MSc iGov Digital – F.A.Q.
Τμήματος Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων
What is the aim of the MSc in Government Digital Innovation and Transformation?
Although there is no universally accepted definition, recent research defines digital transformation as "the process of fundamental change driven by digital technologies, aiming to achieve radical improvements and innovations in an entity (organization, business, industry, or society), with the goal of creating value for its stakeholders through strategic balancing of its critical resources and capabilities." This definition suggests that digital transformation primarily concerns change management and less about technology, which makes the development of appropriate management tools even more crucial. In this sense, digital transformation is being systematically approached at international, European, and national levels, through the formulation and implementation of corresponding strategies. Similar actions are recorded in a range of cities and societies, as well as organizations and businesses, while large-scale initiatives are also being funded in less developed countries.
The digital transformation of the public sector represents a significant challenge, as despite the implementation of large-scale strategies for digital governance, goals that align with the efficiency of transactions and the achievement of smart governance are still being set (Anthopoulos et al., 2021), where technology leads to self-evolving public services. A critical success factor is the presence of properly trained personnel in the public sector, particularly in the new required skills and technologies that can overcome the barriers of resistance to change, as well as other types of failures in the implementation of digital governance programs (Anthopoulos et al., 2016).
Therefore, the proposed postgraduate program aims to present students with the challenges faced by governments, as well as to help them understand the emerging opportunities and issues the public administration faces in their digital transformation. Furthermore, it aims to provide them with the necessary knowledge required for the design, management, and implementation of digital technologies in the public sector.
The MSc in "Government Digital Innovation and Transformation" follows a modern yet innovative interdisciplinary approach, according to which graduates of the program will be able to:
-Understand the theoretical background of digital transformation and digital governance.
-Manage the development of strategy and innovation in public administration.
-Manage the sustainable development of projects in the public sector.
-Organize and manage data generated in the public sector and understand its use in governance.
-Understand the techniques for activating citizens.
-Understand the core modern technologies in the public sector such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, security, privacy, etc.
This master leads to the award of a Diploma of Postgraduate Studies (MSc) with the title: MSc in Government Digital Innovation and Transformation), upon full and successful completion of the studies based on the curriculum. The award is awarded by the Department of Business Administration of the University of Thessaly.
The digital transformation of the public sector represents a significant challenge, as despite the implementation of large-scale strategies for digital governance, goals that align with the efficiency of transactions and the achievement of smart governance are still being set (Anthopoulos et al., 2021), where technology leads to self-evolving public services. A critical success factor is the presence of properly trained personnel in the public sector, particularly in the new required skills and technologies that can overcome the barriers of resistance to change, as well as other types of failures in the implementation of digital governance programs (Anthopoulos et al., 2016).
Therefore, the proposed postgraduate program aims to present students with the challenges faced by governments, as well as to help them understand the emerging opportunities and issues the public administration faces in their digital transformation. Furthermore, it aims to provide them with the necessary knowledge required for the design, management, and implementation of digital technologies in the public sector.
The MSc in "Government Digital Innovation and Transformation" follows a modern yet innovative interdisciplinary approach, according to which graduates of the program will be able to:
-Understand the theoretical background of digital transformation and digital governance.
-Manage the development of strategy and innovation in public administration.
-Manage the sustainable development of projects in the public sector.
-Organize and manage data generated in the public sector and understand its use in governance.
-Understand the techniques for activating citizens.
-Understand the core modern technologies in the public sector such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, security, privacy, etc.
This master leads to the award of a Diploma of Postgraduate Studies (MSc) with the title: MSc in Government Digital Innovation and Transformation), upon full and successful completion of the studies based on the curriculum. The award is awarded by the Department of Business Administration of the University of Thessaly.
What are the Learning Objectives?
The objectives of the Master's program are as follows:
1. Understanding the Principles of Digital Governance, Digital Innovation, and Digital Transformation: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, technologies, and methodologies supporting digital governance, including service modeling, open data, machine learning, fostering innovative thinking, decision-making, and big data analysis.
