Digital Business MSc

The big data analytics and business intelligence module provides opportunities to understand the foundations of big data, data analytics life cycle and business intelligence. Several BI platforms will be introduced, and data analytics technologies will be reviewed. Finally, the statistical skills and knowledge which can be applied to practical big data analytics cases in an organisational context will be developed.
 

The module explores the design, architectural and technological aspects of digital business systems and the concerns arising from their continuous transformation. The main themes of the module are: theoretical foundations of digital business and transformation, architecting the digital enterprise and State-of-the-Art technologies for the digital business.

The module explores digital trust through three aspects closely related to digital business: cybersecurity, risk management and blockchain technologies. It studies the principles and approaches of information security, examines the frameworks and techniques employed to effectively manage risk, and investigates the fundamentals, applications and impact of blockchain applications.

The module builds digital business consultancy skills through the exploration of authentic industry scenarios. You'll learn how to develop digital solutions to given business challenges by means of extending an organisation’s digital capabilities to address issues, improve operational efficiency and drive innovation, whilst developing a robust strategy to guide and inform digital transformation changes.
 

This module provides you with an understanding of the context of digital innovation, disruption and transformation underpinned by an appreciation of technological and organisational approaches to the digital business environment. Through the analysis of theoretical frameworks and case examples, you will have an opportunity to discuss the fundamental nature of digital business and explore real-world cases of how digital technologies and information systems have enabled organisational transformation through the experience of digital innovation and disruption.

This module will enable you to contribute to the development of digital transformation strategies, initiatives, operational models, and to support their implementation, as organisations transform themselves into digital native enterprises. Whilst considering the associated impacts and implications for the organisation and stakeholders, addressing the hype and reality, including the ethical and social and where they link into the management of risk and change.

The module aims to build up practice-based skills by enabling you to produce a professional digital business report based on an individually conducted research project. You will be supported by a series of research methods classes and by the appointment of an individual supervisor, who will provide advice and guidance throughout the conduct of the project. You are strongly encouraged to undertake an applied project that delivers a digital business solution or improvement for a host organisation. Alternatively, the project could involve research based on the collection of primary data from a number of sources. If neither of these approaches are possible, then you could conduct a desk-based piece of research, based on secondary data. This might develop a new theoretical treatise or re-interpret an existing dataset. In all cases, the project report should include recommendations for the improvement of business practice and performance using digital technology.

The module is designed to introduce you to working knowledge of agile project management methodologies, tools and techniques. The aim of the module is to develop understanding of agile methods and practical skills in applying agile tools and techniques in projects using AgilePM. The module critically appraises various agile methodologies for project management such as Scrum and Kanban. The module enables you to practice aspects of applying agile principles and methods needed to manage agile projects in IT, digital services and other knowledge-based industries.

The expansion and ready availability of computing devices has changed the way consumers interact with each other and the commercial world. This module explores the integration of digital techniques within the practice of marketing. There are four core themes – the gathering of information about customers and competitors and interpreting their behaviour; the development of strategies for acquisition, conversion and retention; the use of digital tools within the communication process and evaluation through digital analytics.