This course will equip students to provide leadership to digital innovation initiatives and develop new business models for existing and new organizations. Advances in digital technologies such as AI, blockchain, Internet of things, 3D printing, etc. are having a transformative impact on all sectors of our economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified and accelerated these transformations, firmly pushing large swaths of our lives onto digital platforms. These shifts are radically changing among other things how we shop, order food, work, interact with public bureaucracies and civic institutions, organize healthcare, learn in our education systems, and conduct R&D. Accordingly, mastering the concepts, practices, and technologies of digital transformation is increasingly becoming a critical skill for senior decision makers. This course will examine the technological and economic factors that have spurred and are shaping the digital revolution. Moreover, it will examine the challenges leaders face in harnessing this revolution for social good.
The lectures will follow an interactive format that relies to a large extent on practical case studies.
Assessment: The assessment of this course consists of a final test (25%) and a group project (75%).
For the group project students will need to conduct an analysis of a digital transformation or innovation opportunity for a new venture, established organization, or a government/regulatory agency. The project should include an analysis of the opportunity, a strategy for addressing the need that is at the center of this opportunity, and an examination of the social externalities that are linked to the proposed initiative. Further details and group assignments will be announced during the third lecture of the course.
- Teaching coordinator: Jong Simcha