Overview
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Winner of the 2019 CMED Peer Choice Award for Best Online Program, this four-course certificate enables you to explore disruptive technologies and build a leadership plan to digitally transform your organization. Transformational change will have a significant impact on your people, and this certificate also develops the soft skills you need to ensure your digital transformation is a success!
The Digital Transformation Leadership Certificate is designed to help participants lead their organizations through the adoption of new technologies without requiring an advanced technical background. Leverage knowledge from leading industry experts to identify opportunities, assess your organization’s digital health, and then translate your learning into real, tangible results as you apply exercises directly to your role as a leader.
“My mindset has changed and I better understand the importance of adopting a focus on digital transformation.” ~ PowerED™ learner
There are significant rewards for businesses that leverage new and transformative technologies in this digital era – as a leader in your organization, what will be your impact? Now is the time to transform your organization!
To earn the Digital Transformation Leadership Certificate, you will need to complete the following four courses:
We live in a period of rapid technological change. Innovative new technologies are pervading all aspects of everyday life, as well as commercial and manufacturing sectors. These changes are leading many to suggest that a new industrial revolution is currently underway. However, with the pace of change being so rapid, potentially transformative technologies and terminologies are constantly being introduced, to the point that it can be difficult for management and IT professionals to keep track and stay on top of developments.
This course has been designed with this issue in mind and is based on achieving three main outcomes. First, the course aims to familiarize you with some of the most important elements of the digital economy. Second, the course has been designed to help open and explore key questions relating to the effect that the widespread adoption of these technologies will have upon individuals, business and society. Third, and most importantly, the course builds towards a consideration of the effect these technologies will have upon your organization.
Abraham Lincoln and Peter Drucker both have been credited with the quote, “The best way to create the future is to invent it.” This assertion is particularly true in the digital realm. If you’re not adopting technology continuously to improve your business processes, enhance customer experience, or advance your business model, be assured that someone else is.
In this course, you will be introduced to digital strategies that have the potential to transform your business, whether you’re looking to prepare your business to withstand competitive disruption or gain a competitive advantage through digital technologies. The course primarily offers a business leadership perspective, rather than a technical approach. The end goal is to give you a better understanding of how you can address both the risk and opportunities that digital technologies are bringing and provide support on the development of an initial digital strategy.
The capabilities of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing are exciting. During digital transformation, it is easy to get caught up in technical solutions and forget you are designing them for the benefit of people. Most organizations engage in a change to realize some business benefits (reduce costs, improve sales, increase productivity, etc.), however, research shows that only half of the organizations see the intended results, and 25% actually see a decrease in business results.
When overlooked or ignored, the emotional impacts of transformational change on people causes unproductive behaviours that can, and often do, end in these poor outcomes. This course will focus on the human side of digital transformation, and the necessary leadership skills for dealing with the challenges that come with transformational change. You’ll learn what is unique about transformational change, common pitfalls, what the latest brain science says about why change is so hard, and how you can successfully navigate your organization through digital transformation.
In today’s fast-paced world, organizations that can adapt quickly will have the best chance for survival. They do this by getting their people from current to future state efficiently, with little downtime. That’s why it’s essential to make organizational change management, or OCM, a fundamental component of your organization.
A modern approach to OCM does not assume leadership comes only from senior leaders and executives, but fosters the leadership traits necessary for transformational change at all levels of the organization. In this new paradigm, everyone in your organization has accountability for the change transition. This course will explore change at both an organizational and individual level using a modern lens. We’ll approach the change process methodically and tactically, and show you how to plan and implement a change experience that is inclusive, engaging, and empowering with the goal of building your organization’s “change muscles” to make it more fit and agile.
