DIGITAL INNOVATION - 2023/4

Module code: MANM537

Module Overview

In this module, students develop an in-depth understanding of current trends for Digital Innovation and how they affect businesses in the Digital Economy today. This will involve reviewing a range of key Digital Innovation topics and evaluating their business context including technology, business models, stakeholders and ecosystem. In conjunction, students will develop understanding for methodology to evaluate Digital Innovation which they can apply to the different key topics for decision-making purposes. This relates to the programme by developing a deeper understanding of the Digital Economy and how Digital Innovation can be harnessed by businesses.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

FREI Regina (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 84

Lecture Hours: 22

Seminar Hours: 11

Guided Learning: 11

Captured Content: 22

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes the following:


  • Digital Economy theory- including technology, business models and ecosystems;

  • Digital Innovation topics and theory such as blockchain, web3, digital platforms and metaverse;

  • Applied Innovation - learning by doing where theory is applied in a business context;

  • Project Management- group assignment where students work in teams on business challenge;

  • Data Storytelling- students evaluate data analytics related to project for decision-making purposes;

  • Stakeholder Management- analysis of how stakeholders interact in an ecosystem to support Digital Innovation


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework Group Video Presentation 30
Coursework Individual Report 70

Alternative Assessment

The Group Video Presentation will be prepared as an individual assignment with video presentation

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to ensure that students demonstrate to have gained knowledge of the relevant theory of Digital Economy and Digital Innovation as well as practical and cognitive skills with regard to their ability to apply the theoretical concepts to a given business context and to critically identify potential problems and related management solutions. The assessment method consists of two pieces of assessment as follows: 


  • Group assignment- Video Presentation, (addresses learning outcomes 1, 4,5)

  • Individual report- Individual Report, (addresses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3)



In the Video Presentation students will research a designated key topic and evaluate holistically how it may influence or effect the Digital Economy. In the Individual Report, students will choose a key Digital Innovation topic and a designated company where they apply the methodology with recommendations about how the designated company can develop capabilities for the Digital Innovation and implement it to achieve a dominant competitive position.

Formative assessment and feedback

Students will receive individual and group feedback during the module from the teaching staff. Following the Video Presentation assessment, feedback can also be used to improve the Individual Report assignment.

Module aims

  • To equip students with a critical understanding of key Digital Innovation trends in the Digital Economy including how they influence the business context
  • To equip students with a critical understanding of the methodology to evaluate Digital Innovation which they can apply in a business context;
  • To provide students experience to apply Digital Innovation in a business context and to apply other business and employability skills
  • To develop a better understanding of the Digital Economy and how it holistically influences people, businesses and society as part of an ecosystem.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Develop critical understanding of theory related to Digital Innovation and the Digital Economy including technology, business models and ecosystems K
002 Demonstrate ability to discuss and evaluate decision-making for Digital Innovation in a business context CT
003 Develop understanding for the tools and methodology to evaluate Digital Innovation PT
004 Demonstrate project management and employability skills such as teamwork, resilience and time management PT
005 Develop understanding about the role of stakeholders that is part of a broader business ecosystem which fosters and supports Digital Innovation KT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to provide students an in-depth understanding of current trends in Digital Innovation and how it affects businesses in the Digital Economy today. . In this case, the learning and teaching strategy combines lectures, group discussion, group project and workshop activities. In addition to literature and research studies, the module will make use of:


  • Online resources such as multimedia resources (used both in class and as part of guided learning and study/class preparation) and SurreyLearn.

  • Support materials

  • Reading and class preparation via guided learning and independent study

  • Individual work 

  • Group discussions

  • Designated external resources to support skill development where deemed appropriate; 



In addition, those on the module teaching team are accessible throughout the semester to address and clarify questions. Student feedback and consultation hours will be provided. Feedback given will be oral and/or written on an individual basis and summative.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MANM537

Other information

Employability:  students develop key digital and business skills which they apply to business decision-making. This is assessed in the individual assignment.

Digital Capabilities: students develop an understanding and awareness of key Digital Innovation trends which they discuss and apply in a business context; this is assessed in both individual and group assessments.

Sustainability: students work in groups on a project where they are expected to evaluate the role of stakeholders in the wider context of a business ecosystem . This is assessed in the group assignment.

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management MSc 1 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.