New Online Certificate Program: Certified Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Technology

As a foundational technology, Blockchain and other Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) are the basis for future data-driven businesses and applications. In a brand-new online certificate program on one of the most promising but also contentious technologies, corporate leaders learn how to implement and manage Blockchain and DLT, and how to unlock its potential for the enterprise. The program covers the technical, business, social and legal aspects of Blockchain-based solutions in a balanced and unbiased way. The modular design of our course allows all participants to align the content with their individual needs. Even though this course will be offered completely online, participants will still be able to interact personally and individually with lecturers and fellow participants while being able to follow their own schedule for the majority of the coursework. The new course design includes a variety of industry-specific options, which will enable participants to transfer their learnings immediately to their individual work environment. Prof. Dr. Jürgen Ernstberger, Professor of Financial Accounting at the TUM School of Management is one of the lecturers in the program. In an interview, he explains the relevance of Blockchain and other Distributed Ledger Technologies today.

Prof. Dr. Ernstberger, why are Blockchain and other Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) currently so relevant?

Blockchain and other Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) are a key basis for future data-driven applications. After the hype around Bitcoin and ICOs, these technologies have moved to value creation by crafting new business models and giving rise to data-driven digital networks. The Blockchain-inherent decentralization means a paradigm shift not only for technical architectures and processes, but also for business models and society at-large. For managers, understanding Blockchain and DLT will be an essential component of their future work.

What aspects does the new certificate program focus on?

The program has a modular structure. It comprises a basic module in which technical, legal, economic and organizational questions are discussed in-depth and based on current research findings. Participants can then choose a specialization module according to their individual need. We offer specializations in the areas of real estate, supply chain, Industry 4.0, and mobility. We believe that in these areas, Blockchain has the potential to transform business models and disrupt the respective industry. Third, we offer a premium subscription, where students receive one-on-one expert mentoring and extended access to all course material and updates.

What makes the program different from other programs?

The program has two unique features. Firstly, while most other programs focus on Bitcoin or FinTech solutions, we highlight use cases in real estate, supply chain, Industry 4.0, and mobility. These areas offer huge opportunities for creating new collaborative ecosystems for businesses and professionals. In addition, they are related to industries, in which German firms are world-leaders, and in which our lecturers have a thorough expertise. Secondly, the program overcomes the often impersonal and demotivating nature of online teaching. Participants are regularly in contact with the lecturers, in online tutorials they code their own smart contract and they continuously receive individual feedback. With the premium subscription, the program even features a real innovation in online teaching, which supports the participants to transfer their new knowledge into action.

Who is the program for?

The program is for people working at the intersection of business and technology, who need to develop an in-depth understanding of Blockchain and other Distributed Ledger Technologies. It allows them to gain an overview of the latest innovative ways companies are harnessing the power of Blockchain technology on a global level, to evaluate the potential of Blockchain applications, and to implement it in their work environment.