2. Development of Research and Analytical Skills: Students will acquire skills in research methodologies and the ability to analyze and interpret data for digital governance.
3. Enhancement of Technical Knowledge: Students will understand the technical aspects of digital governance and digital innovation, including openness, data analysis, service modeling, and intelligent systems.
4. Understanding Citizen Engagement: Students will understand the frameworks and policies for citizen engagement, openness, transparency, and accountability.
5. Promotion of Innovation in the Public Sector: Students will understand strategies for fostering an innovative mindset and the concepts of digital and social innovation within the public sector.
6. Sustainable Project Management: Students will gain expertise in defining and designing projects that ensure their sustainability, particularly in the context of innovation and digital innovation.
1. Understanding the Principles of Digital Governance, Digital Innovation, and Digital Transformation: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, technologies, and methodologies supporting digital governance, including service modeling, open data, machine learning, fostering innovative thinking, decision-making, and big data analysis.
2. Development of Research and Analytical Skills: Students will acquire skills in research methodologies and the ability to analyze and interpret data for digital governance.
3. Enhancement of Technical Knowledge: Students will understand the technical aspects of digital governance and digital innovation, including openness, data analysis, service modeling, and intelligent systems.
4. Understanding Citizen Engagement: Students will understand the frameworks and policies for citizen engagement, openness, transparency, and accountability.
5. Promotion of Innovation in the Public Sector: Students will understand strategies for fostering an innovative mindset and the concepts of digital and social innovation within the public sector.
6. Sustainable Project Management: Students will gain expertise in defining and designing projects that ensure their sustainability, particularly in the context of innovation and digital innovation.
What are the Learning Outcomes?
The Learning Outcomes of the Master's program are as follows:
1. Digital Governance: Students will have the ability to develop creative thinking, define concepts, describe interoperability issues, and define intelligent governance.
2. Information Systems in Public Administration: Students will be proficient in the use of information technology in public administration and the basic principles of information systems design.
3. Data-Centric Governance: Students will be able to apply data analysis techniques to solve problems and use data analysis tools, combining programming languages (e.g., R and Python) with statistics.
4. Innovation and Strategy in Public Administration: Students will be able to develop strategies for effective policy-making and governance, harmonize innovation with strategy, and describe the sources that foster or hinder innovation.
5. Data Analysis: Students will be able to understand and analyze data, particularly in the field of governance, using a combination of data analysis tools.
6. Sustainable Project Management in Public Administration: Students will be able to define project management concepts, apply project management techniques and standards, manage changes and conflicts, and apply leadership styles in project management.
7. Citizen Engagement and New Media: Students will learn how to apply the knowledge of digital twins in designing and managing citizen engagement methods and using new media, as well as managing new media with appropriate citizen protection policies.
8. Research Methodology Application: Students will be able to apply appropriate research methodologies to analyze and solve complex problems in digital innovation and governance.
1. Digital Governance: Students will have the ability to develop creative thinking, define concepts, describe interoperability issues, and define intelligent governance.
2. Information Systems in Public Administration: Students will be proficient in the use of information technology in public administration and the basic principles of information systems design.
3. Data-Centric Governance: Students will be able to apply data analysis techniques to solve problems and use data analysis tools, combining programming languages (e.g., R and Python) with statistics.
4. Innovation and Strategy in Public Administration: Students will be able to develop strategies for effective policy-making and governance, harmonize innovation with strategy, and describe the sources that foster or hinder innovation.
5. Data Analysis: Students will be able to understand and analyze data, particularly in the field of governance, using a combination of data analysis tools.
6. Sustainable Project Management in Public Administration: Students will be able to define project management concepts, apply project management techniques and standards, manage changes and conflicts, and apply leadership styles in project management.
7. Citizen Engagement and New Media: Students will learn how to apply the knowledge of digital twins in designing and managing citizen engagement methods and using new media, as well as managing new media with appropriate citizen protection policies.
8. Research Methodology Application: Students will be able to apply appropriate research methodologies to analyze and solve complex problems in digital innovation and governance.
Who can enroll?
Applicants need to be:
1. Graduates of Higher Education Institutions
For participation in the MSc programme, certified knowledge of the English language at least at level C1 is required.
