Digital Innovation, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course examines how innovations in information technology (IT) and the digital properties they have can be used to develop business processes. The course addresses the development of organizational flexibility and how to stimulate IT-supported innovation of business processes. An important dimension in this context is to understand and anticipate trends and changes in both technology development and market development as well as knowledge of methods and tools to support organizational product and service innovation. Customers are particularly important to include in innovation processes as they can contribute both important insights and skills in development processes, which have important implications for business processes. During the course, key issues in innovation research will be addressed and related to digitalization. The course provides an overall picture of the debate about the nature of the innovation process and how IT and digitalization affect innovation processes.

Expected learning outcomes

Regarding knowledge and understanding the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:

• Describe different approaches to innovation processes.
• Explain digital innovation processes.

Regarding proficiency and aptitude the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:

• Analyze digital innovation processes.
• Evaluate and develop digital innovation processes.

Regarding evaluative capacity and approach the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:

• Reflect on the opportunities and risks associated with digital innovation processes.
• Evaluate and identify the core content of the literature as well as compile and present this to an audience.

Required Knowledge

Admission to the course requires 90 credits in informatics, computer science, business administration, media and communication studies, pedagogics, psychology, political science or sociology (or equivalent competence). Also required is English B/6.

Form of instruction

Teaching is done preferably in the form of lectures, seminars, group exercises and supervision in connection with self-studies. During the course necessary computer applications, which students shall use on their own, are introduced and maintained. Some assistance is given in the use of these applications. Some teaching moments may be compulsory. Good ability in written presentation and English are important for assimilating the course.

Examination modes

Examination is done by individual assignments, active participation in seminars and group work.  Examination assumes good ability in written and oral presentation in English. The grade given is pass with distinction, pass or fail. For students who do not obtain a pass after the first attempt an additional examination is normally arranged within a short time afterwards.

Students who do not obtain a pass after two examination attempts are allowed to participate in three further examinations. In order to do so the student must register for the course during the term the examination is given. For additional attempts to pass the exam special dispensation is needed from the director of studies or the student counsellor.

The appointed examiner may decide to use other forms of examination if required by particular circumstances

Crediting of a Course
An application to transfer credits from previous courses should be sent to the registrar (Registrator, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå). The application is then forwarded to the department of Informatics for assessment. The application must state for which course the credit transfer is requested.  Authentic copies of course certificates or equivalent must be presented showing grade, higher education institution, date, field of study, level of study, credit points and so on. Also required is the course syllabus including literature for courses whose credits are to be transferred. For further information see “Transfer of Credits at Umeå University” (DNR: 540-3589-09).