Digital technology has undoubtedly transformed our world, the way we live, and the way we work. But what is ‘digital transformation’? Read on to find out.

What is digital transformation?

Essentially, digital transformation focuses on harnessing digital technologies and integrating them into all areas of business. It's concerned with the different changes that digital technologies can bring about in a company’s business model, product/services to customers, and the very structure of the organisation itself.

In a way, digital transformation is what can be achieved when technology, organisations, and people, create new and productive differentiations. For example, the use of digital technology can allow companies to sense their market environment and compete better; it can allow them to harness new technology capabilities and integrate them into the organisation; it can affect the pace of change and time to market or how value can be captured.

At the same time, digital technologies change management and organisational capabilities; they affect the company’s culture, work environment, leadership, etc.

Recent technological developments like blockchain, 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing are already transforming the business landscape or stimulating businesses to re-imagine their future operations. But as we’ve discovered in recent years, technology is rapidly-evolving, and there’s always something new on the horizon.

Businesses must understand and quickly adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape to stay competitive in today’s global market. Digital transformation is all about helping to make that happen while avoiding the pitfalls that technology can bring if it is not introduced, managed, and applied properly.

Learn skills you can immediately apply to your career with our part-time, online MSc in Digital Transformation:

Why is digital transformation important?

With digital technologies being embraced by countless industries globally, adapting to today’s digital landscape is a must for most businesses to survive.

As highlighted in The Guardian: “Businesses don't transform by choice because it is expensive and risky. Businesses go through transformation when they have failed to evolve”, or when they have to adapt to their changing environment.

Just think of the current pandemic with covid-19: many businesses have been prompted to a fully online collaborative environment where all delivery is being re-imagined. Many CEOs are considering letting office leases to expire. Articles in the Financial Times, Forbes, MIT Technology Review, predict “the end of the office”, pushing organisations to a wholly virtual ecosystem where digital assets, and their protection, remains critical.

Put simply, digital transformation is important for businesses as failure to adapt to and integrate digital technologies into their operations and processes can mean the difference between success and failure.

Why should I study digital transformation?

Organisations are under constant pressure to adopt new digital technologies as they emerge, but how can you predict what technological changes are around the corner? The short answer is you can’t, but you can be ready to adapt to them when they come and to understand the broader organisational implications of your decisions.

With an online MSc in Digital Transformation, you will gain both the mindset and capabilities to adapt to new technological shifts and interpret their business value.

Rather than simply using technology to automate old ways of doing business, you will acquire the confidence to evaluate the potential of digital technologies and the expertise to choose the right technology to transform how your organisation operates.

You will also gain an understanding about the deeper issues surrounding each technological shift, and be able to analyse new technologies strategically while assessing their organisational benefits and transformational potential.

Whatever industry you work in, whatever your background, an MSc in Digital Transformation will give you the know-how to help your organisation stay competitive and safeguard its future success.

Whether you’re dealing with a global pandemic or a cyber-attack, you will be able to confidently make decisions around digital technology that support and drive your organisation forward.

What digital transformation jobs can I apply for?

With an MSc degree in digital transformation, you will be able to manage the adoption, implementation and utilisation of both current and future digital technologies with confidence.

This will make you a valuable asset to any organisation that is looking to use digital technologies to transform itself, gain data-driven insights, and maintain a competitive advantage.

Some of the digital transformation jobs you could apply for include:

• Digital Transformation Director
• Information Systems Manager
• Chief Digital Transformation Officer
• Digital Transformation Consultant
• Head of Digital

The University of Hull Online offers an online MSc in Digital Transformation you can study flexibly online, alongside your work and other commitments. Get qualified and start your journey towards a successful global career in digital transformation.