What will I learn on this module?
This module focuses on contemporary issues in the area of technology and digital business. These issues are topical, challenging, and diverse in character, ranging from the introduction of new technologies such as NFT to the ethical and data governance issues that surround today’s digital business. Their dynamic and multi-faceted nature mean that their impact on businesses, governments and society is not straightforward, creating opportunities as well as challenges.
In this module you will critique the contemporary issues identified by students. You will gain the skills to enable you to analyse and evaluate the emergence, development and importance of the contemporary issues discussed. On completing the module, you will appreciate the scope and dynamism of digital business and be able to apply tools and techniques to analysis contemporary issues.
How will I learn on this module?
The workshops will support you so that you are able to critically assess the contemporary issues identified. The academic team will help you identify relevant analytical frameworks and tools to critique the contemporary issues discussed.
Learning will be supported through a reading list that provides you with the opportunity to explore the socio-economic impact of the contemporary issues discussed within the module.
Independent learning time is set aside for learning activities, self-identified by you, to gain a deeper and broader knowledge of the subject. You may undertake further reading.
The teaching team will provide you with (formative) feedback on a continuous basis. In-class evaluations and directed learning activity provide formative assessment. Blackboard Ultra, the electronic learning platform, will be used to distribute material.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Support will be provided to you be a member of academic staff acting as module tutor as well as a teaching team providing the workshop material.
Your module is supported by an e-learning portal, which houses workshop materials, seminars, case studies and how-to multimedia and text files.
You will also receive a wide-ranging electronic reading list comprised of various books, conference papers and journal articles relevant to the material covered by the module.
There are three components to the assessment for this module. The first is a group presentation while the others are individual essays. The group work is worth 40% of the marks for this module, while the individual essays are worth 30% each.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1: The ability to identify key trends and issues within the digital economy
MLO2: Appreciation of the multi-faceted impact that digital technologies have on individuals, organisations, and society
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3: The ability to analyse the benefits of and challenges associated with the contemporary issues identified
MLO4: Critical evaluation of contemporary issues drawing on multiple data sources
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO5: Communicate and work effectively in a group
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment:
The formative assessments will be provided during weekly seminar sessions. [MLO1, 2, 3, 4 and 5]
Summative Assessment:
1. Group project – 40%
30-minute group presentation focusing on an allocated contemporary digital issue. Feedback, verbal (when presented) and written (after the presentation) will be provided. (MLOs 1,2,3,4,5)
2. Coursework – 30%
1000-word (excluding references) individual report. Written feedback will be provided.
(MLOs 1,2,3,4)
3. Coursework – 30%
1000-word (excluding references) individual report. Written feedback will be provided.
(MLOs 1,2,3,4)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In today’s digital economy, there are a multitude of products and services that promise to profoundly impact on individuals, organisations, and society. But not all of these will have the same impact, with some being more significant than others. Moreover, many of them will have only a limited impact, sometimes they may not be widely used while on other occasions the use may be limited temporally. It is, however, difficult to discern between those which will make a wider impact over the longer term and those that will not.
This module focuses on this dilemma. Key issues will be identified and critically appraised. This appraise will draw on a variety of analytical tools and frameworks to critically explore key issues. The knowledge gained over the course of the module will enable you to appreciate the widespread impact that key digital technologies and services have on individuals, organisations, and third sector.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year full time
Department Newcastle Business School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2024
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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