Perspectives on Digitalization

Aim

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• explain basic concepts, phenomena and perspectives regarding digitalization in different spheres (individual, organizational, and societal)
• describe different contemporary expressions of digitalization in both private and public organizations, discussing e.g. values such as effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and trust
• explain and identify strategies to digital transformation including pros and cons
• describe and identify the different types of strategies and approaches relative information, communication and IT as a part of digitalization
• critically understand and analyze the various stakeholders in relation to digitalization and the role of IT when organizing

Content

Digitalization is a phenomenon that mirrors the process of using digital tools and services as individuals, organizations and in the society as a whole. Digitalization has many contemporary expressions and “faces” and is surrounded by values, possibilities and challenges. This course reflects upon digitalization from an individual, organizational and societal perspective and addresses e.g. change, management, services, stakeholders, gaps, everyday work and strategies related to digitalization. Digitalization is discussed as phenomena, its emergence and relation to information technology and organization in general and e-services in particular. As such digitalization needs to be managed and needs to be based on strategic utilization of IT; this is one area focused in the course from an organizational perspective.