The PTL is required to conduct 12 seminars for each course.
The PTL should deliver the following teaching outcomes:
1. Theoretical Foundations of Network Economics
With the extensive application of information technologies—including the Internet, ERP systems, and e-commerce—in both corporate and governmental management, humanity’s modes of production, organizational structures, mechanisms of exchange and distribution, patterns of competition, and even ways of living are undergoing transformative, epoch-defining change. Existing economic theories are no longer adequate to interpret contemporary economic phenomena, nor can they effectively guide future development.
This first part of the course introduces Time–Space and Network Economics, an original theoretical system developed by Professor Chen through more than two decades of sustained inquiry and research. The framework elucidates the profound implications of economic globalization, informatization, networking, specialization, and intellectualization; reveals the intrinsic time–space relationships among fundamental economic elements; and articulates the organizational logic, mechanisms of value creation, and optimization principles that emerge in an Internet-enabled environment. As an innovative theoretical paradigm, it provides highly effective guidance for understanding and shaping economic, social, and organizational activities across micro- and macro-levels in both present and future contexts.
In the absence of new conceptual perspectives, new methodologies cannot emerge. Accordingly, governments and enterprises—including entrepreneurs—must transition from point-based, linear modes of reasoning to network-oriented thinking, achieving cognitive leaps that reshape managerial paradigms, generate value through integration and optimization, and ultimately enhance productivity.
2. Part II: Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Supply chains constitute the vital circulatory and neural systems of the network economy. Supply chain operations management examines how enterprises can optimally allocate, plan, organize, and control internal resources, while effectively leveraging external resources, to transform input factors into outputs of higher value and thereby realize value creation. As such, operational systems and operational capabilities form the foundational sources of enterprise value generation and competitive advantage.
Nevertheless, a substantive understanding of supply chains requires innovative conceptual frameworks, analytical perspectives, and methodological approaches. Building upon the network-economic theoretical architecture presented in Part I, the second part of the course investigates supply chain operations management within enterprises. Emphasis is placed on how firms can apply the principles of Network Economics to design innovative business models or platforms capable of generating sustainable economic benefits. The course further presents advanced theories and methods in logistics and supply chain management, along with guiding principles for the design, planning, control, and continuous improvement of production and service systems.
Overall, the course aims to cultivate students’ global perspectives and their capacity for network-oriented thinking.
Hiring Institution: NTU