New Product Innovation, 7.5 credits

Contents

The aim of the course is to explore the challenges and benefits of providing solutions to customer needs by studying innovation from a new product development and marketing perspective. The focus is to enhance students' understanding of factors affecting the implementation of strategic plans by highlighting methods for managing the new product development process. The course design covers the different stages of the development process all the way to positioning and market entry strategies, as well as including aspects like design, internal versus open innovation approach, platform/modular thinking, rapid prototyping, and mass customization. The student’s innovation project includes Life-cycle assessment (LFA), End-of Life (EoL) and design for Re-X evaluations as part of the project’s integrated sustainability strategy.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to:

• identify and analyse central elements of new product innovation, e.g. the process, different functions, and key roles,
• assess and evaluate advantages and disadvantages with an internal versus open innovation approach,
• assess the challenges and opportunities associated with the launch of a new product and be able to propose suitable launch-strategies depending on product and situation,
• include Life-cycle assessment (LCA), End-of-Life (EoL) and Re-X in sustainability and ethical considerations when evaluating innovation projects,
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing.

Required Knowledge

90 credits whereof 60 credits in Business Administration. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.

Form of instruction

Principal methods of instruction are lectures, seminars, and case assignments. The design of the course allows students to attend lectures, and discuss cases in groups of four to five participants. When appropriate, guest speakers will be invited to describe practical dimensions of the product development processes.
The students will practice decision-making, and suggest solutions to challenges in the product development process when working with the case assignments. It is the student's responsibility to come prepared for lecture, cases, seminars, and to participate actively in discussions.

Examination modes

The examination consists of

- the student's active participation in seminars,
- written individual hall exam,
- a written group coursework.

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%).

The grade on the course is awarded when the student has passed all examinations. The course is given and examined in English.

A student who does not pass the first examination will be offered an opportunity for re-examination within 2 months. An additional examination opportunity is normally offered every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, another form of examination can be used.

A student that has failed an examination on two occasions has a right to have another examiner or grading teacher appointed, unless there are special reasons against it. A written request addressed to the Director of Studies should be made no later than 14 days before the next examination opportunity.

Adaptations
Examiners may decide on deviations from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Academic integrity and cheating
As a student, you are expected to act with academic integrity. This means writing and presenting within the limits of the academic rules and expectations communicated in the university's regulations and what is otherwise specified by the responsible department. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who use unauthorized help aids or in some other way try to mislead in examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing is applicable to written assignments. Submitted material is subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Other regulations

This course can not be included in the degree together with 2FE205.

Transfer of credits
Student who considers themselves to possess knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional or vocational experience that can be comparable to a course or part of a course, can apply for transfer of credits. Approved transfer of credits means that the student does not need to take the or those parts of the course that the decision covers. Information about transfer of credits can be found on Umeå University's web site.

This document has been translated from Swedish into English. If the English version differs from the original, the Swedish version takes precedence.