MSc Digital Business and Management

Key details

MSC DIGITAL BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Start Year

2022

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Science

Duration (years)

This course addresses the worldwide shortage of graduates in digital business and provides you with vital experience and understanding of contemporary and emerging digital technologies for the future, their management, how to communicate your knowledge, and work with others. Also, this course offers you an exciting opportunity to understand the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary character of digital business.

The shortage of graduates with knowledge of digital business and the necessary skills to make digital businesses successful is recognized by governments, non-government agencies and leading technology companies. Accordingly, you will learn how digital technologies transform businesses and markets, establishes new opportunities for value creation, disrupts traditional business models, and how digital technologies are applied in every aspect of business. You will cultivate deep analytical and critical skills when you demonstrate your understanding of digital transformation and business. You will also have the opportunity to examine the technological drivers of change and the roles people have in digital business.

About

The digitalization of business has been identified globally as essential for business success. If you want to ensure that you have the right digital business knowledge and skills for the future, and put yourself at a competitive edge over other graduates, then this course is right for you.

This course will give you the knowledge and skills to manage digital transformation and the advancement of digital business, and prepare you for a wide range of employment roles in digital business such as management and leadership, consulting and contracting for all types and sizes of business, and to being entrepreneurial and creating new digital businesses. You will be introduced to digital business, digital markets, different types of contemporary and emerging digital technologies, and digital transformation. This course enables you to develop expertise in digital business that is in demand by employers, or progress to further study doing a PhD.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

At the end of each module you will be assessed mostly by coursework. For example, coursework includes writing reports and essays, creating posters and presentations, working in groups, and completing projects. For each module you will have the chance to test your knowledge with formative assessment that provides you with feedback before your formal submission.

You will receive feedback on your formative work to help you improve before your formal coursework submission and you will be encouraged to discuss your feedback with your tutors. For formative assignments we aim to give you feedback within 10 working days after submission, and formal assignments we aim to give you feedback within 20 working days after submission.

Structure

In the first semester you will be introduced to the digital business concept that advocates the investment in cutting edge digital technologies to change business strategy and digitalize business operations, enhance customer experience, and change organizational culture. You will also study business operations and supply chain management to develop a critical understanding and appreciation of key operations and supply management theories and practice in modern, globalized and technology driven supply networks. In this semester you will also learn marketing theory and marketing practice and develop a thorough appreciation and understanding of the theoretical assumptions, debates and practices of this subject. Current developments in the marketing discipline will also be discussed alongside methodological advances coupled with social and technical changes.

In the second semester, you will study digital transformation as a critical element to digital business. By learning digital transformation you will explore the strategic and tactical issues and challenges raised by digital technologies at the levels of firms, supply chains, business ecosystems and sectors whilst developing advanced analytical and planning skills. In this semester you will also learn how to answer business research questions, carry out research design and data interpretation ready to complete a dissertation

Also in the second semester you will have the opportunity to choose from a range subjects. For example, social media to develop further knowledge of marketing, enhance customer engagement, and foster social shopping and customer service. Alternatively, you could chose to study how to manage technology and innovation to improve business processes and differentiate products and services, and for digital businesses to outperform their competitors measured in terms of market share. Another possibility that you might chose to study is the organizational and individual level factors that affect the performance of employees in the work environment.

In the final semester you will complete a self-directed, supervised dissertation. This can take a number of forms, but is a substantial piece of work that integrates and develops the knowledge and skills you have developed over the first two semesters.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

You will experience a range of teaching approaches using the best methods available based upon lectures, seminars, labs and tutorials. The teaching on this course is supported by digital platforms where you will be able to access all teaching materials such as lecture recordings, annotated lecture slides, interactive digital documents, and access web whiteboards and Question and Answer websites that have links to your tutors.

You will be taught by leading academics in their subjects who use a variety of teaching methods to support your learning and guide you through assessment. Our academics are highly motivated and are scholarly and research active in digital business and transformation, marketing, business operations, supply chains, business ethics, social media, customer engagement and entrepreneurship.

Independent study

All modules on this course have independent study. After your time in lectures, labs, seminars or tutorials, you are expected to use the remaining time allocated to each module reviewing teaching materials, doing research, and preparing coursework ready for submission.

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Open Days

Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7056A

Credits 20

This module is about to develop a critical understanding and appreciation of key operations and supply management theories and practices. This module provides an overview of operations management in today’s globalized supply network. Current developments in the operations and supply management discipline will be discussed alongside social and technical changes which may impact the future development of operations and supply management. You will gain a sound understanding of operations and supply management in today’s competitive global environment.

MARKETING THEORY AND PRACTICE

Code NBS-7052A

Credits 20

Develop an appreciation and understanding of the theoretical assumptions, debates and practices that constitute the body of knowledge we recognise as marketing within the profit as well as the public and not-for-profit sectors. Current developments in the marketing discipline will be discussed alongside methodological advances. You will also cover social and technical changes which may impact the future development of marketing theory and practice. Discrepancies in the theory and practice of marketing will be identified and their interplay appreciated.

INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL BUSINESS

Code NBS-7100A

Credits 20

This module introduces you to the “digital business” concept that advocates investment in cutting edge digital technologies to drive business strategy and digitalise business operations, enhance customer experience, and change organisational culture. You will be taught the economics of digital information and the forces that shape access to digital markets for buying and using products and services. You will also examine the disruptive nature that digital technologies have when introduced to different business sectors. By assessing example disruptive technologies that have displaced established technology, and changed business and industry, you will also develop economic research and analysis skills. You will use these skills to provide a conceptual and empirical basis for digital business strategies by writing a report that judges the impact and implications of digital technologies for a selected market or market segment.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Code NBS-7099B

Credits 20

This module explores in depth the strategic and tactical issues and challenges raised by digital technologies at the levels of firms, supply chains, business ecosystems and sectors. For example, you will explore leadership and change management in a digital context as well as some of the new opportunities that digital technologies provide for creating and steering change. In this module, you will develop advanced analytical and planning skills by working on a digital transformation project for a specific client or sector and judge its suitability using digital business norms. You will also have the opportunity to examine the technological drivers of change and the roles that people have in the digital transformation process. Additionally, you will critique the impact that digital transformation has upon individuals, social groups, firms, supply chains, business ecosystems and sectors.

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS

Code NBS-7064Y

Credits 20

You’ll examine the business research process from start to finish and gain an understanding of how to undertake research to investigate for instance organisational working context, markets, products and services. Dealing with business research questions, research design and data interpretation, both systematically and creatively, is the module’s core aim. You’ll be provided with the necessary training to pursue your MSc Dissertation. Further, you’ll have the opportunity to understand how established techniques of research are used to create knowledge in the discipline. You’ll engage in basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis during classes to enhance your understanding of the research process. The module intends to support you in your summer dissertation work with your research active supervisors towards conducting an independent research project.

DISSERTATION

Code NBS-7102X

Credits 60

The dissertation element offers you the opportunity to develop independent research skills on the subject of your choice. it goes much beyond the taught modules in the Master’s programme. it attempts to integrate the knowledge that you’ve acquired from the individual taught modules and take it forward by offering you the necessary skill set to probe a research problem in-depth and come out with contributions that are original in the business management literature.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7055B

Credits 20

Research indicates that innovative firms, those that are able to exploit and use innovation to improve their processes or to differentiate their products and services, outperform their competitors, measured in terms of market share, profitability, growth and market capitalisation. However, the management of innovation is inherently complex and risky. In many cases, new technologies fail to be converted into products and services. In fact, most new products and services are not commercial successes. In sum, innovation can enhance competitiveness, but it also requires a different set of management skills from those doing the everyday business administration within the firms. The first half of the module will cover both economic and managerial aspects of innovation. Students. You will develop an in-depth understanding of key aspects of innovation processes and their institutional and strategic implications. Learning that innovation is a cross-functional task involving all corporate functions like R&D, marketing, production and finance is a central objective of the module. Using exemplary innovation case studies students will first acquire knowledge of key terms and definitions of innovation research. The emergence of systematic innovation in the corporate environment will be discussed by studying the history of certain industries. At the organizational level, ways to leverage innovation internally and with external partners will be analysed. You will learn about different sources of innovation as well as roles and functions in the innovation process. Key concepts like open innovation and user innovation will be discussed thoroughly. Their practical applications and implications will be pointed out. The module will also discuss the issue of how to appropriate the returns from innovation, with special focus on patents and markets for technology. This second half of the module will examine how to introduce technology into organisations, and the associated opportunities and problems. You will be introduced to Information Systems and their socio-technical nature and the process of developing and commissioning information systems and the essential inherent human and managerial issues. You will also be introduced to critical contemporary issues such as Big Data, e-commerce, Knowledge Management, Control and Productivity.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL MARKETING

Code NBS-7086B

Credits 20

Social media is an emerging and quickly developing field. You will cover areas of social media marketing such as customer engagement, social shopping, and social customer service. You will gain an in-depth understanding of what consumers are doing in social media and transform this understanding into marketing relevant expertise. Further, it provides knowledge and understanding of the main theories relating to the use of new interactive marketing media and the application of these theories in the development of marketing relationships.

DIGITAL POLICY FOR BUSINESS

Code NBS-7103B

Credits 20

As business reliance on digital platforms increases, government interventions in the digital aspects of economic activity are also rapidly evolving. These interventions fundamentally alter business opportunities and responsibilities. This module will develop your understanding of actual and potential future government regulation on the internet, including international differences, providing you with insights on what regulations are set up and why. Topics covered will include market power, personalised pricing, tax, privacy, news and consumer protection. These insights will provide value to managers of digital processes, strategy and marketing, through better understanding government constraints, and improved ability to design their companies’ digital strategies in response.

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Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Entry Requirements

Degree classification

Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent

Degree subject

Business, Management, Marketing, Computing, Information Systems, Economics, Law or Psychology, a deep interest in the implications of digital technologies for business and management and strong verbal, written and visual communication skills

Additional entry requirements

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study one of the International Graduate Diploma programmes offered by our partner INTO UEA. These programmes guarantee progression to selected master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details please click here:

International Graduate Diploma in Business

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in only two components with 6.0 in the others)
PTE (Pearson): 64 (minimum 59 in only two components with 64 in the others)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests

INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk