MSc in Digital Innovation & Management

This course introduces key concepts from computing and enables students to understand software in an organisational, historical, and cultural context. The course is at an introductory level and is well-suited for students with limited or no technical background.

The course is designed to introduce a wide range of topics from computing to students with limited or no prior technical background. Students will learn key concepts from computing and perform hands-on learning activities in order to be able to meaningfully participate in the management of software development projects. Students will also gain a background in the cultural and organisational contexts in which software has historically been developed.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the course, the student should be able to:

• Relate computational concepts and theories to real-world cases and applications of IT 
• Describe complexities in organisational software development processes
• Recognise and reflect upon elements of software code and software artefacts in existing systems 
• Explore computing as a socio-cultural phenomenon with political and ethical implications 
• Discuss current trends, debates and controversies in approaches to IT development

STRUCTURE OF COURSE

The course is organised around 7 two-week modules detailed below. For each of the first six module there will be two lectures, two exercises, and one mandatory assignment. The final module will be dedicated to exam preparation. 

LITERACIES PLURAL!

The assumption is that students entering this course bring a range of experience with computing, from completely novice, or having a prior degree in information or computer science, for example. This course acknowledges that there are diverse technical literacies involved in the development and management of IT systems, and no one person will be expert in all. We thus have an atmosphere where we aim to learn from each other, and for students to take a self guided approach in gaining more technical knowledge in areas that they are less familiar with. In the first module we will discuss the multiplicity of literacies and help you find your own path through this course. 

MANDATORY ASSIGNMENTS

Mandatory assignments for the first six modules will be completed through PeerGrade links provided in each module below. Mandatories will be supported by work in exercises but also require individual and group work outside of class. Each mandatory has its own description with requirements and template for submission. Completing a mandatory assignment includes finishing peer responses to two of your classmates' submissions. There will be opportunity to make up missed mandatories at the end of the term. In-person participation in the Demo Day on xxx is mandatory for all students.