Digital Transformation Project / Practicum
Elevate your skills with practical, ethical digital innovation strategies
Master practical skills for leading innovative digital change
Learn to plan and execute ethical digital innovation strategies
To join this module, learners must have completed the Digital Transformation module and accrued at least 30 ECTS. This module focuses on planning and executing digital innovation projects, using advanced models for text, image, audio, video, and data generation. Emphasis is placed on responsible development practices and ethical considerations in synthetic media, ensuring learners are equipped to handle modern digital challenges responsibly.
Embrace innovative learning with cutting-edge digital transformation techniques
This fully online course uses innovative teaching methods for the digital transformation project. It combines synchronous lectures, asynchronous individual study, and lab activities. Expert tutors guide students through problem-based learning, gamification, and flipped classroom approaches. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, enhance the learning experience.
Students will develop a digital transformation proposal and produce a comprehensive research report, supported by a software artefact. Assessments are ongoing, with the proposal accounting for 30% and the final report and artefact for 70% of the total grade. This structure ensures a deep understanding and practical application of digital transformation strategies.
Time commitment
Classroom and demonstrations: 12 hours
Practical work/tutorials: 12 hours
Independent learning: 226 hours
Total: 250 hours
Credit points
10 ECTS
Full course breakdown
Subjects covered:
The Digital Transformation Project / Practicum is a 10 ECTS module delivered over 2 hours per week for 12 weeks with a significant component of independent study. The schedule of topics to be addressed each week is outlined below:
- Introduction
- Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
- Historical Context of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
- Overview of Different Blockchain Types
- Introduction to the Blockchain Stack and its Core Components
- Blockchain Stack and Core Components
- In-depth Discussion on Web3 and Technological Fundamentals
- Detailed Analysis of Block Composition and Consensus Mechanisms (POET/ POB/ POS/ POW)
- Basics of Distributed Systems and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)
- Cryptographic Foundations: Hashing and the Merkle Tree
- Blockchain Management
- Principles of Decentralisation and Brewer’s CAP Theorem
- Examination of Public, Private, and Enterprise Blockchains
- Business Case Development for Blockchain Applications
- Cryptocurrencies and the Blockchain
- Handling Cryptocurrencies: Storage, Use, and Wallets
- Exploration of Altcoins and Mining Processes
- Overview of Recent Trends and Developments in the Cryptocurrency Space
- Evolution of Blockchain
- Detailed Study on the Evolution and Revolution of Blockchain: From Bitcoin to Hyperledger
- Discussion on Enterprise Blockchain, Digital Identities, and Current Use Cases
- Security, Identity & Cryptography in Blockchain
- The CIA Triad in Blockchain: Confidentiality, Integrity, Authentication
- Exploration of Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption, Non-Repudiation, and Public/Private Keys
- Hash Functions, Digital Signatures, Anonymity, and the Concept of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)
- Blockchain Applications I – Bitcoin
- Comprehensive Overview of the Bitcoin System and Stack
- Examination of Bitcoin Transactions, the P2P Network, and the Mining Process
- Consensus Mechanisms: Proof of Work (POW)
- Blockchain Applications II – Ethereum
- Comprehensive Overview of the Ethereum System
- Smart Contracts, Decentralized Applications (DApps), and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
- Introduction to DAOs, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and NFTs
- DApp Development I
- Introduction to DApp Development Environments and the Web3 Stack
- Basics of NodeJS and Express in the Context of Blockchain
- DApp Development II
- Advanced Tools for DApp Development: Infura, RemixIDE, ERC Smart Contracts
- Practical Use of Ganache, Truffle, and Blockchain APIs
- Legal & Ethical Aspects of Blockchain
- Discussion on the Regulatory Landscape for Cryptocurrencies and Tokens
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Know Your Transaction (KYT) Requirements
- Ethical Considerations and Ongoing Legal Dynamics
- Emerging Topics in Blockchain
- Exploration of Current Research Directions and Emerging Topics: CBDCs, Privacy, the Metaverse, and Quantum Computing’s Impact on Blockchain
- Introduction and Project Proposal Development
- Overview of module objectives, expectations, and project proposal guidelines.
- Research Methodologies
- Techniques for conducting a literature review and selecting appropriate research methodologies.
- Project Management for Digital Projects
- Applying principles from “Risk & Change Management in Digital Environments” to plan digital projects.
- Ethical Considerations and Sustainability in Digital Projects
- Insights from “Data Governance and Ethics” on incorporating ethical practices and sustainability.
5-8. Core Area Integration into Practicum Development
- Integration of the core area of specialisation into project development. Namely: Data Science for Business, AI for Business, Cybersecurity for Business, and/or Cloud Computing for Business.
9. Project Development Workshop
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- Hands-on session to develop and refine projects with peer and instructor feedback
10. Project Presentation and Communication Skills- Enhancing communication skills for presenting complex projects.
11. Project Evaluation and Reflection
Evaluating projects based on set criteria and reflecting on learning outcomes and future research directions
12. Project Showcase and Viva- Final presentation of projects to an audience, including a viva voce examination.
- Enhancing communication skills for presenting complex projects.
- Hands-on session to develop and refine projects with peer and instructor feedback
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.
Gain practical skills and knowledge for a thriving digital career
This project will equip learners with practical experience and advanced knowledge in digital transformation, essential for a successful digital career.
By working on real-world projects, students develop critical skills in problem-solving, project management and the application of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
The diverse expertise of industry and academic supervisors provides comprehensive guidance, preparing students for leadership roles in the fast-evolving digital landscape.
Download the prospectus
A crucial part of the Digital4Business network
The Digital Transformation Project is a vital component of the EU-funded Digital4Business programme, an innovative online master’s course. It aims to develop future digital leaders and strategists by examining how digital transformation fuels business innovation and efficiency. This programme equips students with the cutting-edge expertise required to thrive and lead in the evolving digital landscape.
FAQ
Minimum B2 English proficiency, plus 2 years' work or education in an English-speaking environment. IELTS: 6.0; TOEFL PBT: 600; TOEFL CBT: 200; TOEFL iBT: 100. Alternatively, proficiency may be assessed via a test or interview
Relevant EQF Level 6 qualification required in a relevant field including but not limited to: computer science, IT, engineering, maths, business, or economics. Without this you will have an interview and assessment to evaluate certifications, qualifications or professional experience.
This EU co-funded programme is open to all EU27, EEA, UK and Ukrainian nationals with a passport or valid ID from one of these countries.