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Digital Transformation

Michael Lenox, Amane Dannouni, Sonja Rueger, and Ching Fong Ong

Digital transformation is a hot topic--but what exactly is it and what does it mean for companies? In this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, and led by top-ranked Darden faculty and Boston Consulting Group global management experts, we talk about digital transformation in two ways. First we discuss the pace of change and the imperative it creates for businesses. Next we provide the context for this transformation and what it takes to win in the digital age. Then we walk through BCG's proprietary framework, which helps you identify key areas to digitize, including strategy, core processes, and technology.

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Digital transformation is a hot topic--but what exactly is it and what does it mean for companies? In this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, and led by top-ranked Darden faculty and Boston Consulting Group global management experts, we talk about digital transformation in two ways. First we discuss the pace of change and the imperative it creates for businesses. Next we provide the context for this transformation and what it takes to win in the digital age. Then we walk through BCG's proprietary framework, which helps you identify key areas to digitize, including strategy, core processes, and technology.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

--describe the underlying economics of innovation, technology, and market disruptions

--weigh the pros and cons of current digital technologies driving advancement

--utilize BCG's digital transformation framework as a "how-to" for digitizing your organization

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What's inside

Syllabus

How Technology Changes Business
The exponential rate at which technology is evolving creates an imperative for organizations to deconstruct their value chain to gain a competitive advantage. This week, we'll discuss three fundamental laws about how digital information can be processed, communicated, and stored. Then we'll look at how the exponential rate of technological change is driving changes in the industry. You'll also hear from the executive leadership of Pitney Bowes about their ongoing adaptation and transformation of their business.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores how to apply technology to gain a competitive advantage
Provides a practical framework for digital transformation: transforming from legacy to digitized businesses including business strategy, core processes, and technology
Taught by top-ranked faculty from the Darden School of Business and Boston Consulting Group global management experts

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Reviews summary

Digital transformation: framework & strategy

According to learners, this course provides a highly relevant and practical approach to understanding and implementing digital transformation within organizations. Students particularly highlight the value of the BCG proprietary framework presented, describing it as a clear roadmap and a useful tool that can be immediately applied. The course content is generally seen as insightful and valuable for professionals seeking a strategic overview. While widely praised for its strategic depth, some reviewers noted the material can be quite dense and may focus more on theoretical foundations than hands-on implementation details, suggesting it serves as a strong foundational guide rather than a deep dive into technical execution.
Mix of strategy and practical tools.
"Strong on strategic theory and concepts, less on granular technical steps."
"Provides a high-level roadmap rather than deep implementation details."
"Balances academic insights with practical frameworks like BCG's."
"A good overview, but don't expect detailed 'how-to' for every step."
Valuable insights, strategically focused.
"The content is insightful, covering key drivers and mechanics of disruption."
"Offers a valuable strategic perspective from top experts."
"Provides a strong foundation on the economics of innovation and change."
"Excellent overview of the strategic challenges and opportunities."
Highly applicable to business roles.
"Highly relevant course for anyone involved in business strategy or change management."
"Provides insights I can directly apply in my professional role."
"Helped me understand the strategic imperative of digital change in my industry."
"Useful for professionals navigating the complexities of digital age."
Provides a practical strategy model.
"The BCG framework provides a structured and actionable model for digital transformation."
"I found the BCG proprietary framework particularly valuable; it gives a clear 'how-to'."
"The framework is a key takeaway and helps map out the transformation process effectively."
"This course's strength lies in presenting BCG's practical approach."
Material can be challenging.
"The course is quite dense and requires significant focus to absorb fully."
"Found some modules packed with information, needed to rewatch lectures."
"A lot of complex concepts covered in a relatively short time frame."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Digital Transformation with these activities:
Organize and summarize your notes, assignments, and quizzes
By organizing your course materials, you'll improve your ability to retain and recall information, enhancing your overall understanding of the concepts.
Show steps
  • Gather all your course materials
  • Sort and categorize your materials
  • Create summaries and notes
  • Review your organized materials regularly
Read and summarize a book on the economics of innovation
Deepen your understanding of the economic principles underlying innovation, providing a solid foundation for analyzing and driving digital transformation.
View The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books) on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes
  • Identify the key concepts and theories
  • Summarize the main arguments and implications
  • Discuss the book with others
Solve practice problems on the exponential growth of technology
Reinforce your grasp of the exponential nature of technology by solving practice problems, improving your ability to analyze and predict its impact.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems and datasets
  • Solve the problems using mathematical and analytical techniques
  • Analyze the results and draw conclusions
  • Discuss your findings with others
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow a tutorial to explore the features and applications of a specific digital technology
Enhance your practical knowledge by exploring a specific technology through a guided tutorial, deepening your understanding of its capabilities.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific digital technology to explore
  • Find a relevant tutorial or workshop
  • Follow the steps and complete the tutorial
  • Experiment with the technology and apply your learnings
Create a project plan for a digitization initiative
Develop a project plan by applying the concepts to a practical business scenario, solidifying your understanding of the framework.
Show steps
  • Define the project scope and objectives
  • Identify the key stakeholders and their roles
  • Develop a timeline and budget
  • Identify the resources and tools needed
  • Develop a communication plan
Participate in a workshop focused on developing a digital transformation strategy
Immerse yourself in a practical and interactive setting where you can work with experts and peers to develop a tailored digital transformation strategy for a real-world scenario.
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant workshop
  • Prepare for the workshop by reviewing the materials
  • Actively participate in the workshop activities
  • Develop a draft digital transformation strategy
  • Present and discuss your strategy with others
Attend industry events and conferences related to digital transformation
Expand your network and gain insights by connecting with professionals in the field, broadening your perspective on digital transformation trends and practices.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant events
  • Attend the events and engage with attendees
  • Collect and exchange contact information
  • Follow up with new connections

