Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)

Module BUSI4P610: Technology and Innovation (EBS)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI4P610: Technology and Innovation (EBS)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2018/19 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1T817

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce the students to the development, drivers, and trends of technology innovation
  • To provide students with a critical understanding of the key theories of technology innovation
  • To identify the critical challenges for organisations that initiated or adopted technology innovation to create value
  • To explore the role of organisational structure and culture on technology innovation
  • To compare technology innovation across cultures and geographies

Content

  • Introduction to technology innovation
  • Models of technology innovation
  • Dominant design
  • Disruptive innovation
  • Open innovation
  • Breakthrough innovation
  • Innovation adoption within the organisation
  • Innovation spread across the geographies and cultures
  • Innovation in manufacturing and service companies
  • Technology innovation for social enterprises
  • Technology innovation in agriculture and retail
  • Technology innovation and new business models
  • Technology innovation creating new markets
  • Sustainability and technology innovation

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • Have a critical understanding of the process of technology innovation, the drivers, trends and barriers.
  • Have a detailed understanding of the role of technological Innovation as a game changer in terms of creating new products or markets.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • Be able to critically examine current and future social and business trends to identify potential opportunities for technological innovations.
  • Be able to analyse and critically evaluate the organizations that are leading in technology innovation.
  • Be able to identify the underlying drivers and future trends in technological innovations.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication
  • 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

  • Learning outcomes are met through classroom-based workshops, supported by online resources. The workshops consist of a combination of taught input, groupwork, case studies and discussion. Online resources provide supplementary material for the workshops – typically consisting of directed reading and video content.
  • The formative assessment consists of classroom-based exercises involving individual and group analysis of specific business situations/problems, simulation exercises and business games relevant to the learning outcomes of the module. Feedback will be given as appropriate.
  • The summative assessment is a business report based on a specific topic or scenario in technology innovation. This is designed to test students’ skills in problem identification, their theoretical understanding, and their ability to analyse the situation in order to categorise the potential solutions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussions) 6 Over a 3-day teaching block 4.5 hours 27
Webinars 2
Preparation, Revision and Reading 71
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Business report 3000 words max 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

A range of formative assessment methods will be used, including case study based exercises, group presentations and group discussions, simulation exercises and business games designed to prepare students for the summative business report. Oral and written feedback will be provided on an individual and/or group basis as appropriate.


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