Unit of study_

DMBA6002: Emerging Technology, Disruption and Foresight

2026 unit information

In today's rapidly evolving environments, leaders must navigate the impacts and implications of disruptive technologies while anticipating future challenges and opportunities. This unit equips students with the knowledge and tools to understand technological disruption, particularly from Artificial Intelligence and generative AI, and their implications for business and society. Students learn to apply strategic foresight methods, moving beyond simple prediction to engage productively with future possibilities. Topics include the nature of disruptive technologies, AI fundamentals and applications, megatrends and societal shifts, forecasting, scenario thinking, and identifying weak signals in uncertain environments. Through a real-world case study, students develop practical skills in analysing emerging technology, disruptive forces, and crafting forward-looking strategies. Learning involves discussion, hands-on exercises, reflective thinking, and a collaborative project. This unit is essential for students seeking to drive innovation, manage uncertainty, and position themselves at the forefront of technological and societal change, emphasising preparedness and sense-making over predicting specific future outcomes.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Business (Business School)

Study level Postgraduate
Academic unit Business Information Systems
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
? 
DMBA6001
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. explain the fundamental concepts and capabilities of AI and generative AI to illustrate their potential impact on business and society
  • LO2. describe key principles and methodologies of futures thinking to grasp their relevance in strategic planning
  • LO3. apply knowledge of AI capabilities to assess potential ethical and strategic challenges for businesses in different industry contexts
  • LO4. apply strategic foresight techniques to business cases in order to anticipate potential future challenges and opportunities
  • LO5. analyse the nature of disruptive technologies, in particular AI, to identify their potential effects on existing business models and industry structures
  • LO6. evaluate weak signals and societal shifts to propose strategic learning options that enhance organisational adaptability in uncertain environments.

Unit availability

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Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2026
Online Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2026
Online Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
There are no availabilities for previous years.

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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