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Contents

In this course, students participate in an Innovation Camp where they work with current innovation challenges companies are facing. With its focus on real innovation problems, this course aims to provide understanding of how innovation takes place and what the explanatory factors as well as the economic and social consequences, are. The course covers practices and processes for strategic thinking and practical problem solving that entrepreneurs and managers use to manage innovation processes effectively in new and existing organizations as well as in networks. The course design is grounded in the assumption that an integrated approach to strategy ("why?") and implementation ("how?") of innovation is necessary. The module provides exercises on applying innovation related theories to a specific context and to different phases of innovation.

The course is given and examined in English.

Expected learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

• systematically integrate knowledge and understanding of different aspects of innovation, and its role in business and society
• critically review current research and developments in innovation management
• apply innovation-related theories in different settings in order to generate new approaches to innovation 
• consider relevant environmental, social, and economic sustainability aspects throughout innovation processes
• identify, evaluate and suggest solutions to challenges in large and small organizations relating to innovative performance
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing
• constructively contribute to group work and group dynamics 
• assess the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his/her own learning.
  

Required Knowledge

90 credits whereof 60 credits in Business Administration. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

Lectures, seminars, and workshops, including the Innovation Camp, comprise the forms of instruction for this course. Introductory lectures provide an overview of the wide topic of innovation management. Workshops are used to allow groups to deepen their theoretical knowledge whereas seminars provide additional insights. Together, these prepare the student groups for active participation in the Innovation Camp. The Innovation Camp is organized by the collaborating companies and the instructors  on innovation challenges the companies are facing. In order to gain deeper and more reflective knowledge on the different aspects of innovation management and to learn to document one's creative learning process, students are asked to write their learning journal on a regular basis during the whole module. The course requires significant amount of independent study, which is also fundamental to be able to contribute to group work. The student must come prepared for lectures, workshops and the Innovation Camp and participate actively in discussions.

Examination modes

The examination consists of seminars and workshops, a written individual assignment, written group assignment with oral presentation. Attendance at all workshops, the Innovation Camp and the main presentation events of pitching the solution to the companies are mandatory and thus a requirement to pass the course. All examinations will be in English.

The following grading system is used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).

Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. The course is given and examined in English.
To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.

A student who does not pass the first examination will be offered an opportunity for re-examination within 2 months. An additional examination opportunity is normally offered every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, another form of examination can be used.

A student that has failed an examination on two occasions has a right to have another examiner or grading teacher appointed, unless there are special reasons against it. A written request addressed to the Director of Studies should be made no later than 14 days before the next examination opportunity.

Adaptations: 
Examiners may decide on deviations from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Academic integrity and cheating:
As a student, you are expected to act with academic integrity. This means writing and presenting within the limits of the academic rules and expectations communicated in the university's regulations and what is otherwise specified by the responsible department. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who use unauthorized help aids or in some other way try to mislead in examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing is applicable to written assignments. Submitted material is subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Transfer of credits:
Student who considers themselves to possess knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional or vocational experience that can be comparable to a course or part of a course, can apply for transfer of credits. Approved transfer of credits means that the student does not need to take the or those parts of the course that the decision covers. Information about transfer of credits can be found on Umeå University's web site.

Other regulations

This course can not be included in the degree together with 2FE206.