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Transformational Technologies: Applied Lessons from Sports (by WHU & MIT xPRO)

Explore game-changing technologies to transform your business

Learn about game-changing technologies in a digestible, engaging, asynchronous online format, illustrated through first-hand examples from the fascinating world of sports. Explore how you can apply these technologies to your own context and industry as part of a digital transformation process. This digital transformation training is particularly suited for (non-tech) professionals interested in learning about revolutionary technologies, such as robotics, AI, cloud computing, Blockchain, and the Metaverse, and applying insights from professional sports to their respective industry. The course is offered in cooperation by WHU and MIT xPRO, the executive education platform offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

After successful completion of the program, you will earn a Professional Certificate from WHU and MIT xPRO and 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from MIT xPRO.

Digital TransformationInnovationStrategyTechnology
Suitable for participants with at least:
3YearsWorkexperience
Program Faculty

Program Content

The world is changing at an unprecedented pace as technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, internet of things (IoT), robotics, and web 3.0 are redefining the rules of the 21st century, both in your professional and personal life. But which skills do you really need to navigate the confusing landscape of new technologies?

Key highlights of the program

This unique and asynchronous digital transformation training is designed to help you acquire the relevant tech knowledge for you and your organization and to apply technologies for future processes. Sessions will be delivered in an inspiring way, using insights from the professional sports industry, which can be considered the driving force for social and economic developments. You will learn to identify how transformational technologies can become a ground-breaking advantage for your company. The latest insights and valuable tools will help you amplify your impact and secure the future of your organization.

This is a “tech for the non-tech” course. After an introduction to digital transformation technologies, the value proposition of these technologies for distinct stakeholders will be explained. During the course, you will not only deep-dive into physical technologies such as robotics and sensors, but also refine your knowledge of information processing technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Furthermore, you will discover key insights into human interaction technologies such as virtual/augmented reality and web 3.0. In this 20-hour online course, you will learn from world-class faculty via standalone lecture videos, and also apply acquired knowledge via dedicated case studies and several recap sessions.

To conclude, you will transfer key learnings to one potential area of application in your industry and pitch your idea against your peers in written style. By the end of this course on digital transformation, you will be equipped with the necessary toolkit to navigate the technology landscape and tackle future economic challenges related to game-changing technologies.

Program Benefits

Your personal benefit

  • Understand the fundamentals of physical, information processing, and human interaction technologies and how they change existing business models and consumer behavior in your industry
  • Identify opportunities and threats associated with technological changes in your industry
  • Apply technology use cases and articulate key success factors for implementing them in your organization
  • Design a process to identify relevant technology trends and effective responses to stay ahead of your competitors with a digital transformation strategy at your hands

The company's benefit

  • Understand the fundamentals of emerging technologies and how these technologies create opportunities in your respective industry.
  • Identify key factors for transferring and implementing successful use cases into your organization
  • Build up expertise in digital transformation consulting within your organization.
  • Contribute to your company’s competitive advantage to become and stay an industry leader.

Participants get access to the digital version of the book “21st Century Sports: How Technologies Will Change Sports in the Digital Age," which was published by Professor Dr. Sascha L. Schmidt.

Participant Profile

  • Business professionals from different industries looking to better understand game-changing technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, internet of things (IoT), robotics, and web 3.0
  • Business professionals eager to discover new opportunities in technology through examples from the sports industry to generate a competitive advantage within their industry
  • Sports business professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge on implementing the latest technologies

Program Format and Module Dates

This is a 20-hour, self-paced online course that is to be completed within 5 weeks. This program includes two optional live sessions to get to know other participants (June 7, 2023 at 5.00-5.45 pm & June 29, 2023 at 5.00-5.45 pm), self-paced work, discussion groups, and virtual networking.”

The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials.

ABOUT MIT xPRO

MIT xPRO is the executive education platform offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) based in Cambridge, United States of America. Founded in 2016, MIT xPRO’s online learning programs leverage vetted content from world-renowned experts to make learning accessible anytime, anywhere. Designed using cutting-edge research in the neuroscience of learning, MIT xPRO programs follow MIT's philosophical approach “mens et manus” (mind and hand), upskilling and reskilling professionals through both a theoretical as well as an applicative perspective.

MIT xPRO´s mission is to train professionals to become tomorrow's leaders by providing them with the technical expertise as well as leadership acumen needed to maintain a technical edge over the competition while driving innovation in an ever-changing environment.

Visit MIT xPRO website

FAQ

What does digital transformation mean for companies?

Digital transformation is both a challenge and a strategic imperative for companies. The following principle applies: Only those companies that implement the right digital initiatives and internalize necessary skills, processes, and mindset to enable the digital transformation will be successful in the long term.

How can digital transformation strategies be successfully implemented?

To successfully implement digital transformation strategies, it is necessary to combine digital and human skills and to leverage their combined skillset across the entire company. The basis of a successful transformation is the analysis of the digital status quo, before digital initiatives with clear responsibilities and deadlines are developed, prioritized, and implemented in a next step. At the same time, it is important to continuously measure the implementation progress and adjust digital initiatives if necessary. Finally, a clear and open communication with all stakeholders involved is key such that the successful implementation of digital initiatives may be achieved collectively.

Why is digital transformation so important?

Digital market leaders gain an insurmountable advantage over their competitors. With the help of cutting-edge technologies and data-driven insights, they may create personalized customer experiences and relationships. In addition, the use of latest technologies provides the basis for operational excellence and the development of innovative offerings, services, and business models - especially in times of increased uncertainty. Digital companies are also more attractive employers and thus the first choice for the best human talents of today and tomorrow.

What does a Digital Transformation Manager do?

Digital Transformation Managers are the in-house experts who drive the digital transformation. Their core task is to identify possible digitalization potentials in the company, to create the overall concept for the digital transformation and to plan underlying initiatives. Furthermore, they ensure their implementation via an open and permanent exchange with all stakeholders involved.

What are the challenges of digitalization for companies?

The challenges for a successful digital transformation are manifold - it is necessary to create structures and opportunities from which the company and its employees benefit equally. First, the digital status quo of the company must be determined and the skills and capacities of the employees necessary for the transformation must be identified. Once the groundwork has been done, existing structures should be broken up and digital initiatives established, which in turn leads to new organizational structures. For long-term (digital) success, it is also indispensable to constantly question and digitally renew oneself as a company.

More Questions? Contact us
More Questions? Contact usYvonne KrackSenior Marketing & Admissions Manager Executive Education

Excellence in Management Education

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

Erkrather Str. 224a
40233 Düsseldorf

execed@whu.edu

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