The DevOps MBA Curriculum — Part 2
As we are experiencing an acceleration of digital transformation efforts, the role of DevOps is becoming even more critical. As a result, the demand for professionals with an understanding of both the technical and business aspects of this practice has surged, leading to the creation of specialised DevOps MBA programs.
However, the dynamic nature of the field requires these programs to constantly adapt and expand their offerings. It’s already been more than 6 years since the post about what a DevOps MBA curriculum would look like.
In this post, we propose seven new subjects that accentuate the intersection of business and technology, enriching the DevOps MBA curriculum.
Tech-driven Business Model Innovation
The advent of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and blockchain has paved the way for innovative business models. These technologies not only enhance operational efficiency but also enable companies to reimagine customer value propositions and engagement strategies. Integrating a subject focused on tech-driven business model innovation in the DevOps MBA curriculum can equip students with the tools to leverage these technologies in alignment with DevOps principles. This knowledge will be key to driving sustainable competitive advantage in today’s volatile business environment.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335497592_Business_model_innovation_using_modern_DevOps
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-devops-role-driving-business-innovation-heydevshq/
Enterprise Architecture in the Age of DevOps
Enterprise Architecture (EA) plays a crucial role in shaping the technological direction and enabling the digital strategy of an organization. However, the introduction of DevOps practices significantly impacts the traditional EA framework. By incorporating a subject focused on EA in the DevOps context, students can gain insights into the evolving role of architects in promoting DevOps principles, ensuring a smooth transition to this new operating model, and mitigating the potential risks associated with rapid technological changes.
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-build-devops-friendly-agile-enterprise-stephen-dawson/
- https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/how-enterprise-architects-need-to-evolve-to-survive-in-a-digital-world
Business Process Automation and DevOps
Business Process Automation (BPA) and DevOps both aim to increase efficiency and improve outcomes. Understanding how to integrate these two practices effectively can yield substantial benefits, including reduced errors, faster delivery, and higher customer satisfaction. As such, adding a subject on BPA in the context of DevOps will provide students with the knowledge to streamline business processes and achieve operational excellence.
- https://www.bonitasoft.com/news/what-does-the-future-of-business-process-automation-look-like
- https://www.dynatrace.com/news/blog/answer-driven-devops-automation/
IT Governance and DevOps
IT governance plays a critical role in aligning IT strategy with business objectives, managing risks, and ensuring compliance. However, traditional IT governance models may struggle to keep pace with the rapid development and deployment cycles in a DevOps environment. A subject on IT Governance and DevOps will arm students with the strategies needed to adapt IT governance frameworks to support DevOps, fostering a balance between speed, quality, and control.
- https://www.cdw.com/content/cdw/en/articles/cloud/devops-and-it-governance-work-better-together.html
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/title-navigating-synergy-devops-governance-strategic-gustav-heymann/
Tech Entrepreneurship and DevOps
Tech entrepreneurship is characterized by rapid innovation, flexibility, and a relentless focus on delivering value to customers — attributes that align closely with DevOps principles. Incorporating a subject on Tech Entrepreneurship and DevOps will enable students to understand how these principles can accelerate the lean startup model, fostering a culture of innovation and agility.
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriscancialosi/2016/10/25/five-things-every-entrepreneur-needs-to-know-about-devops/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14657503231179597
Customer Experience Design in the DevOps Context
In today’s digital era, creating a compelling customer experience is a strategic imperative for businesses. Given its emphasis on continuous feedback and improvement, DevOps can play a key role in enhancing customer experience design. A subject dedicated to this topic will equip students with the skills to leverage DevOps principles for customer-centric product and service design, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- https://www.ecosmob.com/how-devops-can-improve-cx/
- https://about.gitlab.com/blog/2020/09/03/is-devops-for-designers/
Digital Marketing and DevOps
Digital marketing teams can benefit significantly from applying DevOps principles to their work. Rapid campaign deployment, real-time website updates, and data-driven decision-making are just a few examples. A subject on Digital Marketing and DevOps will provide insights into how these two areas can be integrated to drive marketing effectiveness and agility.
- https://codegenius.me/the-role-of-devops-in-digital-marketing/
- https://understandingecommerce.com/how-devops-streamlines-digital-marketing-and-supports-innovation/
These proposed subjects not only enrich the DevOps MBA curriculum but also reflect the reality of the evolving business landscape. By fostering a deeper understanding of the intersection between business and technology, these additions will prepare graduates to be effective leaders in the era of digital transformation, capable of leveraging DevOps principles to drive innovation, efficiency, and value creation in their organizations.
