Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Background: The digital age fundamentally changes how companies operate and are managed, which means that to be successful, both employees and organizations need to be able to transform. The fast pace of the continuous digital development has put pressure on organizations to undergo digital transformations. As technology advances, so does the needed skill set of employees. This implies that they have to be able to respond to the changes, and also accept the fact that the nature of the work may change as well. From the management point of view, successful digital transformation creates challenges to be adaptive and agile, so that it can respond to the challenges of the everchanging business landscape.
Purpose: This research discusses the role of the management in successful digital transformation. The role of management is to formulate a company’s strategy, and to ensure that the strategy is implemented in the organization. Digital transformation creates new kinds of fundamental challenges for companies, as the changes they have to make are usually extensive and can require major restructurings. The adaptation to new circumstances depend on the organization’s abilities to transform, in which strategy, organizational culture and change management play key roles.
Method: The research was conducted using a single case study method. The empirical part includes semi-structured interviews with top-management and employees of the case organization. In addition to the interviews, observational data and company documents were utilized. The findings were then analyzed research by using content analysis approach.
Conclusion: Based on the analysis, we can see that when correctly implemented, digital transformation can improve an organization’s performance. Digitalization is a continuous change process that has major economical and societal impacts. From the organizational point of view, digital transformation has effects through competitive environment and technological advancements, which impact the needs of customers and change value chains of organizations. In order to remain relevant in their industries, companies have to be ready for digital changes. Based on the analysis, we conclude that the role of management is very important to understand organizational aspects of a company and formulate its strategy to support the organization. This process aims to ensure that the organization is agile enough to remain competitive in its continuously changing business landscape.
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