HR ANALYTICS AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Syllabus
Updated A.Y. 2025-2026
Learning Objectives
This course, "HR Analytics and Digital Transformation," explores the integration of HR data analysis with digital transformation strategies to enhance organizational performance. Over six weeks, students will learn key concepts in HR Analytics, data collection and management, and advanced analysis techniques. The course also covers digital tools for talent acquisition, workforce planning, and optimizing HR processes. Emphasis will be placed on measuring the impact of HR initiatives and effectively communicating insights.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
The course aims to introduce the topic of HR analytics, understood both as an organizational variable that guides and influences people's behaviour and as a component of the technological assets available to companies. Students will be provided with interpretative models to appreciate this dual dimension.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
By the end of the course, students will understand what is meant by HR Analytics, the tools available, and how they are used in a descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive perspective. They will also understand how HR Analytics integrates into human resource management and the trends in digital transformation. In a constantly innovating context, students are expected to understand the topics discussed, rather than memorize tools and concepts, which could quickly become obsolete. Consequently, a deep understanding of HR Analytics will enable students to tackle complex problems, even in a continuously changing environment.
ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Through the acquired knowledge and understanding, students should be able to develop the skills and abilities necessary to undesratnd how HR Analytics integrates into human resource management and how they can enrich the task without depersonalizing it. By the end of the course, students will be able to plan, implement using appropriate tools, and use data analysis tools related to human resource management in various areas where they can contribute to HR management.
AUTONOMY OF JUDGMENT:
Students will be able to critically reflect on the role of HR Analytics systems and understand that such tools are not neutral but should be evaluated within a broader framework of organizational design. In particular, by the end of the course, students will be able to understand how the design of the HR Analytics system supports the design of human resource management. They will critically evaluate different tools and their impact on the organization.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
By the end of the course, students will be able to address the topic of HR analytics in written and oral form, using technical language appropriate to the interlocutors and the reference context. They will also demonstrate the ability to analyze even complex problems.
LEARNING SKILLS:
Students will achieve autonomy in learning about the evolution of HR analytics, using a study and research method suitable for deepening the knowledge acquired.
Prerequisites
None
Program
The course will be organized around six main topics. Each topic will be covered during one of the weekly sessions, following a progressive structure.
WEEK 1: Technology as a Theme in Organization StudiesIn this first week, we will lay the critical foundations for discussing digital transformation and HR analytics, avoiding a technologically deterministic perspective. We will contextualize the topic and explore how technology has been theorized within organization studies.
WEEK 2: Perspectives on Technology, Organization, and Digital TransformationIn the second week, we will conclude our discussion of the theoretical approaches to technology in organization studies and introduce the topic of digital transformation in greater depth.
WEEK 3: The Relevance and Impact of HR AnalyticsIn week three, we will begin exploring HR analytics, introducing the second textbook. We will examine what HR analytics are, why we sometimes refer to people analytics or workforce analytics, and what role they play in creating value within an HR strategy. We will also discuss their potential to generate competitive advantage.
WEEK 4: Skills for Descriptive, Predictive, and Prescriptive HR AnalyticsThis week, we will examine the concept of people analytics maturity and how HR analytics can be used in descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive ways. We will also explore the extent to which HR analytics are being adopted by organizations in Italy.
WEEK 5: Data Collection and AnalysisIn week five, we will take a closer look at data collection, data cleaning, and analysis. We will also explore how Excel can be used to build an interactive dashboard, engaging in a hands-on exercise to develop a practical analytics tool.
WEEK 6: The Role of Artificial IntelligenceIn the final week, we will focus on the interpretation of HR analytics and how insights can be turned into action. Additionally, we will discuss the role of artificial intelligence—both as a tool to be used critically and in light of the constraints and opportunities defined by the AI Act.
Books
The textbooks are:
- Plesner, U., & Husted, E. (2019). Digital organizing: Revisiting themes in organization studies. Bloomsbury Publishing. Chapters 2 and 3.
