Human-Centric Digital Transformation

The Short Learning Programme in Human-Centric Digital Transformation has been developed to cater to the emerging demands of academic managers who seek to enhance their institutions’ competitiveness through digital transformation. As the digital landscape evolves rapidly, it is imperative for academic institutions to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices to remain competitive.

This Short Learning Programme will provide managers with a comprehensive overview of digital transformation, covering the latest trends, practical tips, and tools to implement digital strategies in academic institutions. Participants will learn how to leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things to improve the academic experience, increase operational efficiency, and drive growth.

The gap in the market that this Short Learning Programme aims to address is the lack of accessible, practical guidance for managers seeking to implement digital transformation in their institutions. While there is no shortage of information available on the topic, much of it is overly technical, theoretical, or geared towards large enterprises with extensive resources. Academic managers, in particular, may struggle to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and could benefit greatly from a more practical, hands-on approach.

By completing this programme, managers will gain the knowledge and skills needed to successfully navigate the digital landscape and drive digital transformation in their institutions. With a focus on real-world examples and actionable strategies, this Short Learning Programme is the perfect opportunity for traditional institutions to unlock the full potential of digital transformation and enhance their competitiveness in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Purpose of the course

The Short Learning Programme in Human-Centric Digital Transformation aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to navigate the rapidly changing digital landscape and implement digital strategies in their organisations. Attendees will benefit from the practical, hands-on approach to digital transformation that is accessible to businesses of all sizes and academic institutions.

The Short Learning Programme provides real-world examples and case studies, enabling participants to understand how digital transformation has been successfully implemented in other organisations. Participants will gain an understanding of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things, and how to leverage them to improve organisational performance.

The Short Learning Programme provides practical tips and tools to implement digital strategies in organisations, including guidance on selecting the right technologies, developing a digital roadmap, and managing digital transformation projects. Participants will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals and exchange best practices, challenges, and solutions.

Upon completion of the programme, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of digital transformation and its impact on businesses and academic institutions. They will have gained project management skills and learned how to manage digital transformation projects effectively.

This Short Learning Programme stands out from others due to its focus on providing practical, actionable guidance on digital transformation that is accessible to businesses of all sizes and academic institutions. By attending, participants will gain the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to successfully navigate the digital landscape and drive digital transformation in their organisations.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements
Attendees should have some basic knowledge of digital technologies and their potential organisational applications.
Learning assumed to be in place
Foundational knowledge of digital technologies and their potential applications in organisations, as well as an understanding of basic business principles and practices. No advanced knowledge or technical skills are required.

Course outcomes and assessment criteria

Course outcomes and the associated assessment criteria

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

  • Digital transformation: Basic knowledge and informed understanding of digital transformation and its impact on organisations.
  • Leadership challenges in digital transformation: Basic knowledge and informed understanding of the leadership challenges involved in digital transformation, including change management, communication, and cultural considerations.
  • Customer-centric design of a digital roadmap: The ability to develop a customer-centric digital roadmap for an organisation that incorporates user research, design thinking, and agile methodology.
  • Embracing agility to accelerate digital transformation: Basic knowledge and informed understanding of the agile methodology and how it can be applied to accelerate digital transformation.
  • Creating a digital culture: Basic knowledge and informed understanding of the key elements necessary to create and nurture a digital culture within an organisation, including fostering innovation, collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning.
  • Synthesising a digital transformation strategy: The ability to integrate the principles of digital transformation, leadership challenges, customer-centric design, agile methodology, and digital culture to develop a cohesive and actionable digital transformation strategy for an organisation.
  • Complete a written analysis of the impact of digital transformation on a selected organisation, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts and strategies related to digital transformation.
  • Analysing and evaluating a case study, participating in group discussions and collaborative activities, developing a leadership plan, and reflecting on personal experiences and insights related to leadership challenges in digital transformation.
  • Conducting user research, applying design thinking principles, developing a digital roadmap incorporating agile methodology, and presenting the roadmap to stakeholders with a focus on customer needs and benefits to the organisation.
  • Analysing case studies, participating in group discussions, developing an agile plan for a digital transformation initiative, and reflecting on personal experiences and insights related to embracing agility.
  • Assess the current digital culture within a selected organisation, identify areas for improvement, and develop a detailed action plan to foster innovation, collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning.
  • Integrate the learnings from digital transformation, leadership challenges, customer-centric design, agile methodology, and digital culture to develop a cohesive and actionable digital transformation strategy for a selected organisation. The participant must document the development process, including research, insights, and decision-making.
Assessment
Formative and Summative assessment
Method of assessment
The final submission should be a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, showcasing what the individual learnt and applied during the programme.

Additional information

Programme number
M07 100 1
Mode of delivery
Mixed
Target group
The Short Learning Programme in Human-Centric Digital Transformation is designed for business leaders, academic managers, and entrepreneurs responsible for implementing digital strategies in their organisations. It is suitable for professionals across various industries and academic institutions seeking practical guidance on digital transformation regardless of their level of digital maturity.
Duration
One month: 6 sessions of 6 hours each, two days apart, with practical POE after 6 sessions.

Contact us

Contact person name
Me Didi Ungerer
Contact person e-mail
Didi.Ungerer@nwu.ac.za
Contact person telephone number