfall) and iterative techniques (Agile, Spiral methods, etc.), and related case studies will be analyzed.

Finally, the connection of the above with the broader context of the information systems life cycle will be examined.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions, and contribution to the weekly structure of the course.

Final evaluation is based on performance in the final written examination and individual assignments.

Grading

1. Individual assignments (30%)
2. Written examination (70%)

Thesis

As part of individual research and the development of research skills, the thesis course is offered with the supportive guidance of a faculty member assigned to each student.

Entrepreneurship Summer School

The ebiz Summer School (SS) is designed to introduce participants to the world of multichannel marketing and to provide them with the advanced technical skills required to identify, engage, and build relationships with customers in a digital environment.

The SS targets marketing professionals who wish to enhance their skills and stay up to date with the latest developments by interacting with experts willing to share their knowledge and experience.

Participants will learn how to increase the online visibility of their businesses through an effective marketing strategy across major search engines, social media platforms, and online advertising.

Evaluation is based on the student’s attendance, active participation in discussions and in shaping the course, as well as performance on the final individual or group assignment.

Internship in a Startup or Business Incubator

The aim of the course is to provide students with practical experience by applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the Master’s Program through their participation in a business incubator, contributing to the actual development of a business idea.

The course deliverables, which form the basis for student evaluation, include proof of participation, a report of activities, and the implemented business idea.