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. Consequently, it incorporates examples of both successful and unsuccessful innovation projects.

Expected learning outcomes

By completion of the course, the students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different aspects of innovation, and its role in business and society
• Demonstrate insight into 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 ethical aspects of innovation
• Asses the personal need for further knowledge  and take responsibility for his/her own learning

Required Knowledge

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.

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

In addition to lectures and guest lectures, learning is supported by the student’s individually written learning journal, case analyses, and workshops in cooperation with one of Umeå University’s incubator. The course requires significant amount of independent study. This means reading the assigned compulsory book chapters and articles. It is the student's responsibility to come prepared for lectures and seminars, and to participate actively in discussions. In order to gain deeper and more reflective knowledge on the different aspects of innovation management and to learn to document one’s creative process, students are asked to write their learning journal on a regular basis.
 

Examination modes

The basis of examination in this course consists of the learning journal as well as case and workshop reports. Case and workshop reports are performed in groups and the learning journal is individual. Attendance at case-seminars and workshops is mandatory and is thus a requirement to pass the course. A passing grade for each graded part of the course is required to pass.
All examinations will be in English.

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%).

Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements.
 
To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 ECTS 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 other 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 a month. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term.
 
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. 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.

If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written examination cannot have his or her results registered.

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

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.

The lectures 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 transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.