Digital Transformation

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

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

  • The underlying economics of innovation, technology, and market disruptions
  • How to utilize BCG’s digital transformation framework as a “how-to” for digitizing your organization
  • The pros and cons of current digital technologies driving advancement

SKILL YOU WILL GAIN

  • Technology Disruption
  • Digital Trends
  • Competitive Lifecycle
  • Digital Strategy
  • Strategic Management

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.

The Mechanics of Disruption

Disruption is not new, and we can learn from the past how to thrive given the constant disruptions that are the hallmark of the digital age. This week, we will explore the foundations of digital transformation and the nature of the competitive life cycle. We will look at the underlying economics of innovation and technological change. Finally we will explore incumbency and the economics of innovation through the lens of digital transformation.

Digital Trends Past and Future

Change as a constant has never been truer than with digital transformations. This week we will look at the key drivers of digital transformation, opportunities they have already established and the challenges they bring. Then we will explore emerging trends and technologies, what is possible/likely in the future, and currently what we’re seeing in practice.

Your Path to Digital Transformation

During Week 4 we tackle the “how” of digital transformation. We approach this challenge using BCG’s proprietary framework, which provides a practical strategic model for moving from a legacy to a digitized business. We’ll explain the framework’s fundamental duality and the different enablers of digital transformation.


Michael Lenox
Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy Officer
Darden School of Business


Sonja Rueger
Project Leader
Boston Consulting Group BCG


Amane Dannouni
Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group, Singapore University of Virginia


Ching Fong Ong
Senior Partner and Managing Director, Boston Consulting Group
University of Virginia