Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is not simply about adopting new technology. It requires understanding the business, identifying where change is needed, redesigning processes and experiences, selecting the right technologies, and leading implementation across an organization.

Barry University’s Digital Transformation Certificate takes a practical approach to developing these capabilities. Participants learn how to assess an organization, identify transformation opportunities, connect technology with business goals, redesign processes and experiences, and develop solutions that can move from strategy to implementation.

The program explores artificial intelligence, automation, data and analytics, digital experiences, emerging technologies, innovation, project management, and organizational change through a business and leadership lens.

A Hands-On Learning Experience

Throughout the program, participants apply what they learn through DX Lab simulations and required work on real client challenges.Participants learn how to approach a client engagement, understand the current business environment, identify problems and opportunities, examine processes and technology, uncover gaps, develop recommendations, and communicate a transformation strategy. The experience is designed to reflect how digital transformation happens in practice, where business needs, people, processes, data, customer experiences, and technology must work together.

Understand → Assess → Design → Build → Implement

Participants move through the digital transformation process while applying concepts to practical business situations.

Work on Real Business Challenges

A core component of the certificate is experiential learning through Barry University’s DX Lab.

Participants are required to apply their learning through simulations and real client work. Working individually and in teams, they examine business challenges and develop practical recommendations that connect strategy with execution.

Projects may involve analyzing an organization’s current processes and technology, identifying data and capability gaps, exploring AI and automation opportunities, redesigning experiences, evaluating technology options, developing prototypes, or creating a digital transformation roadmap.

The objective is to give participants experience doing the work of digital transformation rather than only studying it.

Program Topics

Digital Transformation and Innovation

Understand what digital transformation means for today’s organizations and how changes in technology, customer expectations, competition, and business models create opportunities for transformation. Explore different approaches to innovation and how organizations can build a culture that supports experimentation and change.

Understanding the Digital Ecosystem

Explore the technologies shaping modern organizations, including artificial intelligence, automation, cloud technologies, data and analytics, cybersecurity, digital platforms, and emerging technologies.The emphasis is on understanding what these capabilities make possible and how leaders determine which technologies are appropriate for a particular business need.

AI, Automation, Data and Emerging Technologies

Examine how AI and automation are changing workflows, decision-making, customer experiences, and organizational capabilities. Participants learn to identify opportunities while considering the processes, data, technology, people, and governance required to make those opportunities viable.

 

Digital Strategy

Learn how to connect technology decisions with business objectives.Participants explore organizational assessment, opportunity identification, customer and employee experiences, process improvement, technology selection, and the development of a practical digital transformation strategy.

Experience and Process Redesign

Learn to look beyond existing processes and consider how technology can enable a better way of working.Participants apply design thinking, process analysis, prototyping, and user-centered approaches to redesign business and digital experiences.

From Strategy to Implementation

Explore the foundations of digital project management and the practical considerations involved in moving transformation initiatives forward.Topics include project planning, Agile approaches, stakeholder management, prototyping, testing, technology selection, implementation, adoption, and measurement.

Leadership, Change and Responsible Transformation

Digital transformation requires organizational change as much as technological change. Participants explore leadership, culture, resistance to change, responsible technology use, ethics, governance, sustainability, and the human considerations involved in transformation.

DX Lab Client Experience

The program culminates in applied work through the DX Lab. Participants bring together what they have learned to assess a real business challenge, identify opportunities, develop recommendations, and present a practical path forward. This required experience gives participants an opportunity to apply digital transformation methods in a professional setting and demonstrate their ability to move from understanding a problem to developing a solution.

Instructor: Tarik Safouan

Tarik Safouan brings more than 20 years of experience across digital transformation, technology, data, digital strategy, and innovation. His work has included organizations and brands such as Gannett/USA Today, Sears Canada, AutoTrader, the Miami Dolphins, Miami Open, and Formula 1 Miami. He holds a master’s degree from Harvard University and teaches and leads applied AI and digital transformation initiatives at Barry University. The program may also include guest speakers and practitioners who bring additional industry perspectives into the learning experience.

Learn It. Apply It. Transform It.

The Digital Transformation Certificate is designed for professionals who want more than an introduction to digital transformation. Participants leave with practical experience analyzing business challenges, developing transformation strategies, working with real clients, and connecting emerging technologies with business value.