Main Field of Study and progress level:
Business Administration: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Business Administration
Contents
Through this course the students will learn about product planning and development from a strategic perspective. To enhance students’ understanding of factors affecting the implementation of strategic plans, this course highlights methods for the management of new products in companies. The course focuses on different stages in the new products process and includes assignments on how to develop new marketing offerings that fit current and future demands in the market. The students will, therefore, gain knowledge of how to set up and manage the new product development process, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
The course is given and examined in English.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing this course, the student should be able to:
Identify and analyse the strategic elements of product development processes.
Develop a product innovation charter.
Apply idea generation techniques, and
Create and test viable product concepts using appropriate assessment techniques.
Assess the challenges and opportunities associated with the launch of new products
Propose a framework suitable for the management of a new product development process.
Required Knowledge
University: Courses in Business Administration (75 ECTS) At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 ECTS in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance courses. At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 ECTS.
Language: Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 20 on the Writing Section).
Form of instruction
Principal methods of instruction are lectures, seminars, group assignments and discussions. The students will practice decision-making, and identification of solutions to deal with challenges in the product development process when working on these assignments. The students are expected to read the assigned materials and participate actively in seminar discussions.
Examination modes
The examination in this course is based upon the student’s active participation in seminars, a written comprehensive individual exam and completion of group assignments. A passing grade is required for each part of the course.
The following grading system will be used: • Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more), • Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more) • Fail (Underkänd, U, less than 50%).
In order to pass the course, the student must complete all parts of the examination i.e. reach 50% of the points of each part. To receive the grade pass with distinction, the student must reach at least 75% of the total points on the course.
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 course.
Students who fail to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written examination cannot have their results registered.
Students who do not pass at the time of the normal written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within a month. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term.
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.
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.
Lectures are normally not obligatory. However attendance is expected because the lectures are designed to facilitate students towards achieving course specific learning objectives. In addition lectures often provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course litterateur and other relevant course materials.
Student who has passed an examination cannot re-sitthe examination to get a higher grade.
Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements.
Academic credit transfer Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.
Other regulations
This is a course at the D-level in a MSc-degree at Umeå University. The course can also be included in study programs in Business Administration and Economics at Umeå School of Business and Economics.
Literature
Valid from:
2014 week 3
New products management Crawford C. Merle, Di Benedetto C. Anthony 10th ed. : New York : McGraw-Hill Irwin : c2011 : xvi, 576 p. : ISBN: 978-0-07-128923-8 (pbk.) Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
Umeå School of Business and Economics (latest edition) Thesis writing in Business Administration. Thesis manual. Företagsekonomi :
