The Digital Enterprise as an Emerging Landscape for Universities and Their Operation

Abstract

This chapter presents a framing discussion around the notion of a digital enterprise in the context of higher education. The chapter makes the assumption that a university like a commercial enterprise can draw significant benefit from acting as a digital enterprise. The discussion indicates that some of a university's existing and historical activities are in line with notions of a digital enterprise. The chapter proposes a framework for assessing the readiness of a university with respect to its actions as a digital enterprise recognising the complexity of domains residing within the confines of a university environment. Critically, the chapter argues that such a future systems project should not only consider positive use cases but also recognise that a digital enterprise may have unplanned and unintentional consequences. Hence, this chapter argues that new forms of governance may also be required alongside the planned journey to a digital enterprise world.