- van Vulpen, E. (2019). The Basic Principles of People Analytics: Learn how to use HR data to drive better outcomes for your business and employees. AHIR. All chapters. The book is openly available: https://www.aihr.com/resources/The_Basic_principles_of_People_Analytics.pdf
Additional materials will be uploaded directly to the online platform.
Teaching methods
The course will be delivered as a distance learning course on an online platform. The course will include:
• Live and recorded lectures
• Case discussions and videos
• Talks with industry experts
• Live and asynchronous interactions on the course platform
• Assignments for students
• Q&A sessions
The course will be structured over six weeks, each organized around a main theme. There will be a total of at least six hours of teaching through web conference lectures (Instructional Teaching), and at least six hours of interactive teaching (participation in discussions, collaborative activities, and case studies). These discussions will be organized both synchronously and through asynchronous forum discussions. In particular, the interactivity of online discussion forums allows for in-depth learning, replacing seminar activities with the advantage of being organized iteratively and interactively, achieving better depth than a frontal seminar with limited possibilities for interaction between the instructor and each student.
Through personalized interaction and the possibility of asynchronous forum interaction, each student can engage in the most inclusive manner, even considering situations where the digital medium can prevent potential exclusion phenomena.
The teaching materials will be made available online in three main ways, depending on the type of material:
• Materials necessary for self-learning will be made available online at the beginning of the course.
• Support materials for interactive and instructional teaching will be made available weekly.
• Materials for in-depth case discussions will be made available during the course, with specific timings for each task, always allowing ample participation time for each student. For example, in the case of group work with an online presentation, the material may be made available online on day X, the presentation will be required 4 days later, and after another 4 days, further interaction will be required where different groups will act as discussants for each other, and so on.
Exam Rules
The exam consists of a written test including multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions, focused on theoretical issues, their applications, and the discussion of short cases. The use of any sources (notes, diagrams, books) or electronic media is not allowed during the exam.
The grade will be communicated through the exam registration platform (Delphi). In addition, during the week following the exam, and before the finalization of the records, a review session will be organized.
The exam will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Not suitable: major gaps and/or inaccuracies in knowledge and understanding of the topics; limited analytical and synthesis skills, frequent generalizations, and poor critical thinking and judgment; arguments presented inconsistently and with inappropriate language.
- 18–20: basic knowledge and understanding of the topics, with some generalizations and inaccuracies; sufficient ability in analysis, synthesis, and independent judgment; topics often presented inconsistently and with inadequate or imprecise technical language.
- 21–23: standard knowledge and understanding of the topics; adequate analytical and synthesis skills; sufficiently coherent logical structure and appropriate technical language.
- 24–26: good knowledge and understanding of the topics; solid analytical and synthesis skills; arguments expressed with rigor, although the language is not always precise or technical.
- 27–29: complete knowledge and understanding of the topics; strong analytical and synthesis abilities; good level of independent judgment; topics presented rigorously and with appropriate technical language.
- 30–30L: excellent and in-depth knowledge and understanding of the topics; outstanding analytical, synthesis, and critical thinking skills; arguments expressed in an original manner and with precise technical language.
e, and Prescriptive HR AnalyticsThis week, we will examine the concept of people analytics maturity and how HR analytics can be used in descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive ways. We will also explore the extent to which HR analytics are being adopted by organizations in Italy.
WEEK 5: Data Collection and AnalysisIn week five, we will take a closer look at data collection, data cleaning, and analysis. We will also explore how Excel can be used to build an interactive dashboard, engaging in a hands-on exercise to develop a practical analytics tool.
WEEK 6: The Role of Artificial IntelligenceIn the final week, we will focus on the interpretation of HR analytics and how insights can be turned into action. Additionally, we will discuss the role of artificial intelligence—both as a tool to be used critically and in light of the constraints and opportunities defined by the AI Act.