Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module BUSI53315: INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI53315: INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap
Tied to N1K607
Tied to N1K307
Tied to N1K807
Tied to N1K507
Tied to N1KL07

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To enable students to study the principles and practice of managing innovation and technology at an advanced level.

Content

  • The evolution of innovations and technologies: static models of innovation; technology-push and market-pull models; invention and innovation; radical and incremental models; evolutionary models and Christensen’s disruptive/sustaining model of innovation
  • The diffusion process and the danger of the 'chasm': traditional and social network-based approaches to diffusion of innovation
  • Breakthrough innovation: current trends in the management of innovation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
    Have an advanced contextual knowledge of innovation as a key organisational process in modern companies.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Be able to critically evaluate the impact of innovation on organisational strategy.
Key Skills:
    Written communication; oral communication; teamwork; interpersonal skills; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The learning outcomes will be met through a series of lectures, seminar discussions and presentations, together with guided reading.
  • The assessment of the module, by written assignment and group presentation, is designed to: test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge; test conceptual understanding and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 8 2 hours 16
Seminars 6 1 hour 6
Preparation & Reading 128
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Group presentation Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Group presentation based either on a case study or on the assessment of the innovation capabilities of a real company. There will be approximately 4 students in each group and all will be expected to present. All group members will receive the same mark for this element. 45 minutes 100% In the event of a FT student being ill or being required to retake the group presentation element, the assessment will take the form of an individual written assignment of 1,000 words (maximum.
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual written assignment 2,000 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

Group presentation


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University