Hackathons

This book provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of all phases of a hackathon and thus helps to reduce complexity, to use opportunities, to avert pitfalls and to avoid problems. In addition, it also explains from a participant's perspective how to succeed in a hackathon. Lastly, the book is rounded off by extensive checklists, which support you in your own hackathons.

The book is structured as follows: At first the basics and the history of hackathons are described in chapter 1. Afterwards the three phases of a hackathon are described in detail. This is started in chapter 2 with the description of the individual measures which are to be accomplished before the actual event. Here not only technical or organizational aspects are described, but also the important legal aspects are discussed. Subsequently, it is shown what is necessary to carry out a hackathon successfully. For this purpose the actual execution with all its steps is described in chapter 3. Next, chapter 4 looks at the follow-ups, which are often neglected or even completely forgotten. Chapter 5 describes from a participant's point of view the reasons for participating in a hackathon and which aspects guarantee a successful participation. In the following chapter 6 the criticism of the format of the hackathons and their execution is also examined in detail. Eventually, the most important points are summarized in chapter 7, before chapter 8 gives a view into the future of hackathons. Subsequently chapter 9 collects statements and opinions of representatives from industry, science and administration on the topic of hackathons. The book is rounded off in chapter 10 with detailed checklists, which can be directly used for the successful planning, operation and follow-up of hackathons.

Andreas Kohne is the Head of Business Development and Digital Media Sales at Materna TMT, Dortmund, Germany. Before he joined the company in 2008, he worked in IBM's Research and Development Lab in Böblingen. Andreas Kohne studied computer science and business administration at the Technical University Dortmund, and he writes books on computer science and business related topics.

Volker Wehmeier has a degree in business administration and a degree in administration. For many years, he has worked in market-leading American and German companies in a responsible position for business area development and the generation of new business. He is the author of numerous specialist articles and has been teaching for several years on subjects related to e-Business.