ΠΕΡΙΓΡΑΦΗ

This interactive training with group exercises is an introduction to Bitcoin and blockchain, their short history, the technology behind them as well as the applications of blockchain technology to the digital economy. Participants will be informed about blockchain systems, customisations, applications, their functions as well as their potential.  By implementing blockchain technologies, organisations can be transformed both internally in terms of operations and externally by enhancing customer experiences and interactions. Through these technologies, organisations will be able to create innovative business models and digital services as well as simplify their operations and reduce their costs. This is especially important for the organisations’ viability.

CPD

This seminar may contribute to Continuing Professional Development requirements. At the end of the seminar participants will be given a certificate of attendance confirming the total number of training hours (6 CPD).

ΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΣΕΜΙΝΑΡΙΟΥ

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the properties of Blockchain and how they can be applied across business sectors of the Digital Economy
• Name successful Blockchain applications and illustrate how they disrupt traditional business models
• Explain the Blockchain technology fundamentals, including its data structure and main consensus protocols
• Stay up to date with the regulatory landscape around Blockchain in Cyprus and the European Union
• Develop business models that leverage Blockchain functionalities such as smart contracts, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs)
• Explain when Blockchain is a good candidate technology and juxtapose limitations with design decisions for overcoming them
• Explain which design options of Blockchain solutions better align with different scenarios
• Encourage the adaptation of the blockchain technology by their companies to simplify their operations and reduce their costs.

ΣΕ ΠΟΙΟΥΣ ΑΠΕΥΘΥΝΕΤΑΙ

This training is addressed to professionals who work in organisations involved in digital economy and intent to upgrade the quality of their services, automate their procedures in a transparent manner and explore business models using the potential of blockchain technologies. Therefore, professionals who do not necessarily have a background in IT but are interested in understanding the features of blockchain technologies, their application and business outcome, can attend the training.

These professionals can be company owners and managers, chief executive officers, chief operating officers, chief information officers, chief technology officers, information security officers, chief commercial officers, operations and/or customer service managers, product managers, strategy managers, IT managers, head of innovation, retail managers and other related professionals.

ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΕΣ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΕΣ

Agenda

1. Introduction to Blockchain (1hr)

• Brief history of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin predecessors
• Bitcoin basics – and the solution to the Byzantine General’s Problem
• Blockchain properties and features

2. Blockchain technology fundamentals (1hr)

• Cryptographic primitives: Hash algorithms and Public Key cryptography
• Data structures: From Merkle trees to Blockchain
• Consensus Protocols:

                1. Proof of Work

                2. Proof of Stake

                3. Proof of Authority

3. Blockchain customisations (1hr & 30 min)

• Degrees of decentralisation (public/private, permissionless/permissioned)
• Introduction to Ethereum
• Smart contracts
• Tokens and their utilities
• NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)
• DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organisations)
• Scalability and privacy

4. Designing Blockchain applications for the Digital Economy (1hr & 30 min)

• Applications beyond cryptocurrencies
• Blockchain limitations
• Regulatory context in Cyprus and the European Union

5. Workgroups: Designing Blockchain solutions for the Digital Economy (1hr)

• Participants will be split into groups, identify an appropriate Digital Economy use case, justify how Blockchain supports their proposition, and explain the high-level technical design decisions that align with their solution.

Trainer

Michael Lambaskis
Assistant Manager, Digital Transformation Stream, Management Consulting, KPMG in Cyprus

Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Nottingham, as well as a master’s degree in forensic science from King’s College London. He additionally holds a master’s degree in blockchain and digital currencies from the University of Nicosia.

Michael is an Assistant Manager in the Management Consulting department of KPMG in Cyprus, and a member of the Digital Transformation team. He possesses deep knowledge in FinTech and emerging technologies. More specifically, he has a solid knowledge in blockchain and he advises companies as well as assisting them in training their people on this subject.

Furthermore, Michael has hands-on experience in the implementation and use of the technology in business applications, such as remittances.