BUS2017 : Introduction to Innovation and Technology Management
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Neil Alderman
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module provides a general introduction to a range of models, concepts and principles 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 the innovation process 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
•Defining innovation and technology
•Who are the innovators? – individuals, small firms and large firms in the innovation process
•Micro perspectives on innovation and technological change – product life cycles
•Industry and macro perspectives on innovation and technological change – long waves and industry life cycles
•Success and failure in innovation
•Research and development and the product development process
•Innovation in services
•Innovation strategy
•Creating and maintaining an innovative company environment
•Intellectual property
•Innovation in networks
•Customer involvement in innovation
•User innovation
•Open innovation
•Strategic alliances for innovation
•Involving suppliers in product development
•The changing locus of innovation – moving down the value chain and integrated solutions
•Promoting innovation: policy, clusters and national systems of innovation
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 0:20 | 0:20 | Assignment group tutorials (online if needed) for formative guidance/feedback on group project ideas |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Conventional Pip lecture, but may be supported by online material in a flipped classroom mode |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 44:00 | 44:00 | Includes research and preparation of exam essay on chosen topic |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Lecture and seminar preparation/pre-reading |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Pip seminars (may be moved online if required). |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 1 | 29:40 | 29:40 | Group work for assignment project - includes individual research and preparation of project report. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 66:00 | 66:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Pip: Includes whole class discussion of cases/topics, assessment clinics, revision session etc |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lecture materials 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.
The group assignment provides the opportunity for the ideas and lessons obtained from the lectures and the literature to be applied in an analysis of a specific innovation or technology. The assignment is supported by a group tutorial.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 1440 | 2 | A | 50 | 2 sections: unseen short answer questions; and essay on seen choice of topic. 24 hour take-home format. |
| Digital Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 25 | In Person MCQ Exam |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 25 | Group assignment 2,500 words. Assessment prepared from mid semester 1 -semester 2. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Formative on-line assessment on Canvas towards the end of Semester 1 to prepare for MCQ exam. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The exams test students' knowledge of the subject, and their ability to critically assess competing theories and perspectives. Short answer questions assess knowledge of specific topics, whilst the essay on a seen chosen topic assesses depth of understanding of a central cross-cutting theme within the course and the ability to fashion a coherent argument in support of a particular proposition about the innovation process. The group assignment tests students' ability to apply models and theories about the innovation and technology management process to the context of a specific innovation through original collective investigation of a range of academic and web-based empirical sources.
Formative assessment is provided through the on-line MCQ test that is designed to provide students with feedback regarding their level of understanding. Formative guidance on the group innovation report is provided to the project groups through the group tutorial. Online Canvas quizzes provide automated formative feedback.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BUS2017's Timetable