Business Essay Paper

FINAL PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS
As we rapidly near the end of this course, I will ask you now to review all of the new disruptive technologies that you know, and take this opportunity to learn more about a technology that interests you!

Your final project will be a research paper on a specific disruptive technology. You may choose your paper topic from a list of technologies, or if you have a special technology of interest, you may consult with me to see if you can write your paper on a topic of your choosing. The list of technologies includes:

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning/Deep Learning
Autonomous Transportation (cars, trucks, etc.)
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies
Blockchain Technology (other than usage in Cryptocurrencies)
Internet of Things
3-D Printing
A disruptive technology of your choosing that is not currently on the list. This must be approved by the instructor (me) prior to proceeding.
In your report, you must discuss the following topics as related to the technology that you are researching:

A description of the technology, including:
what it is, what it does, and a simple explanation of how it works
a brief history
what it promises to deliver to its consumers/users, i.e. the vision of the technology when it is fully realized.
The current state of the technology as opposed to its envisioned state, including current limitations, barriers etc.
What potential impacts does the technology have on consumers?
What potential impacts does the technology have on businesses?
Discuss a potential application of this technology that you believe will be the most disruptive to business or will have the most impact on society. Explain and support your selections.
Each technology will have a specific question (or questions) associated with it that you must answer, as indicated below:
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning/Deep Learning
What do you believe will happen once AI/Machine Learning/Deep Learning reaches its full potential? Will it be a boon or bane to humankind? Explain and justify.
Recent research indicates that advances in AI/Machine Learning/Deep Learning may actually help the criminal element. Assuming this hypothesis is true, what can be done to mitigate or eliminate this danger?
Autonomous Transportation
What is/are the largest barriers to adoption of this technology? If you were a manufacturer/seller of Autonomous transportation, what would you do to overcome these barriers?
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies
Compare and contrast Bitcoin with two other cryptocurrencies of your choosing. Assess these three cryptocurrencies along the dimensions of technological viability, investment potential, and business impact.
Make a prediction regarding the future of cryptocurrencies. In your opinion, will they be good or bad long-term investments? Explain your answer.
Blockchain Technology (other than usage in Cryptocurrencies)
Describe the various types of blockchains (permissionless, etc.) in use today and identify business uses for each type.
Do you foresee any dangers or negative impacts from the full realization of Blockchain Technology?
Internet of Things
Identify two of the biggest potential problems that you envision the IoT will face. Discuss the potential impact for each problem you identify, and also describe potential solution(s) for each problem as well. Provide sufficient detail and justification for your answers.
3-D Printing
Identify two industries/businesses that will be threatened by 3-D Printing. Describe the threat and potential impact of 3-D Printing. For each of the industries/businesses identified, imagine that you are a business owner in that industry, and develop a strategy that could mitigate the negative impact of 3-D Printing on your business.
For a self-selected technology that was approved by the Instructor
Work with the Instructor to identify a question (or questions) that you would like to investigate for this technology. This question must be agreed up between the student and instructor by the Sunday of Week 8.
Your Write-up doesn’t need to be lengthy, but it must be well thought out to earn high marks. Page length for the write-up: 5-7 pages, double spaced. Please provide a table of contents and labeled sections for easy reading (and grading). A sample TOC is presented below:

Introduction and Overview Of The Technology
What Is The Technology?
History of The Technology
What Is The Technology’s Promise?
What is the Current State of the Technology?
What are the Technology’s Potential Impacts on Consumers?
What are the Technology’s Potential Impacts on Businesses?
A Promising Application
Questions To Ponder From The Assignment
Conclusion
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.