2 The maximum number of students admitted to the MSc is set at fifty (50) per year.
1. Graduates of Higher Education Institutions
For participation in the MSc programme, certified knowledge of the English language at least at level C1 is required.
2 The maximum number of students admitted to the MSc is set at fifty (50) per year.
What are the evaluation criteria?
1 The selection of students is made in accordance with the applicable legislation, the Regulations for Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies of the University of Thessaly and the provisions of these Regulations.
2 Every year the Director of the MSc publishes a notice for the admission of postgraduate students to the MSc in the Press and on the website of the MSc and two (2) months before the deadline for applications.
Candidates' applications must be accompanied by the supporting documents specified below. Applications not accompanied by the necessary certificates or supporting documents will not be taken into consideration in the selection procedure. The invitation will specify the admission requirements, the categories of graduates and number of candidates, the admission procedure, the selection criteria, etc., the deadlines for submitting applications and the supporting documents required.
3 Candidate students must submit the following documents in English to the Secretariat of the MSc (electronically):
• A photocopy of your identity card.
• A complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae, including information on the candidate's studies, scientific and professional activity.
• Copies of diplomas and certificates (or Diploma Supplements) or a solemn declaration that they are expected to complete their graduation 10 days before the start of the courses of the MSc.
• A certificate, certifying level of knowledge of the English language at least C1 level
• Copies of foreign language certificates of at least B2 level in order to assess the application.
• Evidence of professional, educational experience and scientific activity in general (if available).
• Two letters of recommendation from University professors or Researchers of recognized Research Centres in Greece or abroad or from the Head of his/her Department if he/she is an employee and if available.
4 In the case of candidates who hold a first cycle degree from a foreign country, the Secretariat of the MSc in accordance with the provisions of the legislation, checks whether the institution of origin belongs to the National Register of Recognized Institutions of Foreign Countries and whether the type of degree belongs to the National Register of Types of Degrees of Recognized Institutions posted on the website of the D.O.A.T.A.P. If the degree from a foreign university is included in the D.O.A.T.A.P. list, the Secretariat of the program must request a Certificate of Location of Studies, which is issued and sent by the foreign university. Applications in which the Greek territory is confirmed as the place of study are excluded, unless the part of the studies that took place in the Greek territory is located in a public university.
5 The evaluation of candidates and the selection of admission is based on the overall score (on a scale of 1 - 100) on the following criteria:
A/N SELECTION CRITERIA FIGURES %
1 Degree/diploma marks 20%
2 Level of knowledge of the English language at least C1 level 15%
3 Publications in scientific journals, Presentations at scientific conferences (optional) 15%
4 Relevant professional experience (optional) 15%
5 Letters of recommendation (optional) 10%
6 Interview 25%
TOTAL 100%
The weightings of the above-mentioned criteria for the evaluation of candidates may be varied by a decision of the selection board, which will be taken before the announcement of the call for applications and will be included in the new version of the notice. The selection board will invite to an interview those candidates who meet the formal and substantive requirements within a period of time to be determined by the notice.
The selection process of the candidates is carried out by an appointed committee of the program, which proceeds:
• checking and evaluating all the supporting documents submitted,
• the verification of the relevance of the degree to the subject matter of the MSc,
• the language proficiency,
• inviting and interviewing all candidates,
• drawing up an alphabetical list of candidates,
• drawing up an alphabetical list of the marks obtained by each candidate,
• drawing up the reserve list, in descending order, on the basis of the number of points obtained by each candidate and the list of successful candidates.
6 Successful applicants are invited to accept within 5 days (calendar days) to join the program.
Failure by a selected candidate to respond in time within the deadline set will be tantamount to withdrawal of his/her candidature. If there are resignations, the Secretariat shall inform the candidates who are next in the order of preference from the relevant list. Successful candidates will be required to pay at the time of registration for the first semester and to send proof of payment. The following is the registration at the MSc Secretariat.
7 The registration of successful candidates who have a degree from a foreign institution is completed only upon presentation of a certified copy of their degree (by any legal means).
