Business Processes, Digital Transformation and Strategy Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course provides a broad and in-depth understanding of modern IT-enabled business processes, digital transformations and strategy. It introduces learners to business concepts, terminology and strategic frameworks for analysing the external and internal business environments and developing digital transformation strategies. Through case studies and readings learners will use originality in solving problems and will develop the skills necessary to act autonomously in planning and implementing digital and technology strategies and transformations. The course will examine how to monitor technology-related market trends and research and collect competitive intelligence. Learners will be able to present strategic arguments in a structured manner and apply this to the delivery of compelling business strategy.

Course Aims

• Train learners in internal and external business processes.
• Train learners in how to identity, plan and deliver digital transformation.
• Train learners in critical analysis and evidence-based business intelligence.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year. 

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• Online learning
• Online discussion groups
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours
• On-the-job learning (24 days x 7 hours) = 168 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
• Private study (4 hours per week) = 48 hours

Total = 300 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.  

Feedback is provided on summatively assessed assignments and through generic internal examiners’ reports, both of which are posted on the VLE.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

Saloner, G. Shepard, A. and Podolny, J.M. (2001). Strategic Management. New York : Wiley

Neugebauer, R. (2019). Digital Transformation. Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer

Hedin, H., Hirvensalo, I. and Vaarnas, M. (2011). The Handbook of Market Intelligence : Understand, Compete and Grow in Global Markets. West Sussex, England : Wiley

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on business strategy, processes and digital transformation as directed by their course leader.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on business strategy, processes and digital transformation.

Indicative Topics

Learners will study the following topics: 

• Business processes
• Digital transformation
• Business strategy
• Market trends and competitive intelligence