Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Digital Business Environments
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: INF09113
Module leader: Colin Smith
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Applied Informatics
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module addresses the ways in which organisations use digital technologies, platforms and ecosystems to create and deliver value and develop relationships with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. You will explore contemporary concepts and frameworks for analysing digital businesses, including business models, digital marketplaces, customer channel structures, value configurations, competitive environments and macro-environmental factors.The module develops your ability to identify and evaluate relevant information, data, and digital analytics and to apply appropriate analytical approaches to real-world organisations. Through practical activities, you will develop skills in using digital analytics and evaluating customer-facing digital channels including websites, mobile applications, and search, social and mobile ecosystems.You will apply these concepts and analytical approaches to a selected organisation, integrating evidence from multiple sources to assess its digital capabilities, environment and strategic position. The work concludes with the development of actionable and evidence-based recommendations addressing opportunities and challenges identified through the analysis.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate critical understanding of the concepts, principles and frameworks used to analyse digital business environments and the ways in which digital technologies influence business models, markets and stakeholder relationships

LO2: Identify, evaluate and use appropriate information, data and digital analytics to investigate and interpret the internal and external environment of a digital business

LO3: Apply and critically evaluate a range of professional analytical approaches to assess how an organisation creates and delivers value, competes within its digital marketplace, and develops relationships with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders

LO4: Integrate and critically evaluate evidence from multiple sources to assess an organisation’s digital presence, strategy and engagement with digital ecosystems, taking account of relevant micro- and macro-environmental factors

LO5: Formulate evidence-based, actionable recommendations that respond to identified digital business opportunities and challenges, demonstrating professional judgement and awareness of relevant constraints and responsibilities
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 2, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Colin Smith
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Lectures introduce and develop critical understanding of key concepts, principles and frameworks relating to digital business environments. They provide the conceptual foundations for analysing digital business models, markets, value creation, customer and channel relationships, competitive environments and wider contextual factors. Lectures also introduce approaches to sourcing and interpreting relevant evidence and data.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 Tutorials develop your ability to apply and evaluate analytical approaches to real-world digital business contexts. Through discussion, guided activities and application of analytical frameworks, you will consider the relevance and usefulness of different approaches and develop your ability to select and apply appropriate methods to particular organisational contexts.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 12 Practicals develop your ability to identify, interpret and evaluate digital analytics and other relevant data. You will work with data relating to websites, apps and digital ecosystems, using appropriate digital tools to investigate organisational performance and customer engagement. Practical activities support the development of evidence-based analysis for the assessments.
Online Guided independent study 158 You consolidate and extend your learning by undertaking directed reading and research to develop your understanding of digital business concepts and analytical approaches, investigate a selected organisation and sector and identify and evaluate relevant information and data sources. You will use this study to practice refine analytical approaches introduced in lectures and tutorials, interpret data generated through practical activities, and develop evidence-based analysis for the module assessments. Independent study also supports you in integrating learning from across the module and applying it to a real-world digital business context.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 30 1~2~3 Week 7 , WORDS= 1500 words You will produce a short preparatory report focused on a selected digital business. You will justify your choice of organisation, evaluate the availability and usefulness of relevant information and data sources, and assess the potential usefulness of four analytical approaches. The report provides the foundation for the more comprehensive analysis undertaken in Report 2.
Report 70 1~2~3~4~5 Week 14 , WORDS= 3000 words You will undertake a comprehensive analysis of a selected organisation's digital business environment, drawing on relevant analytical frameworks, academic literature and digital analytics data. The report evaluates the organisation's business model, micro and macro environment, digital presence and ecosystems, and concludes with evidence-based, actionable recommendations.
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
Module subtotal: 100

 

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