Once you complete the certificate, boost your skills in cloud or machine learning through these optional micro-courses:
Artificial Intelligence is no longer the exclusive domain of researchers and scientists at higher-end institutions. Advances in computer hardware and processing power have made it possible for organizations to apply some elements of AI, such as machine learning, to day-to-day business problems. This course is designed for leaders and managers interested in how Machine Learning can be used within their organizations to gain competitive advantage. Learners will complete the course with the necessary knowledge to identify the types of business problems where machine learning tools can provide practical solutions. We’ll explore the different requirements and steps to start a Machine Learning initiative, including key terminology, data requirements, common pitfalls, and team composition.
How It Works
Certificate Access
180 days
Effort
16-24 hours per course
Delivery
Online
Instruction
Self-paced
Cost
$2,000
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Dr. Joe Cox
Canada Research Chair in Digital Disruption and Organizational Transformation
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Close the gap for your organization and better meet the needs of your customers and clients. Prepare yourself to lead digital change so that you and your company keep pace with rapid technological advancements and strengthen your competitive advantage in the market.
"Transformations are hard, and digital ones are harder" McKinsey 2018
Our certificate will prepare you for effective leadership in a digital era. Program highlights include:
- Courses that are written and developed by industry leaders
- Rich video content and real-world examples from subject matter experts
- Engaging digital interactives and gamified learning experiences
- Capstone projects to drive digital transformational change in your organization
- Course materials that are available 24/7
- Explore disruptive technologies that you can leverage to transform your organization and drive business results
- Develop a digital strategy to withstand competitive disruption and gain a competitive advantage
- Understand human resistance to change and recognize the common pitfalls of transformational change
- Identify the procedural and physiological steps involved in organizational change
- Lead transformational change successfully in your organization using an applied change management model
This certificate is designed for business leaders, IT managers, and other professionals looking to identify and implement disruptive technologies to transform their business and drive results. An advanced technical knowledge is not required, only a desire to explore new technologies, engage in the development of a digital strategy, and create a bold vision to lead transformational change within your organization!
Certificate FAQs
Is this an instructor-led certificate?
The courses within this certificate are designed to be self-paced with all materials you need for successful completion contained within the learning platform. The certificate has been designed by subject matter experts and each course includes interviews with leading experts, aligned to the course outcomes. The certificate is an immersive experience that includes a mix of content including video introductions and video content, impactful readings, learning checks, and interactive elements – all which can be completed at your own pace.
How much time will I need to spend?
Each course will require 16-24 hours to complete. You will have 180 days access from the time of registration to complete all four courses in the certificate. After 90 days, the course will be closed.
Do I have to be online at a certain time of day?
No, you do not have to be online at a specific time. You complete the coursework at the times and places that fits your schedule. Each course is designed for working professionals who are balancing their work, family and community commitments.
When do I start?
You can start your first course as soon as you register for the certificate! You will automatically be directed to the interactive learning environment.
How long will I have access to my courses?
You will have 90 days from the time of registration to complete each course.
What will I receive after I complete all of my courses?
You will receive a digital certificate of completion that is downloadable and printable. Digital badges are also awarded for specific achievements throughout the certificate.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for the certificate. Refunds may be considered under exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please contact powered@athabascau.ca for more information.
Are there tests or quizzes involved?
There will be activities, assignments, and short quizzes within each course to ensure you understand the content. All quizzes are designed to be accessible and easy to complete by engaging in the content. Within each module, you will have the answers to each evaluation.
What are the computer requirements for this certificate?
You should have access to a Mac, PC, or tablet with an Internet connection, with Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox as a browser. Here is a link that outlines browser support:
https://documentation.brightspace.com/EN/brightspace/requirements/all/browser_support.htm
For virtual sessions:
- Speakers/headphones
- Web camera and microphone
Learners that want to use their smart phone to access the courses can also download the D2L Pulse App for free to access the course available on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.d2l.brightspace.student.android&hl=en_CA
Or the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/brightspace-pulse/id1001688546
Does this certificate have prerequisites?
This certificate does not have a required prerequisite; however, it is strongly recommended that you have a basic level understanding of business and economics.
Who do I contact if I need help?
You can contact powered@athabascau.ca for assistance with any questions you may have. We are here to help!