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Transformation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Digital Transformation Consultant
As a Digital Transformation Consultant, it is essential to stay abreast of the most cutting edge technological and business trends. The course from Darden School of Business and BCG can provide you with some of the insights and expertise you need to stay ahead of the competition and succeed.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Transformation Consultant
Chief Digital Officer
Successful Chief Digital Officers must have an expert-level understanding of emerging technology, and how it can be used to improve business across industries. The Digital Transformation course from Darden School of Business and BCG may help you better strategize, and gain the knowledge you need to lead an organization's digital transformation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Digital Officer
Technology Analyst
Technology Analysts must be at the forefront of technological shifts that are impacting the business landscape. The Digital Transformation course from Darden School of Business and BCG will help you hone your technology research and analysis skills. It will also provide you with valuable frameworks to make sense of the latest digital trends.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Analyst
Chief Information Officer
Chief Information Officers are responsible for overseeing the technology strategy and infrastructure of an organization. The Darden School of Business and BCG course on digital transformation can help you build the expertise you need to effectively lead your team and implement transformative digital solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Officer
Digital Marketing Manager
Keeping up on new and emerging digital technologies is part of the core responsibilities of a Digital Marketing Manager. The course on digital transformation from Darden School of Business and BCG can help you gain an edge in just this by examining the ways in which technology has evolved the field, and the business landscape as a whole.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Manager
Chief Technology Officer
Staying ahead of the latest technological advancements is part of the job for a Chief Technology Officer. The Digital Transformation course from Darden School of Business and BCG may open your mind to more disruptive and impactful ways in which emerging digital technologies can be deployed in your or any other business.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer
Innovation Manager
As an Innovation Manager, it is important to keep up to date on current technologies and the way they are influencing business. The course from Darden School of Business and BCG will help build your digital literacy and aid you in developing novel products, services, and ideas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Innovation Manager
Technology Strategy Consultant
To succeed as a Technology Strategy Consultant, it is crucial to understand how emerging technologies impact all levels of a business, from core functions to strategy. The Digital Transformation course from Darden School of Business and BCG may help you build a foundation for advancing quickly in this career and being able to think like a leader.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Strategy Consultant
Data Scientist
Data Scientists need to stay abreast of the latest technological developments. The Digital Transformation course from Darden School of Business and BCG will help build your expertise with these trends, and improve your skills at working with big data and in teams.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Data Architect
Data Architects play a key role in designing and managing the data infrastructure that supports an organization's digital transformation. The Darden School of Business and BCG course on digital transformation can help you build a solid foundation in data architecture principles and best practices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalists need to be able to identify and evaluate promising new technologies and businesses. The Darden School of Business and BCG course on digital transformation can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to make sound investment decisions and support the growth of innovative companies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Venture Capitalist
Product Manager
To excel as a Product Manager, it's important that you understand how emerging technologies will influence the future of your products. The course from Darden School of Business and BCG may be a great catalyst in expanding your skillset, and honing your digital savvy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Management Consultant
Having a background in the latest trends in digital transformation can help a Management Consultant stay ahead of the curve and make insightful recommendations to businesses looking to thrive in the digital age. The course from Darden School of Business and BCG may help prepare you for a more successful path in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant
Chief Marketing Officer
Chief Marketing Officers need to be aware of the latest digital trends and technologies to effectively market their products and services in the digital age. The Darden School of Business and BCG course on digital transformation can help you gain the insights and knowledge you need to stay ahead of the competition and develop successful marketing campaigns.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Marketing Officer
Business Strategist
Working as a Business Strategist, it's helpful to stay up to date on what technologies are being developed for the marketplace, and the ways in which businesses are evolving. You can get into this profession with just a Bachelor's, but the Darden School of Business and BCG course on digital transformation may help you build a foundation and prepare you to speak more intelligently on technological trends, allowing you to develop more adept and forward-looking strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Strategist

