New Product Innovation D, 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 course is given and examined in English.

Expected learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

• Identify and analyse the strategic elements of new product innovation, e.g. the process, different functions, and individual 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 propose suitable strategies depending on product and situation.
• Propose a framework suitable for the management of new product innovation processes that also includes life-cycle assessment, together with sustainability and ethical considerations.
• 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

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 of this course will be based upon the student's active participation in seminars, a written comprehensive individual exam and successful completion of written group coursework as assigned.
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.

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.