MSc Management and Information Systems: Change and Development

This course unit critically explores the intricate and evolving relationship between digital technology and organizations from an HRD perspective. In an era where digital technologies are reshaping every facet of organizational life, this course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how these changes are influencing organizational practices. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage organizations in a digital environment.

The unit will critically examine how cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data analytics, augmented reality and cloud computing are transforming traditional organizational functions. It will explore the implications of these technologies for key organizational and HRD practices such as strategic talent management, workforce planning, learning and development, employee engagement, and performance management. Students will gain insights into how digital transformation can enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency, and how it can be leveraged to foster a more dynamic, agile, and responsive organizations.

Furthermore, the course unit addresses the ethical, legal, and social implications of digital transformation. As digital tools and platforms become more prevalent in the workplace, issues such as data privacy, security, and the digital divide become increasingly important. The course will equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate these complex issues and make informed, ethical decisions in their professional practice.

Practical components of the course will involve case studies, simulations, and project work, where students will apply their learning to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach will help students develop practical skills in implementing digital transformation strategies and using digital tools effectively in various organizational contexts.

Overall, this unit is not just about understanding the digital transformation in organizations; it is about preparing students to be leaders and innovators in the rapidly evolving digital world. It aims to develop a cohort of HRD and other professionals who are not only technologically savvy but also ethically grounded and strategically minded, capable of driving digital innovation in organizations while maintaining a focus on human-centric values which is a fundamental focus of HRD. 
 

The unit aims to equip students with the understanding and skills necessary to navigate and effectively lead innovation and digital transformations in organizational contexts. As the digital era reshapes the landscape of work, organizational leaders, managers, and human resource professionals face unique challenges and opportunities. This course will explore how new technologies and processes, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality and big data, are transforming traditional organizational practices from an HRD perspective. Students will learn to design and implement digital transformation processes and strategies within organizational context with emphasis on development organizations, understand the ethical implications of digital tools in real life contexts, and develop skills to foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within organizations.

Week 1: Overview of digital transformation in organizations: Trends and implications.
Week 2: Integrating digital technologies in practice: Tools and applicationshnologies in organizations, including AI, machine learning and augmented reality.
Week 3: Beyond Digitalization: Planning, developing, and implementing digital strategies.
Week 4: Cultivating a digital learning culture: Techniques and best practices.
Week 5: Data analytics in practice: Measuring impact and informing decisions.
Week 6: Ethical considerations in digital transformation: Balancing technology and human factors.
Week 7: Global perspectives in digital transformation.
Week 8: Leading innovation and digital transformation: Navigating virtual and hybrid teams, and new organizational forms.
Week 9: Case studies in digital transformation: Successes and lessons learned.
Week 10: The future of digital transformations in organizations: New work, emerging technology trends and predictions.

Note: These sessions will be complimented by Tutorials and Workshop Sessions aimed at developing students’ practical skills. 

This course unit employs a blend of teaching and learning methods designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Digital Transformation in Organizational Contexts. The methods are tailored to facilitate both theoretical comprehension and practical application, ensuring that students are well-equipped for real-world challenges in digital HRD.

The course unit’s delivery strategy is designed to leverage both traditional and digital teaching methods, with a balanced mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities to cater to diverse learning styles and provide flexibility. The incorporation of e-learning elements ensures that students are exposed to and become adept in the digital tools and platforms that are central to the course’s focus.

• Grasp the dynamics of digital transformation in organizations and its impact on traditional organizational practices.
• Understand the role of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning in reshaping organizations and the HRD function in particular.
• Comprehend the ethical and legal considerations involved in the application of digital tools in organizations.
• Recognize the global trends in digital transformation and their implications for future practices.

• Critically analyze the effectiveness of digital technologies in organizations.
• Synthesize information from various sources to develop comprehensive digital transformation strategies
• Evaluate the ethical implications of digital tools and practices.
• Develop an analytical framework for assessing the impact of digital initiatives in organizations.

• Design and implement innovation and digital transformation strategies in organizational settings.
• Utilize digital tools effectively for training, development, and organizational learning.
• Apply data analytics to measure and enhance the effectiveness of organizational initiatives.
• Demonstrate competence in managing digital change processes and innovation within organizations. 

• Develop leadership and project management skills specific to digital transformation initiatives.
• Enhance communication and collaborative skills in a digital context.
• Cultivate adaptability and resilience in the face of technological changes in all contexts.
• Foster a mindset of continuous learning and innovation in professional practice.

Assessment 1: Group Digital Transformation Strategy Development (1,500 words per group)

This task will involve students working in groups in a dedicated collaborative digital space to develop a comprehensive digital transformation strategy for an organization. Students will work together to analyze an organization's current digital capabilities in relation to people resources and create a detailed plan for integrating digital technologies to all HRD operational areas within the organization.

Assessment 2: Individual Case Study Analysis (1,500 words, +/- 10%)

In this individual task, students will analyze a real-world case study of digital transformation within an organizational context. They will evaluate the strategies used, the challenges faced, the outcomes achieved, and lessons learned, providing recommendations for future initiatives.

Assessment 1

Written feedback will be provided to students in-line with the University’s guidelines via Turnitin®UK GradeMark.

Assessment 2

Written feedback will be provided to each group in-line with the University’s guidelines.

All members of the group will receive the same marks for this assessment, reflecting the collaborative nature of the task and the collective effort put into developing the digital transformation strategy.

This course unit will rely mainly on journal articles, and this will be updated on an ongoing basis to reflect current developments within the field.