Module Directory

This module introduces the student to a contemporary view of managing innovation - the development of new products, processes, and services. It is concerned with the study of the innovation process.

The process is understood to evolve as an S-shaped curve consisting of three distinct phases: emergence (the development of the product or service, its manufacturing capabilities, and its place in the market), growth (where the product family pervades the market), and maturity (where the market is saturated and growth slows).

The relationship between the innovation process and the use and management of technology, together with its links to the development of innovation strategy, dynamic interactions with innovation networks, learning processes and government support for innovation, provides for the content of this module.

The aim of this module is:

• To equip students with the knowledge, expertise and skills with which to manage the innovation process both at the strategic and the operational levels in different types of organisations.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Have obtained a clear understanding of the micro perspective of innovation concerning technology S-curve, punctuated equilibrium, dominant design, and absorptive capacity.


2. Have acquired a clear understanding of the sources of innovation and the process of innovation and how they affect the way innovation evolves.


3. Have acquired a clear understanding of an organisation's internal culture, structure and strategy and their influence on the innovation process.


4. Clearly understand the importance of the external environment for innovation, and how alliances, inter-firm linkages, networks and national innovation systems impact on the innovation management process.


5. Have obtained a clear understanding of how government policy principles and practices affect the process of innovation and technology management.


6. Prepare and communicate both orally and in writing their understanding of the innovation process as it informs enterprise development.

This module will typically be delivered via:

• One 2-hour class per week, with a 1-hour lecture and 1-hour seminar.
• Discussion of case studies, discussion of journal articles, group work, signposting to additional resources.

The lectures will be developed around the key concepts as mentioned in the indicative module content and will use a range of live examples and cases from business practice to demonstrate the application of theoretical concepts.

The seminars will focus extensively on business case studies, and selected journal or selected newspaper/business magazine articles. Cases are sourced primarily from the European Case Clearing House (ECCH), Harvard Business Cases, FT Reports and other international case banks to encourage students to analyse issues pertaining to the course. Seminars will also involve interactions with business people and other practitioners. Seminars will be combined with group work to provide students with the opportunity to develop critical and practical problem-solving skills.