Module: BMA5001-20 Innovation Management

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Polly Crockett

Module Tutor Contact Details: p.crockett@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Innovation (the implementation of ideas) is a strategic priority for many, if not most, organisations. Today’s managers are increasingly expected to understand the innovation process and how to progress from idea generation through to an implementable plan and subsequent evaluation of success.

This module has two aims:

1. to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for them to create an effective and persuasive business case for the implementation of an idea (i.e. innovation)

2. to provide students with the understanding required to manage innovation and its various enablers, such as organisational culture, reward and networks

The module introduces a range of business tools and techniques which might be used to affect successful change within organisations. There is also a positive emphasis on evaluating and improving personal employability through skills development and self-reflection.

This module will provide the graduate with attributes such as:

• Creative thinkers, doers and makers

• Ethically aware, prepared for citizenship in a local, national and global context

• Able to understand and manage complexity, diversity and change

2.Outline syllabus

You will learn what innovation in the workplace is and how it can be defined, and you will understand the various factors involved in successful innovation and how to evaluate current theories in the field of innovation management.

You will ‘apply’ for a role on a project board (team), and this project board will create a proposal for the implementation of an idea (a solution to a real-life problem) of your choice. Each student will have a specific role on the project board (e.g. Chairperson, Quality Control).

You will also spend some time exploring a number of areas relating to your employability in the context of the work marketplace. The module seeks to prepare you for applying for summer and year-long placement opportunities, and for applying for management-level employment after graduation.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Contact time: 1 x 2 hour lecture, and 1x 2 hour seminar each week.

Seminars form a series and will be highly practical, and students should spend significant proportions of their independent study time refining their knowledge and skills in the different strategies and techniques between workshops, in preparation for the next in the series, which may build on the earlier session(s). Students will be able to book tutorials with staff members to meet their individual needs through the course.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Group report

• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Individual essay - 3000 words

• % Weighting: 60%