Digital BusinessModule Details

This module provides a background to the depth and breadth of IT and the evolution of the global digital businesses in regard to the 4th industrial revolution. It provides the students with a systematic understanding of the concept of electronic business e-business (internet), mbusiness (mobile) and u-business (ubiquitous) and how disruptive technologies and trends are changing the way people live, work and do business. The module explores the relationship between the Internet and e-business and examines the key e-business concepts and framework. The module proceeds to examine the characteristics and applications of mobile business (m- UU-PhD in Information Technology 58 business) and the business model, technology and growth strategies of ubiquitous business. The module also reviews new technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, 3-D printing, the Internet of Things, blockchain and advanced wireless technologies and their roles in developing products and systems to support a range of sectors, plus the need to address cybersecurity issues. Students are encouraged to focus on aspects that they wish to explore in more depth to assist the development of their research dissertations.

Aim of the module

The module aims at enhancing students’ knowledge and skills in critically evaluating, researching and modelling IT solutions for business problem solving that take into account the institutional needs and the optimal use of technology.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module programme members should be able to:

1. Evaluate advanced elements of Information Technology and their integration to create new products and systems driving the evolution of the digital business

2. Analyse the characteristics, business model, technology and growth strategies of ebusiness (internet), m-business (mobile) and u-business (ubiquitous)

3. Evaluate new IT products and systems

4. Critique current research and best practices in the area of IT management.

5. Contextualise developments and application of new IT products and systems within their designated sectors and business environments

6. Critique existing literature in the field of the student’s planned project

7. Apply the learning from the module to provide a contextualised outline of the planned research project.