IS-417 Digitalisation of the Public Sector

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master's Programme in Information Systems
• Master's Programme in Political Science and Management

Teaching language

Norwegian, English when international students attending

Course contents

The course provides an introduction to how digitalization can help strengthen the public sector internally, across agencies and across government levels and at the same time improve communication and cooperation with citizens, businesses and organizations. The participants will study specific topics and thus gain a thorough understanding of certain areas of the subject.

Key topics:

• Strategic and political consequences of digitalization

• Relationship between technology, process and organizational changes

• Examples of digitalization in state and municipal enterprises

• Relationship between public value perspective and effects of digitalization

• Introduction of social media

• Technology-based communication as an integral part of the management's communication strategy and political decision-making processes

• Examples and experiences from various public sector organizations

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• be able to understand how digitalisation affects the public sector

• be able to demonstrate understanding of IT-policies related to governance, transparency and dialogue in public sector

• be able to explain the connection between digitalisation and public sector reforms

• be able to discuss opportunities and challenges of technology-based communication in the public sector

• be able to demonstrate insight into ICT's role in advancing and challenging democracy and public commitment and citizen's participation, both locally and regionally

• have developed knowledge and understanding of how ICT can be used in specific relevant situations. This is connected to the student's individual work (see content)

Examination requirements

The participants need to pass the mandatory assignments. Participation in class discussions is required to be able to complete and obtain certain mandatory assignments.

Teaching methods

Lectures are given as seminars related to key topics. Students will work on project assignments in specific areas. In addition to on-campus lecturs, online-supported teaching, problem solving and guidance will be applied. The standard workload for 10 credits is 13 hours per week.

Evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Admission for external candidates

No

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes. Subject to availability or capacity.

Assessment methods and criteria

Portfolio assessment with graded marks

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course	Reduction of Credits
IS-412 – E-Government	5
IS-414 – E-Democracy	5
IS-908 – eDialogue	5
IS-909 – Digital Transformation and Management	5