From department heads to service providers, all players should play a role in a digital transformation process.

There are many advantages to digital transformation in university classrooms, among them optimizing resources to improving academic follow-up.

However, several key players need to take part to carry out this process successfully. Their support is critical as they must explain the benefits of change, answer questions, and provide advice among other tasks. In this blog, we define who these participants are and how they can contribute to a successful digital transformation.

Office of the Provost, Vice-Chancellors, and department leadership

Leaders in the organization must guide the process for digital transformation to be effective. In the case of higher education institutions, the Office of the Provost or Vice-Chancellors and its departments are an excellent alternative for this role.

Asking teachers, administrators, and students to change their habits without senior leaders adapting their own way of doing things may cause the transformation process to fail.

Accordingly, leaders must embody the digital culture of the company, Forbes magazine states, it’s necessary for them to be active users of new technologies to motivate the rest with their enthusiasm. They must be the best example for everyone else in the organization.

We are talking about changing the institution’s DNA, a profound process that will require commitment and result in new forms of interaction, new tools, and even new ways of working. Given that one of the main hurdles for digital transformation is resistance to change, these leaders will play a critical role to overcome this impediment.

Operational Planning area

It’s necessary to plan the different actions and schedules as it’s a transformation that involves several players.

Given that this is long process that comprises multiple stages, the Operational Planning Area must lead the change. This team will be able to define when each action takes place, who participates, how it’s carried out, and what results are expected, among other determinants.

Planning is essential as the university needs to continue operating while also taking part in this significant transformation.

IT department

This is a crucial area for digital transformation to take place. In particular it strategically manages information technologies, proposes projects, and controls operational quality.

This team has the know-how and should permanently support the process. From the initial stage – when the technological solution is being developed, and the institution’s specific requirements are being raised – to the data transfer and platform implementation stages.

For example, the IT department should support those who are not-digital natives and be the main point of contact with the service provider.

Also, according to Forbes magazine, one of the first steps to carry out digital transformation is to build a digitally-savvy team. They will be the main allies on this journey. Keep in mind that it’s not a project with an end date but a process of continuous improvement.

Technology providers

Digital transformation involves the use of a technological solution and therefore requires a technology provider. Good user experience will help the entire process to be successful. How can this be achieved?

A good practice is for the supplier to guide the implementation process, especially in the adoption phase. This assistance will give users constant support and allow making the most of the new technological tool.

Conclusion

Digital transformation requires the commitment of all parties involved. Some must guide the process, and others support its implementation. It comprises a profound change that can impact interactions and work processes.

Therefore, everyone participating in the digital transformation of the institution must understand the benefits that this revolution brings.