As part of their evaluation in this course students are expected to complete three engagement papers, one for each part of the course. The purpose of this assignment is to gauge students’ engagement (i.e., active participation) with the content and discussion of the lectures, and their absorption of the material in a way that they can apply the knowledge acquired to similar contexts. Each paper is expected to be 3-4 pages (double-spaced, 12 font), and students have considerable flexibility on the choice of their topic from the lists provided below. Each paper should start with a brief and clear description of the topic, followed by a convincing explanation of why it matters. Since research is a required component (starting with the assigned readings and sources mentioned in class), arguments in support of or against the main thesis should proceed in a logical and non-repetitive manner and be supported with relevant data. The paper must demonstrate critical and strategic thinking and identify relevant linkages with other issues discussed in class. Grades for this assignment will be based on: Thesis: You will be asked to respond to a specific statement/question, and you must state and argue a clear thesis statement. All content in the paper must logically link to either supporting or providing an alternative perspective to that thesis. The significance of your topic should be well explained and the overall thrust of your arguments must be easily understandable. Analysis: Your work must convey the salient points clearly, explain the changes brought about, and even link to your own personal behaviour – to the extent applicable. Supporting data are expected to illuminate the context. While repeating and documenting arguments already made in class may be enough for a pass, critically assessing and cross-checking such arguments, especially infusing your own, will be rewarded with higher marks. Research and data: Research is necessary to provide context to your topic, prove and substantiate any important points made, and generally enrich the quality of your answers. Such research should not be vague but purposeful, in the sense that it should be used to contribute to your arguments and underpin specific points made. You should also explicitly identify how the collected data contribute to your thesis, point to any specific limitations, and clearly identify your sources. Presentation: In addition to the quality and the informational value of the content, the overall communication of your work matters. Good sequence of story lines, the language used and the clarity of messages, as well as the proper integration of text, charts and tables will be rewarded. Assignment #2 Engagement Paper # 2 This engagement paper corresponds to the second Part of the course. You must choose one topic from the list below for your paper. In case of any doubt, see the instructor. 1. Explain how Internet-related disruptive innovation creates winners and losers. Critically evaluate the incentives and strategies of newcomers and incumbents, and the effects on consumers. 2. Identify disruptive effects associated with X. Critically discuss specific technological breakthroughs and link them to economic and social disruption. (X is Amazon, PayPal, Skype, Google, Bitcoin, eBay, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Netflix, audio/video streaming…) 3. How are disruptive Internet technologies transforming Y? Identify the origins of the transformation, key moments or events, and critically evaluate forces expected to exert influences in the future. (Y is music or TV or newspapers) 4. “The Internet is a catalyst for the sharing economy”. Use relevant examples to critically evaluate the statement. Then, discuss the meaning and current reach of one such example, and gauge future transformations. 5. Government policies or regulations and decisions by international institutions influence the technical side, the content, and the use of the Internet. Identify and critically discuss one such example, including whether you expect its effects to be transitory or permanent.
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