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Digital Transformation.
Cover image
Digital Transformation
Save
Delving into the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation, this book offers a comprehensive guide to help organizations adapt and succeed in a rapidly evolving business landscape. It provides insights into the impact of digital technologies on business models, customer behavior, and competitive dynamics, making it a valuable addition to the course materials.
Digital Transformation: Survive and Thrive in an...
Hardcover
$$
(中文) Understanding digital transformation(Chinese...
Paperback
$$
Digital Transformation: Survive and Thrive in an...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Save
This classic work on innovation provides a framework for understanding how established companies often struggle to adapt to disruptive technologies. By examining case studies of industry leaders who failed to embrace new innovations, the book offers valuable lessons for organizations undergoing digital transformation.
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Paperback
$$
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Platform Revolution--How Networked Markets Are...
Save
Explores the rise of platform businesses and their impact on traditional industries. It provides a deep understanding of the platform economy, network effects, and the strategies required to succeed in this new business environment.
Platform Revolution--How Networked Markets Are...
Paperback
Check
Platform Revolution--How Networked Markets Are...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Exponential Transformation
Save
Challenges conventional thinking about organizational design and provides insights into how businesses can leverage exponential technologies to achieve dramatic growth. It offers practical strategies for scaling organizations rapidly and effectively.
Exponential Transformation: Evolve Your...
Paperback
$$
Exponential Transformation: Evolve Your...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire
Save
This thought-provoking book examines the impact of digital technologies on the economy and society. It explores the rise of platform businesses, the changing nature of work, and the need for new models of economic organization.
Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire
Paperback
$$
Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire:...
Paperback
$$
Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire
Kindle Edition
$$
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
Providing a practical approach to innovation, this book emphasizes the importance of iterative development and customer feedback. It offers a structured process for testing and validating new ideas, making it essential for organizations undergoing digital transformation.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Stakeholder Capitalism
Save
Presents a comprehensive overview of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its implications for society, businesses, and governments. It explores the convergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things, providing insights into the future of work and economic growth.
Stakeholder Capitalism: A Global Economy that Works...
Hardcover
$$
(中文) Stakeholder Capitalism (Chinese Edition)
Hardcover
$$
Stakeholder Capitalism: A Global Economy that Works...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Save
Offers a visionary perspective on the future of technology and its impact on humanity. It explores the potential of artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology to transform industries, create new forms of wealth, and redefine the human experience.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World: Surviving and...
Hardcover
$
Everybody Wants to Rule the World: Surviving and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Digital Transformation Roadmap
Save
This practical guide provides a step-by-step approach to digital transformation. It offers a framework for assessing an organization's digital maturity, developing a transformation strategy, and executing it successfully.
The Digital Transformation Roadmap: Rebuild Your...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Sales Growth
Save
This collection of articles from McKinsey & Company provides insights into the latest trends and challenges in digital transformation. It offers expert perspectives on topics such as digital strategy, data analytics, and the future of work.
Sales Growth: Five Proven Strategies from the...
Hardcover
$$
Sales Growth: Five Proven Strategies from the...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Bully-Proof Workplace: Essential Strategies,...
Save
This classic work on organizational learning provides insights into how organizations can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment. It offers a framework for building a learning organization that is capable of continuous innovation and improvement.
The Bully-Proof Workplace: Essential Strategies,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Other Side of Innovation
Save
This practical guide provides tools and techniques for innovation. It offers a structured approach for generating new ideas, testing them, and implementing them successfully.
The Other Side of Innovation: Solving the Execution...
Hardcover
$$
The Other Side of Innovation: Solving the Execution...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Architects of Intelligence
Save
Explores the potential impact of artificial intelligence and robotics on the future of work. It provides a thought-provoking analysis of the challenges and opportunities presented by the automation of tasks and the rise of machines.
Architects of Intelligence
Paperback
Check
Architects of Intelligence
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Digital Transformation
Save
This comprehensive guide provides a roadmap for digital transformation. It offers a practical approach for assessing an organization's digital maturity, developing a transformation strategy, and implementing it successfully.
Digital Transformation
Paperback
Check
Digital Transformation
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
4 weeks of study, 2 hours per week for weeks 1 - 3 ,and 3 hours of work for week 4
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institutions
University of Virginia
BCG
Instructors
Michael Lenox
Amane Dannouni
Sonja Rueger
Ching Fong Ong
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Leading the Modern Day Business. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Customer-Centric IT Strategy
  2. Design Thinking for Innovation
  3. Digital Transformation (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores how to apply technology to gain a competitive advantage
Provides a practical framework for digital transformation: transforming from legacy to digitized businesses including business strategy, core processes, and technology
Taught by top-ranked faculty from the Darden School of Business and Boston Consulting Group global management experts
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