Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

Students need a basic grounding in principles of management and organisation, which underpins innovation and technology management and the organisational context for innovation.

For incoming study abroad and exchange students: Students would need to have studied the basics of management and organisation. They don't need prior exposure to concepts and theories of innovation, but do need to understand how business organisations are structured and have a basic understanding of industry organisation and structures.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This module provides a general introduction to a range of concepts, principles and models relating to the innovation process. It provides students with an understanding of the definition of innovation, its strategic importance and a range of managerial issues relating to the pursuit of innovation through product or service development and technology implementation in business. It provides both an internal organisational perspective on innovation management and an external perspective on innovation through networks and collaboration. Emphasis is placed on conditions promoting innovation success and a critical assessment of their application in different contexts. The module aims to raise awareness of the pivotal role of innovation in the creation of competitive advantage and in delivering economic and social change. It sets the management of innovation and technology in its wider organisational and business context and highlights the importance of a critical approach to decisions about innovation and technology management.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module explores a range of topics related to innovation and technology management, including:
• The definition, nature and patterns of innovation and technological change
• Creating and capturing value from innovation and technology
• Open innovation and ecosystem
• Business model and service innovation
• Strategic and organisational aspects of innovation management
• Entrepreneurial aspect of technology management
• Macro perspectives on innovation and technology management

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1) Students will be able to distinguish a range of established and emerging models for the management of innovation and technology in manufacturing and service environments and apply them to specific cases of innovation.

2) Students are expected to be able to contrast alternative perspectives on the innovation process and its management in both manufacturing and service environments.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1) Students are expected to be able to use the innovation and technology management literature critically.

2) Students are expected to be able to produce and present findings of research into a specific innovation, or facets of the innovation process, derived from both empirical and theoretical academic sources, in a professional written style.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures introduce students to the main theories of and approaches to Innovation and Technology Management as it applies to both manufacturing and service activities. Students are introduced to some of the key debates and controversies in the subject area. Critical approaches to the literature are demonstrated through the lectures.

The seminars permit more detailed discussion of specific issues and case examples.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assignments are designed to assess the breadth and depth of students’ understanding of the subject knowledge and their ability to critically appraise competing theories and perspectives and apply them to specific topics and cases.
Opportunities for formative assessment, feedback and guidance will be provided in the seminars and drop-in sessions.

General Notes

N/A