TECH5300 Bitcoin Analytical Report

Your Task

This assessment is to be completed individually. In this assessment, you will evaluate the purpose, structure, and design of layer 2 of the Lightning network, which provides the scalability layer. Additionally, you will design a plan for an industry’s adoption of Bitcoin.

Assessment Description

This assessment requires you to write a report that covers two subject learning outcomes: (1) evaluating the purpose, structure, and design of layer 2 of the Lightning network, which provides the scalability layer, and (2) designing a plan for an industry's adoption of Bitcoin. The assessment aims to assess your ability to critically analyse complex concepts, conduct in-depth research, and develop strategic plans.

Your Task: Write a report addressing the following:

1. Evaluation of the Purpose, Structure, and Design of Layer 2 of the Lightning Network:
   1. Evaluate the purpose and significance of layer 2 of the Lightning network, emphasising its role in providing scalability to the Bitcoin network.
   2. Critically analyse the structural components and design principles of layer 2, including payment channels, multi-hop transactions, and the Lightning Network Daemon (LND) protocol.
   3. Assess how layer 2 effectively addresses the scalability challenges faced by layer 1 of the Bitcoin network, considering factors such as transaction throughput, confirmation times, cost-effectiveness, and network security.
2. Designing a Plan for Industry Adoption of Bitcoin:
   1. Identify and evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of industry adoption of Bitcoin, considering factors such as security, transparency, cost savings, and financial inclusion.
   2. Develop a comprehensive plan for an industry's adoption of Bitcoin, outlining the necessary steps, considerations, and strategies for integrating Bitcoin into their operations.
   3. Justify your plan by addressing the identified challenges and proposing effective mitigation strategies, including regulatory compliance, scalability solutions, user education, and risk management.

This assessment aims to achieve the following subject learning outcomes:

Assessment Instructions

Students must conduct research externally and included references in order to produce a well referenced assessment. You should use at least ten (10) sources of information and reference these in accordance with the Kaplan Harvard Referencing Style. These may include websites, social media sites, industry reports, census data, journal articles, and newspaper articles. These references should be presented as in-text citations and a referencing list at the end of your assessment (not included in the word limit). Wikipedia and other ‘popular’ sites are not to be used.

1. You must submit your report in Word document or in PDF format.
2. Please refer to the assessment marking guide to assist you in completing all the assessment criteria.

Important Study Information

Academic Integrity and Conduct Policy

KBS values academic integrity. All students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the Academic Integrity and Conduct Policy.

Please read the policy to learn the answers to these questions:

• What is academic integrity and misconduct?
  • What are the penalties for academic misconduct?
  • How can I appeal my grade?

Late submission of assignments (within the Assessment Policy)

Length Limits for Assessments

Penalties may be applied for assessment submissions that exceed prescribed limits.