Technological Innovation

Module overview

Technological innovation is increasingly recognised as one of the most important sources of sustainable competitive advantage for businesses around the world. However, building an organization which can successfully and repeatedly create technological innovation for markets is a daunting managerial challenge, with many businesses failing to deliver. This module looks at the practices and processes of successful technological innovation management. This module will be of interest to students seeking to develop their own business, or who plan on working in dynamic, technology-driven businesses. Over the duration of the module, five main aspects will be covered: the general aspects of technological innovation, the process of diffusion of innovation, strategies to effectively protect technological innovations, barriers to innovation activity and innovation failure. The focus will be on new and established companies, in addition to firms that have been successful and unsuccessful in the introduction and diffusion of new technological innovations.

Linked modules

Pre-requisite: MANG2095 or ENTR2004

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

the strategies and organisational practices used by businesses to develop, diffuse and protect technological innovation;
national and global opportunities for technology-driven innovation and the unique characteristics of different economies and societies;
the circumstances and reasons why companies are interested in technological innovation;
the internal and external barriers that can act as obstacles, and eventually failure.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

self-manage the development of learning and study skills, both individually and as part of a collaborative learning group;
plan and control effectively for successful completion of a personal and group workload;
use a wide range of information sources requiring the development of bibliographic skills;
communicate effectively, in both oral and written form, using and justifying argument within reports, presentations and debates.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

recognise potential challenges to the development and commercialisation of technological innovation;
identify the roles of key internal and external stakeholders in facilitating innovation.
evaluate appropriate actions to successfully manage the innovation process;
understand appropriate theoretical concepts, models, tools and techniques which explain technological innovation;

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include: • Lectures • Interactive case studies • Problem-solving activities • Directed reading • Private/guided study Learning activities include: • Introductory lectures • An assignment (individual written coursework to deepen learning in a specific topic of the module chosen by you) • Case study / problem solving activities • In class debate and discussion • Private study • Use of video and online materials

Study time
Type	Hours
Wider reading or practice	40
Lecture	24
Follow-up work	20
Completion of assessment task	24
Revision	12
Preparation for scheduled sessions	20
Seminar	10
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

You may also need. There are limited academic texts available which cover properly management of technological innovation. You will be directed to relevant journal papers and case studies. Additional up to date supporting texts, articles and video resources will be provided as applicable. Periodicals Most of these journals and many other are now available in electronic format. Research Policy Academy of Management Organisation Science Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice British Journal of Management Journal of Business Venturing Journal of Economic Geography Journal of Management Studies Journal of Small Business Management Small Business Economics R&D management

Textbooks

Cetindamar, D., Phaal, R., and Probert, D. (2016). Technology management: activities and tools. Macmillan International Higher Education.

Evers, N., Cunningham, J. and Hoholm, T. (2014). Technology entrepreneurship: bringing innovation to the marketplace. Macmillan International Higher Education.

Duening, T., Hisrich, R., and Lechter, M. (2014). Technology Entrepreneurship: Taking Innovation to the Marketplace. Burlington: Elsevier Science.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

In-class activities

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: you will received feedback during the classes.
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External