Course content
Digital services increasingly depend on software systems, data infrastructures, platforms, and technological ecosystems. While service managers are rarely expected to develop software themselves, they are increasingly required to understand the technological landscape within which digital services are designed, developed, maintained, and governed.
This course provides a high-level introduction to coding and the technological foundations of digital services. The aim is not to develop programming proficiency or industry-level technical competencies, but to familiarize students with the concepts, terminology, opportunities, and challenges associated with software-based services and digital systems.
Through a series of thematic seminars, students are introduced to central topics such as coding, software development, data and databases, systems and system development, security, platforms, governance, and emerging technologies. The course combines introductory lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and student activities to provide students with a broad overview of the field and its relevance for service management.
Selected practical elements may be included to illustrate key concepts and provide students with first-hand exposure to technologies that underpin digital services.
These activities are intended to support understanding rather than technical skill development.
The course places particular emphasis on helping students:
- develop a broad understanding of the technological foundations underlying digital services
- become familiar with central concepts, terminology, and technologies relevant to software-based services
- recognize common opportunities, limitations, risks, and governance challenges associated with digital systems
- understand how technological choices influence the design, operation, and management of digital services
- communicate effectively with technical specialists and other stakeholders by developing a shared conceptual vocabulary
The course is intended as an orientation to a broad field. It aims to stimulate curiosity and provide students with a foundation for understanding how technological systems shape contemporary service organizations and digital services.
See the full course description in the course catalogue