Aims

Integrate Practical Application of Digital Service Design: Students will apply principles of digital service design in a real-world context through participation in the Digital Service Jam with external organisations and participants. This will enhance their ability to rapidly prototype and iterate on digital solutions based on user feedback.

Enhance Understanding of Digital Innovation in Practice: Through the immersive technology masterclass, students will gain insights into cutting-edge digital innovation practices and how these can be applied to create social good, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Develop Strategic Thinking and Consulting Skills: Students will engage in structured problem-solving and strategic thinking during these sessions, enhancing their capabilities as digital transformation consultants for social good initiatives.

Foster Collaboration and Teamwork: By working in teams during the Digital Service Jam and interacting with professionals during the technology masterclass, students will develop strong teamwork and networking skills crucial for their future careers.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Introduction to Digital Transformation
2. Innovative Design and User-Centric Approaches:
3. Principles of design thinking and realising digital value.
4. Conducting user research to inform digital service design.
5. Practical workshops on user persona creation and user journey mapping.
6. Strategies for implementing digital solutions effectively.
7. Group Projects and Practical Application:
8. Application of learned skills in a real-world group project.
9. Collaboration with a host organisation to plan and propose a digital transformation initiative.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module is designed to align closely with the practical and ethical complexities of digital transformation initiatives that specifically target social good. The teaching methods employed are intended to prepare students for real-world challenges they will face while working with organisations committed to societal betterment. The course structure facilitates immersive, hands-on learning experiences that not only impart essential theoretical knowledge but also critical practical skills.

Teaching Methods:
• Workshops and Masterclasses: These are crucial for providing students with foundational and advanced knowledge directly from experienced professionals and academics. These sessions also cover the application of digital tools in a real-world context, which is fundamental for understanding the impact of technology on society.
• Digital Service Jam and Project Work Sessions: These practical sessions are designed to simulate real consultancy environments where students can apply their learning in real-time, working on projects that aim to transform and benefit society. Here, students will engage directly with partner organisations to understand their challenges and propose viable digital solutions.
• Guided Independent Study and Collaborative Projects: Students are encouraged to undertake significant portions of independent study, which fosters self-directed learning—a crucial skill for any consultant. The collaborative projects require them to work in teams, mirroring real-world dynamics and emphasising teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

Relationship to Learning Outcomes:
• Practical Application of Theoretical Knowledge: Students will apply their understanding of digital transformation theories directly to projects that benefit societal organisations, which helps in cementing their knowledge through practice.
• Development of Consulting Skills: By working in a consultative capacity with real organisations, students develop essential skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and client communication, directly aligning with the intended skill outcomes of the module.
• Ethical and Societal Considerations: The focus on societal betterment ensures that students consider the ethical implications of digital technologies, learning to balance innovation with responsibility, which is crucial for any professional working in the field of digital transformation for social good.

The selected teaching methods and their direct linkage to the learning outcomes ensure a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students to contribute effectively and ethically to the field of digital transformation.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This is a consultancy based module designed to support a real client and so the assessment focuses on
the deliverables of the report, and the presentation and discussion with the client. Both deliverables will enable students to demonstrate that intended knowledge and skills learning outcomes for the module. Reports will indicate the contributions of individual team members for the assessment of team working, while the presentation will also provide the opportunity for team work to be shown. Peer assessment will be used.