2 Every year the Director of the MSc publishes a notice for the admission of postgraduate students to the MSc in the Press and on the website of the MSc and two (2) months before the deadline for applications.
Candidates' applications must be accompanied by the supporting documents specified below. Applications not accompanied by the necessary certificates or supporting documents will not be taken into consideration in the selection procedure. The invitation will specify the admission requirements, the categories of graduates and number of candidates, the admission procedure, the selection criteria, etc., the deadlines for submitting applications and the supporting documents required.
3 Candidate students must submit the following documents in English to the Secretariat of the MSc (electronically):
• A photocopy of your identity card.
• A complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae, including information on the candidate's studies, scientific and professional activity.
• Copies of diplomas and certificates (or Diploma Supplements) or a solemn declaration that they are expected to complete their graduation 10 days before the start of the courses of the MSc.
• A certificate, certifying level of knowledge of the English language at least C1 level
• Copies of foreign language certificates of at least B2 level in order to assess the application.
• Evidence of professional, educational experience and scientific activity in general (if available).
• Two letters of recommendation from University professors or Researchers of recognized Research Centres in Greece or abroad or from the Head of his/her Department if he/she is an employee and if available.
4 In the case of candidates who hold a first cycle degree from a foreign country, the Secretariat of the MSc in accordance with the provisions of the legislation, checks whether the institution of origin belongs to the National Register of Recognized Institutions of Foreign Countries and whether the type of degree belongs to the National Register of Types of Degrees of Recognized Institutions posted on the website of the D.O.A.T.A.P. If the degree from a foreign university is included in the D.O.A.T.A.P. list, the Secretariat of the program must request a Certificate of Location of Studies, which is issued and sent by the foreign university. Applications in which the Greek territory is confirmed as the place of study are excluded, unless the part of the studies that took place in the Greek territory is located in a public university.
5 The evaluation of candidates and the selection of admission is based on the overall score (on a scale of 1 - 100) on the following criteria:
A/N SELECTION CRITERIA FIGURES %
1 Degree/diploma marks 20%
2 Level of knowledge of the English language at least C1 level 15%
3 Publications in scientific journals, Presentations at scientific conferences (optional) 15%
4 Relevant professional experience (optional) 15%
5 Letters of recommendation (optional) 10%
6 Interview 25%
TOTAL 100%
The weightings of the above-mentioned criteria for the evaluation of candidates may be varied by a decision of the selection board, which will be taken before the announcement of the call for applications and will be included in the new version of the notice. The selection board will invite to an interview those candidates who meet the formal and substantive requirements within a period of time to be determined by the notice.
The selection process of the candidates is carried out by an appointed committee of the program, which proceeds:
• checking and evaluating all the supporting documents submitted,
• the verification of the relevance of the degree to the subject matter of the MSc,
• the language proficiency,
• inviting and interviewing all candidates,
• drawing up an alphabetical list of candidates,
• drawing up an alphabetical list of the marks obtained by each candidate,
• drawing up the reserve list, in descending order, on the basis of the number of points obtained by each candidate and the list of successful candidates.
6 Successful applicants are invited to accept within 5 days (calendar days) to join the program.
Failure by a selected candidate to respond in time within the deadline set will be tantamount to withdrawal of his/her candidature. If there are resignations, the Secretariat shall inform the candidates who are next in the order of preference from the relevant list. Successful candidates will be required to pay at the time of registration for the first semester and to send proof of payment. The following is the registration at the MSc Secretariat.
7 The registration of successful candidates who have a degree from a foreign institution is completed only upon presentation of a certified copy of their degree (by any legal means).
What is the duration of the studies?
1 The duration of study in this master is defined as three (3) semesters of full-time study, of which the last semester is allocated for the preparation of the thesis.
2 There is the possibility of extending the period of study for up to two (2) academic semesters, following a reasoned request by the student and approval by the Assembly. Τhe minimum duration for the award of the MSc is set at three (3) academic semesters and the maximum at five (5) academic semesters.
