What will I learn on this module?
This module focuses on how organisations are being transformed through digital technologies. In this module you will explore the complex and dynamic interplay between rapid technological change and the opportunities and challenges that this creates for organisations. These challenges and opportunities reflect whether the organisation is commercial in nature, governmental or in the third sector. As such, you will gain an understanding of how organisational context and characteristics shape how digital technologies are adopted. You will be introduced to the wide array of stakeholders that play a role in the digital transformation of organisations, and how digital technologies are developed within a global marketplace increasingly influenced by geopolitical considerations. Key topics you will be introduced to include digital business models, the economics of digital technologies, regulatory environment and ecosystems.
You will be introduced to case studies in this module drawn from business, government and third-sector use of digital technologies. These illustrate the challenges encountered, as well as the transformational nature of digital technologies. You will work in groups to investigate the dynamics of technological change and the nature of its transformational impact on the private, government and third sectors.
How will I learn on this module?
You will experience a dynamic and flexible learning environment that caters to professionals across business, public, and third sectors. The delivery model blends intensive face-to-face workshops with live virtual sessions and self-paced online components, with pre-session materials providing essential background knowledge and post-session tutorials fostering reflective discussion through the lenses of advocacy, plurality, sustainability, inclusivity, and accountability.
Throughout the module, you’ll engage in expert-led lectures, collaborative group work, and practical case studies that examine real-world challenges—from sustainable business practices to innovative public policy and third sector initiatives. This multifaceted approach not only develops your analytical and practical skills but also encourages you to appreciate diverse perspectives and harness collective creativity in addressing complex issues.
A robust digital learning platform supports your studies by offering access to recorded sessions, interactive quizzes, and discussion forums for peer-to-peer exchange. Optional office hours and guided independent study sessions provide personalized support from experienced tutors, ensuring that every learning need is met.
Overall, this integrated approach reinforces theoretical insights into responsible management while building practical competencies essential for driving sustainable and ethical change across various sectors. It empowers you to become an effective leader capable of advocating for transformative practices in any organizational context.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
In this module, you will benefit from a comprehensive and responsive academic support system designed to help you succeed across both private sector and public/third sector contexts. Your learning is guided by experienced module tutors and supported by dedicated programme leaders and academic mentors, ensuring that expert advice is always available. In addition to scheduled lectures, workshops, and group sessions, you will have access to drop-in sessions, virtual office hours, and interactive online forums via our digital learning platform—providing continuous, flexible support beyond the formal classroom setting.
The programme is structured to encourage both collaborative and independent study, with resources such as recorded lectures, curated reading materials, and peer discussion groups that help reinforce key concepts in responsible business. This multi-faceted approach ensures that whether you are tackling complex theoretical frameworks or developing practical strategies for sustainable change, you have a robust network of academic support to guide you every step of the way.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• [MLO 1] Analyse the key concepts of business transformation and digital strategy and their application in private, government and third sector organisations.[PLO 1, 2, 5, 6]
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• [MLO 2] Critically apply frameworks and theories to shape the digital transformation of organisations. [PLO 1, 2, 3, 5. 6]
• [MLO 3] Evaluate real-world case studies and research proposed digital transformation solutions. [PLO 3, 4, 5]
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• [MLO 4] Reflect on personal values and ethical perspectives to demonstrate global and cultural awareness in leadership. [PLO 5]
How will I be assessed?
This module is assessed by means of a single written assignment. This assessment is designed to address all of the Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs) identified. domains:
• Knowledge & Understanding: Demonstrate critical insights into the adoption and use of digital technologies by organisations.
• Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities: Apply frameworks and typologies (e.g., business model canvas) develop practical, innovative solutions.
• Personal Values Attributes: Reflect on the motives and challenges of adopting digital technologies can be adopted so that the transformation of their organisation can be supported.
Formative feedback will be offered throughout the block teaching sessions and in the virtual sessions convened to support your learning and development.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Business transformation and digital strategy focuses on the opportunities and challenges that emerge from rapid and widespread technological change. The module equips you with the theoretical and practical tools to understand digitally driven business transformation, which is dynamic and complex in nature with multiple diverse stakeholders playing a role. The module combines interactive lectures and group projects to develop and deepen your analytical skills and understanding of digitally driven business transformations. Case studies, drawn from the commercial, government and third sectors, will be used. Formative assessments and detailed feedback will support your learning, developing your skills.
Course info
Credits 15
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Part Time
Department Newcastle Business School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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