Innovation Management D, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The aim of the course is to provide understandings of how innovation takes place and what the important explanatory factors, as well as the economic and social consequences, are. The focus of the course is on practices and processes that entrepreneurs and managers use to manage innovation effectively in new and existing organizations and in networks. The course design is grounded in the assumption that an integrated approach to strategy (why?) and implementation (how?) of innovation is necessary. The module provides exercises on applying innovation related theories to specific context and phases of innovation.

The course is given and examined in English.

Expected learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

• Systematically integrate knowledge and understanding of different aspects of innovation, and its role in business and society
• Critically review current research and developments in innovation management
• Apply innovation-related theories in different settings in order to generate new approaches to innovation
• Identify, evaluate and suggests solutions to challenges in large and small organizations relating to innovative performance
• Demonstrate awareness of sustainability aspects of innovation
• Assess the personal need for further knowledge  and take responsibility for his/her own learning
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing

Required Knowledge

90 credits out of which 75 credits in Business Administration whereof 15 credit bachelor courses or equivalent. Approved 52,5 credits whereof 7,5 credits in bachelor courses.
It is required to have broad knowledge of different specializations within the subject of Business Administration i.e. Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

The course comprises introductory lectures providing an overview of the wide topic of innovation management and adjunct group works in a form of four workshops, preparing the student-groups for active participation in full days Innovation Camp. The Innovation Camp is organized by the collaborating companies and the instructors of the module on innovation challenges the companies are facing. In order to gain deeper and more reflective knowledge on the different aspects of innovation management and to learn to document one’s creative learning process, students are asked to write their learning journal on a regular basis during the whole module. The course requires significant amount of independent study, which is also the fundamental to be able to contribute to group work. It is the student's responsibility to come prepared for lectures, workshops and the Innovation Camp and to participate actively in discussions.

Examination modes

The basis of examination in this module are the individual learning journal , and the group works; Workshops, Innovation Camp and Pitching to companies. Each group work is examined based on written reports and presentations. Attendance at all workshops, Innovation Camp and the main presentation events of pitching the solution to the companies are mandatory and thus a requirement to pass the course. All examinations will be in English.

The following grading system is used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).

Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. The course is given and examined in English.
To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.

A student who does not pass at the time of the written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within two months. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, the Director of Studies may decide on other forms of examination

In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given, no later than two weeks after the completion of the module. Mandatory assignments (seminars, written assignments, cases, computer assignments etc.) that have not been handed in within stipulated time must be done the next time the course is offered. If the form of examination does not permit repetition other forms of re-examination may be used.

When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.

A student who has passed an examination cannot redo the examination to get a higher grade.

If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written exam in an exam room will not be allowed to take the exam.

Disciplinary action may be taken against students who uses unauthorized help aids or in some other way tries to mislead on a test or when another type of task is being evaluated. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (See instructions in the thesis manual, Thesis Writing in Business Administration). Urkund records may be used for control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research applies:  http://www.umu.se/regelverk/utbildning-pa-grund--och-avancerad-niva

Educational activities are designed to facilitate students towards achieving expected learning outcomes and can explain, supplement and provide contrast to the course literature and other relevant course materials.

Other regulations

Academic credit transfer is done in accordance with the University credit transfer regulations.