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Module

SUG3500 : Creativity, Innovation and Market Research in Science and Engineering UG

  • Offered for Year: 2022/23
  • Module Leader(s): Miss Katie Wray
  • Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

Aims

This module will adopt a person-centred approach to developing creativity, innovation and market research skills that will forensically examine assumptions around global and industry problems from which to determine actionable opportunities. You will be expected to interact with potential users to collect primary research data to support an opportunity that you identify.
The module is interdisciplinary across Engineering, Natural and Environmental Sciences, Computing and Mathematics, which will allow teams to bring together a diverse skills set through which to explore problems and challenges. Teams of students will undertake detailed market and design analysis to compile a report demonstrating the social/economic viability of a new opportunity.
Group working will be facilitated online using communities and breakout rooms. Present in Person workshops will support the application of your learning.
There are follow-on opportunities available through the University’s Start Up Programme in the Careers Service.

Outline Of Syllabus

Approaches to design thinking, innovation and problem solving
Future trends
The challenge of researching the market
The wise entrepreneur
The design evolution process
The Business Model Canvas
Evaluating opportunities
Intellectual Property
Managing the Finances
The entrepreneurial mind set

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion129:0029:00Market research activity: talking to users and stakeholders
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion15:005:00Sample reflective post and portfolio proposal
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials72:0014:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00Market Opportunity Profile
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading81:008:00Individual self-reflection
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops12:002:00PiP delivery
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity201:0020:00Group Meetings
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time21:002:00Synchronous delivery of one-to-one group drop-ins
Total100:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
SPG8501Creativity, Innovation and Market Research PG
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module uses a varied range of teaching methods and opportunities for experiential learning. These will include workshop activities alongside guest lectures and case study examples.
A significant focus of the module is on the individual’s ability to self-appraise their own creativity, innovation and market research capabilities with a view to how they may be deployed to solve problems and approach work in the future.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report1M40Group Market Opportunity Profile (4000 words plus additional appendices)
Portfolio1M60Individual skills portfolio (3 items plus a commentary)
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Reflective log1MPortfolio proposal
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Formative Assessment: Pass/Fail
Individual students will submit a sample reflective blog post to ensure that they are undertaking the process of self-reflection as learning, and drawing consistent outcomes. Feedback to support the likelihood of success in Assessment 2 will be given. Alongside this, students can select how they would like to be assessed for their portfolio. 3 items must be chosen, but there is complete flexibility and choice as to which items an individual student feels best represents their capabilities in this area.
Assessment 1: Market Opportunity Report (40%)
Drawing upon research work, skills and practice throughout the module, this group assessment will document a rationale for spending more time/money/effort on the development of an opportunity into a formal business plan. Rather than producing a business plan, this is a preliminary document which concludes what has been found, with evidence, which makes for a strong pre-business plan proposal.
Assessment 2: Individual Skills Portfolio (60%)
Student will develop awareness and a wide range of key skills within the graduate attributes framework through experiential learning that contextualises an innovation mind set. Through reflection and review students will draw outcomes and develop an evidence base for the future. This will be captured through 3 items in a portfolio chosen by the individual student. Students will have received approval of their portfolio choices in the formative assessment.
Group assessment will be subject to peer assessment using the University’s tool for peer evaluation of group work contribution.

Reading Lists

Timetable