Digital Transformation Project / Practicum

Key Details

This mandatory module represents the final stage of the Master’s programme and is designed to guide students through the development and writing of their Project Work. The module includes a series of short video lectures that provide practical tools and methodological guidance to support each phase of the project.

The Project Work Module is grounded in a learning-by-doing approach and involves the development of a project within a professional or educational context, with the aim of achieving a defined and shared objective. It combines theoretical learning with practical application, enabling students to develop and apply key skills such as decision-making, organisation, analysis, and problem-solving.

The Practicum is structured into five main phases: ideation, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Students begin by identifying a project idea and clarifying its purpose. This is followed by a planning phase, in which objectives, strategies, activities, and resources are defined. The implementation phase translates the project into practice, while ongoing monitoring ensures alignment with the initial goals. Finally, the evaluation phase assesses the outcomes and the overall effectiveness of the project.

Unlike a traditional thesis, which is often primarily theoretical, the Project Work focuses on addressing real-world challenges through a practical and goal-oriented approach.

Time commitment

Classroom and demonstrations: 12 hours
Practical work/tutorials: 12 hours
Independent learning: 226 hours
Total: 250 hours

Credit points

10 ECTS

Subjects covered

The module provides targeted support through a set of thematic sessions. The first focuses on the literature review, a key component of the initial “proposal”, where students are required to develop a digital transformation project. This includes both an in-depth review of relevant literature and the design of a project plan, with a focus on one of the main areas of specialisation within the programme, such as digital transformation, data-driven decision systems, ethical AI solutions for business, data science, or cloud computing.
A further session is dedicated to academic writing, with particular attention to the structure and conventions of scientific papers. Students are introduced to the principles of clear, rigorous, and well-organised academic communication, supported by both theoretical input and practical exercises.

The module also addresses key issues related to data governance and ethics. Students explore how organisations can integrate ethical principles and sustainability into digital transformation strategies, with a focus on responsible data management, including transparency, privacy, fairness, and accountability. This perspective supports the development of projects that are not only innovative but also socially responsible and aligned with long-term sustainability goals.

Another component of the module focuses on communication skills, supporting students in effectively presenting complex projects. This includes structuring clear and engaging presentations, communicating technical content to different audiences, and developing confidence and clarity in delivery.

Finally, the module includes an overview of the assessment rubric, which is used to evaluate the final Project Work. The rubric ensures a transparent and consistent evaluation process and serves as a practical guide for students throughout the development of their projects. It allows students to assess the quality of their work in terms of literature review, project design, coherence of argument, use of academic writing conventions, integration of ethical considerations, and overall clarity and consistency of the final output.

The Project Work represents a key moment in the Master’s programme, as it allows students to consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their studies. It is not only an academic requirement, but also an opportunity to engage with a real challenge, reflect critically on one’s professional context, and develop a concrete and meaningful output. Through this process, students strengthen their ability to connect theory and practice, work independently, and produce solutions that are both relevant and applicable to their field.

Learning objectives

After successfully completing this specialised practical project module, learners will be able to:

• Synthesise knowledge from core areas of the programme to propose, develop, and evaluate a significant digital transformation project for a specific industry or business.
• Apply project management principles to plan, execute, and deliver a practicum.
• Analyse the current state, identify opportunities for digital innovation, propose a transformation strategy, and outline the steps for implementation.
• Demonstrate professional communication skills by presenting and defending their project outcomes.
• Reflect on the ethical implications and sustainability of their project within a global and societal context.

Module leaders

Chiara Panciroli, University of Bologna

Chiara Panciroli is a Full Professor at the Department of Education Studies (Giovanni Maria Bertin) at the University of Bologna, specialising in Methodologies of Teaching and Special Education (M-PED/03). Her academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science and Education and a PhD in Pedagogy. Panciroli has held positions as an Associate Professor and Full Professor at the University of Bologna since 1998.

Chiara teaches courses such as Theories and Tools of Didactic Mediation, Museum Teaching, Iconography and Iconology, and Teaching Tools and Communication in Museum Environments. She also contributes to the Doctoral School of General Teaching, focusing on Care in education and Teacher professionalism in nursery schools.

Chiara’s research includes leading European projects like Promote Education, Participation and Projects for Youth (PEPPY), INTERSTICE, and FADING, and her recent publications address the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. She is an active member of several specialist bodies and research groups, contributing significantly to educational research and practice. Prof Panciroli also has the position of Head of the AI and Education scientific unit of the Interdepartmental Research Centre Alma Mater Research Institute For Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (Alma Human AI). Additionally, she is the contact person for the Humanities Area of the Working Group of the Teaching and Learning Centre of the University of Bologna.