Newcastle University

Aims

This module aims to introduce students to the concept of innovation and processes of technology management. To inform students about, and raise awareness of, the pivotal role of innovation in the creation of competitive advantage and in delivering economic and social change. To provide students with a basis for critical judgement with regard to the management of innovation and technology within manufacturing and service organisations. To set the management of innovation and technology in its wider organisational and business context.

Original Summary:
This module provides a general introduction to a range of models, concepts and principles relating to the innovation process in manufacturing and service business organisations. It provides students with a basic 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. It emphasises conditions promoting innovation success and critical assessment of their application in different contexts.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Defining innovation and technology. 2. Micro perspectives on innovation and technological change - product life cycles, dominant design. 3. Industry and macro perspectives on innovation and technological change - long waves and industry life cycles. 4. Who are the innovators? - individuals, small firms and large firms in the innovation process. 5. Success and failure in innovation. 6. Innovation in services. 7. Intellectual property. 8. Innovation strategy. 9. The resource based view. 10. Creating and maintaining an innovative company environment. 11. The new product development process. 12. Innovation in networks. 13. Customer and user involvement in innovation. 14. Involving suppliers in product development. 15. Strategic alliances for innovation. 16. The changing locus of innovation - moving down the value chain and integrated solutions. 17. Managing the implementation of new technology: the role of IT in service innovation. 18. Promoting innovation: policy and clusters. 19. National systems of innovation.

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 will be introduced to some of the key debates and controversies in the subject area. Critical approaches to the literature willl be demonstrated through the lectures.

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

The group assignment will provide 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 will be supported by a group tutorial.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam will test students' knowledge of the subject, and their ability to critically assess competing theories and perspectives. The MCQs assess breadth of knowledge of basic concepts and ideas. Short answer questions assess knowledge of specific topics in more depth. The 'seen' long essay question assesses depth of understanding of a central cross-cutting theme within the course. The group assignment tests students' ability to apply theory about the innovation process to the context of a specific innovation and requires original investigation of a range of academic and web-based sources.


Resit by examination only.