Year
2021
Units
4.5
Contact
On Campus
6 x 6--hour intensive workshops per semester
1 x 99-hour independent study per semester

Online
6 x 6--hour online lectures per semester
4 x 1-hour online tutorial per semester
1 x 95-hour independent study per semester
Assessment
Assignment(s), Journal
Topic description

The rise of new digital technology in industry - i.e. Industry 4.0 - has provided transformation that makes it possible for companies to source and analyse data across machines, enable more flexible, faster and efficient processes to produce at reduced costs, higher quality goods and services. While much attention is given to the impact and role of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing, the wine industry too is being transformed, made more productive and enhanced due to the incorporation of digital developments and capabilities. This topic will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape across the wine and spirits sector. This includes the use of big data & analytics, blockchain as part of the 'Internet of Things' and fintech, horizontal and vertical systems of integration, AI, the cloud, cybersecurity, distribution solutions, CRM and digital marketing.

Educational aims
This topic aims to provide students with insight into the technologies transforming industrial production and agribusiness; how various technologies support and improve both vineyard and distillery productivity while supporting customer management and development and how some of these concepts may be linked to tourism engagement. It will also cover the use of analytics and other digital strategies such as e-commerce to support marketing and distribution. Additionally, the topic aims to provide students with an understanding of the principles of the international wine & spirits action market in the context of provenance, tampering, counterfeits and tracking.
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

  1. Explain the key principles and the role of digital technology in the wine and spirits sector

  2. Investigate opportunities to assess the potential of new and existing digital technologies to impact the wine & spirits industry

  3. Develop a digital management plan for that relates to their individual area of industry interest (i.e. wine and/or distillery management, winemaker, sommelier, wine tourism, marketing, operations, international sales, etc.)

  4. Assess decisions and actions to identify areas for improvement