• Deakin University

SMEs and Digital Engagement

Find out about the technology tools available to small-to-medium-sized business and generate success.

769 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Why do businesses need to go digital?

This course will introduce you to the technology available to small-to-medium-sized enterprises and the opportunities digital engagement presents.

You’ll learn why every business needs to become a digital business and explore the benefits of using technology tools to generate success.

You’ll understand how to gain access to new markets and business channels through the use of technology.

Finally, you’ll identify new ways of engaging with customers via social media and other digital channels.

What topics will you cover?

  • Identify how every business is a “digital business” and how to best use technology to support business success
  • Explore how to access new markets and new business channels through technology
  • Identify new ways of engaging with customers via social media and other digital channels
  • Examine cyber threats, and practical steps to protect their business and customer information
  • Share in case studies where practical and cost effective digital engagement has transformed SMEs.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Assess the array of digital technologies promoted by vendors and select those most suitable for your SME
  • Discuss the importance of digital engagement to the success of your SME
  • Evaluate the most suitable technologies for your SME in a cost effective and sustainable way
  • Investigate SME visibility and appeal in the social media environment and digital channels to market.

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at current and aspiring small business owners and managers who want to keep up to date on the opportunities presented by digital transformation in SMEs.

Who will you learn with?

The Hon Bruce Billson earned the reputation of being a ‘SME champion' as a former Australian Small Business Minister. He is the Director, Small Business & Enterprise, Deakin University Business School

Dr Pittaway, Senior Lecturer (Student Engagement) in Deakin University's Faculty of Business and Law, is passionate about learning and teaching and developing others' (and her own) potential.

Who developed the course?

Deakin University

Deakin University is one of Australia’s largest universities with more than 61,000 students and over 15,000 online.

  • Established

    1974
  • Location

    Melbourne, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 280Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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You can use the hashtag #FLSMEsuccess to talk about this course on social media.