Outline

Overview

The disruptive forces of digital technologies require businesses to be in a constant state of change to stay competitive in turbulent markets. However, as companies need to maintain their current revenue streams, they need to progress through a series of digital transformation projects. In this unit students learn how to analyse an organisation within a local and global context and develop knowledge of techniques required for managing digital business transformation initiatives. Topics covered include: the drivers of digital business transformation, managing digital transformation as a process, understand the power of disruptive technologies, technological impacts on new forms of organizational arrangements.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Business Information Systems
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	INFS5002 or COMP5206
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Understanding the major functions of a business and how those business functions interact internally and externally so the company can be competitive in a changing market. How digital technologies can be used and managed in a business. How to critically analyse a business and determine its options for digital transformation. Desirable Assumed Knowledge: Experience as a member of a project team
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Evelyn Ng, evelyn.ng@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam Written Exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 1 Individual in-class presentation in week 5/6. This is a 90-second pitch accompanied by a one-page poster.	15%	Multiple weeks Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Mar 2026	90-second executive pitch with Q&A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 2c Group presentation (In-class presentation Week 12/13)	5%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Assignment 2a Group report outline	10%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 May 2026	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Assignment 2b Business report and presentation slides	30%	Week 11 Due date: 15 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 May 2026	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

• Assignment 1 (Executive Pitch and Q&A): Students will select a company that has undergone digital transformation and analyse recent news articles about the company. They will synthesise the key insights and evaluate the likely transformative impact of these developments, and communicate their analysis through a one-page poster and a 90-second executive pitch. Students will be encouraged to focus on an industry and company aligned with their future career interests.

• Assignment 2a (Group Report Outline): Students will work in groups as a team of consultants to submit a structured outline for their Digital Transformation Management Plan for a selected company. The outline will present the company background and context, diagnose the need for digital transformation, and propose and briefly evaluate potential digital solutions. This submission is designed to support formative feedback from the teaching team, which groups should use to strengthen their final report and presentation.

• Assignment 2b (Group Report & Presentation Slides): Students will work in groups to develop a professional business report that proposes a digital transformation solution for a selected organisation. Building on feedback from the proposal outline, the report should describe the solution in sufficient detail to show how it addresses the organisation’s challenges, and apply current change management frameworks to analyse the organisation and develop a transformative change management plan aligned with the solution and project requirements.

• Assignment 2c (In-class presentation): All students in each team to design, develop, and present the critical details from Assignment 2b (group report).

• Final Exam: This exam will focus on the fundamental concepts and applied and experiential knowledge acquired across the semester. Note: This assessment will take the form of a supervised exam. It is a closed- book exam; no materials are allowed.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction and Overview	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Understanding Disruption	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Understanding Disruption	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	The Drivers and Enablers of Digital Transformation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	The Drivers and Enablers of Digital Transformation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Manage Change and Transformation-1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Manage Change and Transformation-1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Manage Change and Transformation-2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Manage Change and Transformation-2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Overcome Challenges of Digital Transformation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Overcome Challenges of Digital Transformation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Digital Transformation of Consumption	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Digital Transformation of Consumption	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Digital Transformation of Communication	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Digital Transformation of Communication	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Digital Transformation of Traditional Industries	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Digital Transformation of Traditional Industries	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Group assignment consultation and self-directed learning	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Group assignment consultation and self-directed learning	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Review and Synthesis	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Group Presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Group Presentations	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

• Lecture recordings:
◦ The lectures are recorded using the system available at the venue and made available after the class.
◦ Please note that the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded.

• Attendance and participation:
◦ Students should ensure they attend and participate in ALL classes that are delivered face-to-face.
◦ Participation in the lecture and tutorial activities is essential for your learning progress and cannot be substituted in any other way.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings for this unit will be available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Identify and describe the drivers and enablers of digital transformation in business settings.
LO2. Critically analyse business problems that necessitate digital transformation and change in an organisation.
LO3. Critically and creatively analyse and propose business innovations to address identified business problems.
LO4. Critically analyse the challenges for businesses in the face of innovation and technological advancements.
LO5. Critically and creatively analyse various strategies to overcome challenges in digital transformation.
LO6. Critically synthesise and apply methods, models and frameworks with business analysis, communication and research skills in digital transformation projects.
LO7. Collaborate and communicate in a professional manner with people from diverse backgrounds.
LO8. Contribute effectively as a responsible member of a diverse team for group assessments.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes to assessment items to enhance student learning experience.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Business School Policies

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

INFS6004: Digital Business Transformation

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links