Module overview
This module helps students to appreciate the central importance of technology in the development of business organisations, industrial sectors, and national economies more generally - ‘from steam engines to search engines’. The module will locate industrial technology and innovation as the main driver of economic growth during the period of ‘digital age’ (post-industrial) development between 1950 - present. The module will provide students with an appreciation of major international trends and breakthroughs in technological innovation and production that have taken place since World War II.
‘the digital age’ is distinctive in linking breakthroughs in information and communication technology (ICT) from the 1950s to the present with the developments in business information systems, management practices and consumer behaviour. Student will examine the history of computer hardware and software, and the process of implementing ICT applications into various business sectors and government agencies. Students will also examine how computer networks and the Web led to the rapid growth of new product markets and services industries, new business models, organisational structures and relationships between organisations and customers. In addition to appreciating the impact of the digital age of the business world students will also gain a valuable introduction to some of the tools of computer software, including concepts of relational databases and software programming. This will allow students to build a foundation on which to take specialist modules in software programming, web design, web science and data analytics in parts 2 and 3 of their degree programme.
By the end of the module students will have an understanding of how technology (with particular focus on ICT), economy, society, and the natural world are interrelated, and how a mix of government and private organisations, profit and not-for-profit enterprises shape economic growth.