IT Innovation, 15 Credits

Contents

The course examines how innovations in information technology (IT) and the digital capabilities, which these provide, can be used for developing business processes. The course covers the development of organisational flexibility and how to stimulate IT supported innovation of business processes. An important dimension in this connection is to understand and anticipate trends and changes in both technology and market development. Especially important is to include customers in innovation processes since these can contribute with both insight and competence in process development, with important implications for business processes. The course covers key issues in innovation research that relate to issues concerning digitalisation.  An encompassing view is provided of the debates around the nature of innovation processes and how IT and digitalisation influences innovation processes.

Expected learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Regarding knowledge and understanding, the student should be able to:
- Describe different approaches to innovation processes.
- Explain IT-based innovation processes.

Regarding competence and skills, the student should be able to:
- Analyze IT-related innovation processes.
- Evaluate and develop IT-based innovation processes.
- Perform, document and present a project work.
- Analyze the importance of IT for innovation processes based on the course literature.

Regarding judgement and approach, the student should be able to:
- Reflect on the opportunities and risks associated with IT-based innovation processes.
- Reflect on ethical issues and gender issues related to the use of IT for innovation.
- Evaluate and identify the literature's core content and compile and present this to an audience.

Required Knowledge

Univ: 90 ECTS in one of the following subjects; Informatics, Business Administration, Education, Psychology, Political Science, or Sociology (or equivalent).

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section).

Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Teaching is given mainly in the form of lectures and tutorials in connection with self-instruction and when performing obligatory computer laboratory assignments or other assignments. Some parts of the course can require obligatory attendance. Teaching can be done in English. All necessary computer applications to be used by the students on their own are introduced and maintained during the course. Some assistance is provided when using these applications. Good knowledge in performing written presentations and the English language are important in order to be able to complete the course.

During the course the student will have round the clock access to several of the departments computer laboratories, except when these have been booked for other courses.

Examination modes

Examination is given in the form of a written exam, seminar participation and project work. Final grades are pass with distinction, pass or fail. For students who fail the first exam a second exam is normally given soon afterwards. Students who do not pass the exam after these two attempts have the possibility to take the exam three more times when the exam is given. To be able to do so requires that the student be registered for the course during the term the exam is given. Additional attempts to take the exam require permission of the director of studies or the student counselor.