This module will draw on different theoretical ideas that will help us to understand how the use of digital has changed how we evaluate people, data, information, etc. Starting with the basics of what it means to be 'digital' we will journey through to how this can help to create resonance amongst people leading to community growth and end where we can see ecosystems growing with and because of digital artefacts.

This module will explore different theories of Commons Based Peer Production, Orders of Worth, Transaction Cost Theory and more. The module will equip you with the basic knowledge to develop and implement digital initiatives and to critically analyse existing innovation strategies. The ethics of digital creation will also be explored, particularly as these come into dialogue with technology-facilitated transformations in contemporary work and consumption practices.

The module aims to:

• Build critical skills in order to understand and analyse different micro level theories of digital change, digital products and digital business models.
• Develop a scholarly discussion about digital artefacts such as open source software, and their implications at the community, company, company and community and finally, ecosystem levels.
• Enhance and deepen understanding about how digital products, services and processes affect and change our society through community level movements.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module you will have achieved the following:

• Enhance critical skills of evaluating scholarship and offer alternative explanations
• Develop the ability to compare and contrast different theoretical perspectives on digital production
• Be able to analyse and evaluate different models of digital production to assess the best context.

T​he standard entry requirements comprise:

• A 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent 
• A CV and personal statement outlining reasons for study  
• English language at Band B (IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each skill).

Assessment

You will be assessed via the following:

• Group presentation = 25%
• Participation =10%
• 2,500 word essay = 65%.

This is an online module that includes 4.5 hours of structured material per week, plus 1 hour of live webinars that you will be expected to attend. You should expect to spend approximately 20 hours per week on self-directed study.