3 Students who have not exceeded the maximum limit of attendance, after a reasoned request, may interrupt their studies for a period not exceeding two consecutive semesters. Suspension of studies shall be granted for serious professional, family, personal or health reasons.
During the period of suspension, the student's student status is revoked and all his/her rights are suspended. Student status is automatically restored after the end of the suspension. The period of suspension shall not count towards the maximum period of study.
2 There is the possibility of extending the period of study for up to two (2) academic semesters, following a reasoned request by the student and approval by the Assembly. Τhe minimum duration for the award of the MSc is set at three (3) academic semesters and the maximum at five (5) academic semesters.
3 Students who have not exceeded the maximum limit of attendance, after a reasoned request, may interrupt their studies for a period not exceeding two consecutive semesters. Suspension of studies shall be granted for serious professional, family, personal or health reasons.
During the period of suspension, the student's student status is revoked and all his/her rights are suspended. Student status is automatically restored after the end of the suspension. The period of suspension shall not count towards the maximum period of study.
How are the lessons conducted?
1. Modern distance learning.
The organisation of the educational process of the MSc may also be carried out using modern distance learning methods. The organisation of courses and other educational activities using distance education methods refers to courses and educational activities which, by their nature, can be supported by the use of distance education methods and do not involve practical, laboratory or clinical training of the students, which require the participation of the students in physical presence. .
The support of the teaching staff and students on issues related to the e-learning system is provided at the first level (Department) by the Head of Department and at the second level (Institution) by the Digital Governance Unit of the University of Thessaly.
2. Asynchronous distance learning.
The educational process may be carried out using asynchronous distance learning methods, which do not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the credit hours of the MSc..
The University of Thessaloniki has an electronic platform on which educational material can be posted per course (notes, presentations, exercises). .
The online platform is also accessible to people with disabilities.
The organisation of the educational process of the MSc may also be carried out using modern distance learning methods. The organisation of courses and other educational activities using distance education methods refers to courses and educational activities which, by their nature, can be supported by the use of distance education methods and do not involve practical, laboratory or clinical training of the students, which require the participation of the students in physical presence. .
The support of the teaching staff and students on issues related to the e-learning system is provided at the first level (Department) by the Head of Department and at the second level (Institution) by the Digital Governance Unit of the University of Thessaly.
2. Asynchronous distance learning.
The educational process may be carried out using asynchronous distance learning methods, which do not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the credit hours of the MSc..
The University of Thessaloniki has an electronic platform on which educational material can be posted per course (notes, presentations, exercises). .
The online platform is also accessible to people with disabilities.
When can I enroll?
Applications are made every June and classes start in October. Please keep an eye on the announcements on our website for the relevant call for expressions of interest
How are supporting documents submitted?
Initially, the application is made electronically, by filling in the relevant form. Then, in case of acceptance, all supporting documents are sent to the MSc Secretariat within the prescribed deadline.
How much does it cost?
The tuition fees for attending the MSc are 5000 euros and are paid in installments in 3 equal installments during the MSc.
What are the benefits for PMS students?
• Student ID (Pass)
• Access to the Information Resources of the Central Libraries and a borrowing membership card
• Electronic account (e-mail)
• Internet access (the buildings have free WI-FI)
• Internet access from an external provider, to the online services of P.Th. and TEI of Thessaly from their computer via VPN.
More information at it.uth.gr
• Access to the Information Resources of the Central Libraries and a borrowing membership card
• Electronic account (e-mail)
• Internet access (the buildings have free WI-FI)
• Internet access from an external provider, to the online services of P.Th. and TEI of Thessaly from their computer via VPN.
More information at it.uth.gr
How can I obtain a personal Electronic Mail Address (eMail) at the University of Thessaly?
Every student upon registration at the Institution automatically acquires a personal Electronic Mail Address (eMail). No action is required on the part of the students in order to obtain their email at ΤΥ. The personal eMail is of the format username @uth.gr, where username is the User Name corresponding to the Institutional Account of each student. User login to E-Mail is done with the Institutional User Account. You can use the service to access e-mail through a website Webmail ((Webmail instructions)More information can be found in the document Email.
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