The global megatrend of digitalization and the associated change processes are constantly presenting companies with new and growing challenges. For this reason, the need for trained specialists who can manage, coordinate and further develop digitalized business areas is also increasing. Hof University of Applied Sciences has designed a new course for this with the future-oriented “Digital Business (B.A.)” course starting in the winter semester 2024/25: It is aimed at young people who want to contribute to the necessary continuous development of digitalized processes and organizations and contribute business management expertise in the process. The course, which has a standard duration of seven semesters, teaches in-depth knowledge of digitalization and new technologies in addition to traditional business management expertise.
Business models and job profiles are undergoing enormous change today. Entire industries are undergoing radical change and buzzwords such as “Big Data”, “Internet of Things” and “AI” are pervading almost all areas of business. “The future of companies lies in innovative solutions for digital business processes and in digital business models. Our new degree course therefore focuses initially on a holistic approach to digitalization. This is supplemented by indispensable strategic and methodological aspects. They help to deal with the increasing importance of data in decision-making and business processes,” says course director Prof. Dr. Christine Brautsch.
Practical focus on digital value chains
Students are taught the technical, methodological and personal skills required to successfully develop digital value creation processes and business models. The integration and application of the latest IT technologies in various teaching modules enables students to analyze processes and technologies in a goal-oriented manner and to design and implement effective strategic and operational measures. The clear aim is to “increase the level of maturity of the digital transformation in the corporate environment”, says Prof. Dr. Brautsch. A particular focus of the practical training is also on digital value chains in combination with digital infrastructures, internet technologies as well as change and project management in the context of the world of work 4.0. “In this respect, our offer differs significantly from that of other colleges and universities – we are filling an existing gap,” says the course director. The approach is implemented in cooperation with a large regional and supra-regional network of companies as well as with local authorities, which allows the course to be geared towards very real challenges.
Industry-independent application focus
The four-semester foundation course teaches the basics of business and digitalization. Key qualifications for developing methodological, social, communicative and personal skills are also taught. There is a particular focus on developing a strong awareness of sustainability. “We want to train specialists who understand both the technical and economic issues of digitalization in companies, actively shape digital change in terms of sustainable development across all sectors and ideally also want to implement their own ideas and concepts in digital business models,” explains Prof. Dr. Christine Brautsch.
Diverse career opportunities
The practical orientation of the course prepares graduates to lead or advise companies into the digital future. Much of the course content covers the latest IT technologies that can be used directly in companies. “Our students are put in a position to analyze processes and technologies in a goal-oriented manner and to develop tailor-made strategic and operational measures,” says Prof. Dr. Jens Kirchner, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics at Hof University of Applied Sciences. Possible job profiles following the new course could be business analyst, digital marketing specialist, digital process analyst, project manager or digital consultant in multinational corporations, SMEs or public organizations. “These professions are undoubtedly contemporary jobs with a future and sustainable prospects. The training makes it possible to work in a national and international environment, regardless of the industry,” adds Prof. Dr. Christine Brautsch.
Apply now!
The “Digital Business (B.A.)” course starts in the winter semester 2024/25 at Hof University of Applied Sciences. You can apply between May 1 and July 15, 2024. Dual studies are also possible. “Digital Business” is offered in German and combines the advantages of classroom teaching with the latest digital teaching methods. Graduates of the new course will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Further information can be found at: www.hof-university.de/studienangebot
