Overview
As part of the ITIL Strategic Leader pathway, this course on the importance and challenges of creating an appropriate digital strategy to enable the success of businesses and how it can (and should) be integrated to the IT strategy and aligned with the wider organization’s goals. It explores the use of ITIL framework to support organizations in their digital transformation journey by providing a structured and flexible approach for addressing service management challenges and utilizing the potential of modern technology to get the most value from digital technology. It also adds a new perspective to the ITIL suite and elevates the discussion around ITIL concepts to the very strategic level among companies and business leaders.
Prerequisites
A valid ITIL® 4 or ITIL® v3 Foundation certificate is required. Learners must complete pre-course reading, including a case study provided via myQA, before attending.
It is strongly recommended that participants have already attained the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation due to the strategic nature of the course content.
Target audience
This course is designed for experienced professionals involved in setting strategic direction or influencing digital transformation, including:
- IT directors, heads of departments, and digital leaders
- Aspiring C-suite professionals or transformation leads
- Senior practitioners responsible for planning and delivering digital strategies
- Professionals working at the intersection of IT, operations, and business strategy
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate the use of ITIL guiding principles in Digital and IT Strategy decisions and activities
- Understand how to leverage digital strategy to react to digital disruption
- Understand the relationship between the digital concepts of Digital and IT Strategy, the service value system and the service value chain, and explain how to utilise them to create value
- Understand how an organization uses Digital and IT Strategy to remain viable in environments disrupted by digital technology
- Understand strategic approaches made possible by digital and information technology to achieve customer/market relevance and operational excellence
- Understand the risks and opportunities of Digital and IT Strategy
- Understand the steps and techniques involved in defining and advocating for a Digital and IT Strategy
- Understand how to implement a Digital and IT Strategy
Course Outline
Introduction to digital and IT strategy
- Overview of course structure, objectives, and case study
- Key concepts and definitions of digital strategy
Understanding the digital context
- Role of digital and IT strategy within the organisation
- Key strategic drivers, enablers, and disruptors
- Aligning digital capabilities with business needs
Vision and strategic direction
- Defining a digital vision aligned to business goals
- Creating and sustaining a shared strategic purpose
Strategic analysis and assessment
- Tools and methods for internal and external assessment
- Evaluating readiness, risks, and capability gaps
Planning strategic approaches
- Selecting appropriate strategic models
- Translating digital vision into actionable plans
- Establishing governance and accountability
Strategic measurement and review
- Developing KPIs and metrics to assess strategic progress
- Continuous strategy refinement through measurement
Digital leadership and innovation
- Building leadership capability for digital innovation
- Managing stakeholder engagement and organisational alignment
Managing strategic risk
- Identifying and mitigating digital risks
- Balancing innovation with compliance and resilience
Strategy summary and final preparation
- Consolidation of key learning outcomes
- Final assignment discussions and review
Exams and assessments
This course includes both assessed assignments and a final exam:
- Group assignments are embedded throughout the course and are based on the pre-course case study
- Delegates must achieve a minimum of 30 out of 40 to be eligible for the exam
- Exam is closed book and includes 30 multiple-choice questions
- Pass mark: 21 out of 30 (70%)
- Exam duration: 60 minutes
- Delegates receive assignment results within two business days and can then schedule their exam with PeopleCert
All PeopleCert certifications from 2023 must be renewed after three years.
Hands-on learning
Practical assignments are central to this course, enabling learners to:
- Analyse real-world strategic scenarios using the official case study
- Collaborate in groups to develop and present strategic responses
- Apply theoretical frameworks to operational challenges
- Receive instructor and peer feedback to improve performance
Assignments are submitted during allocated personal time in this intensive format.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.