Data-driven Organizations, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The organizational use of digital technologies enables the generation, capture, and analysis of vast amounts of data, which is expected to have a significant impact on organizations' value creation capabilities. Not only are data being used to generate new business value, but they can also improve decision making, transform practice, and inform strategy. The course focuses on data as a fundamental building block of the modern organization and traces both their epistemic foundations and their socioeconomic relevance. By highlighting the interplay between contextual conditions, organizational capabilities and management, the course explores how organizations can systematically exploit and explore the potential of data.

Expected learning outcomes

Regarding proficiency and aptitude the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:
1. Account for and explain the epistemic foundations of data.
2. Account for and explain different types and characteristics of data and data production.

Regarding evaluative capacity and approach the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:
3. Identify and synthesize the traits and capabilities of data-driven organizations. 
4. Map, analyze, and evaluate the data life cycle of an organization.

Regarding evaluative capacity and approach the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:
5. Critically reflect on and assess the role of data in shaping digital platforms, ecosystem structures, and data-driven business models.

Required Knowledge

Admission to the course requires at least 90 credits in one of the following subjects: Informatics, Computer science, Business administration, Pedagogy, Psychology, Political science or Sociology or equivalent studies. Also required is English B/6.

Form of instruction

Teaching is normally done in the form of lectures, seminars, group exercises, and supervision in connection with self-studies. During the course necessary computer applications, which students shall use on their own, may be introduced.  Some assistance may be given in the use of these applications. Some course segments may be compulsory. Teaching is normally done in English. Strong skills in written communication and English are important to be able to complete the course.

Examination modes

The examination modes applied are seminar and individual assignment. The grading scale for the course is pass with distinction (VG), pass (G) or fail (U). 

For students who fail the first exam a second exam is normally given soon afterwards. Students who do not pass after these two attempts have the possibility to complete remaining assignments during subsequent re-exam periods.

A student who has failed twice on a course, or part of a course, is entitled to ask for another examiner or grading teacher, unless there are special reasons against it. A request for a change of examiner or grading teacher is made to the Director of Studies at the Department of Informatics.

If special reasons exist, the examiner has the right to decide on another examination form.