Management of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 7.5 credits

Validation

This course syllabus was validated by the Faculty Board for Humanities, Social Sciences and Technology at Södertörn University on 2018-04-24 according to the stipulations in the Higher Education Ordinance.

Entry requirements

The equivalent of English B and 60 credits in Business Administration. You also need: English 6 or the equivalent.

Learning outcomes

On completing the course, the student is able to:

• explain the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in the economic system
• define and describe concepts, theories and models about innovation, the innovation process and the innovation system
• identify and analyse different sources of innovation
• critically reflect the role of leadership in innovation processes
• describe operational and strategic tools for leading innovation processes.

Course content, modules and examinations

There is a growing awareness of the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship for economic growth and competitiveness, in research literature and in policy and practice. Innovation requires more than creative capacities to invent new ideas; it requires managerial and entrepreneurial skills to transform ideas into practice, in terms of new products, services, production methods, distribution systems, markets and organisational forms etc. A successful innovation process requires that individuals act under a high degree of uncertainty and ambiguity. The course covers a number of theories and models for understanding the innovation process. The emphasis is on the innovation process as a collective action, i.e. an interaction with and between partners, colleagues, teams, clients and suppliers, external networks, and institutions, etc. The course covers both barriers and opportunities for leaders to strategically and operatively lead and govern the innovation process. Innovation processes in large established organisations and in small businesses are studied.

A successful innovation process requires individuals to act under a high degree of uncertainty and ambiguity. The course presents a range of theories and models for understanding the innovation process. Emphasis is placed on the innovation process as a collective action i. e. interaction with and between partners, employees, teams, customers and suppliers, external networks, collaborators and institutions etc., involved in the innovation process.

The course examines both the obstacles and possibilities for managers to strategically and operationally direct and control the innovation process. Innovation processes in both large, established firms and new ventures are examined.

Course design

Lectures, seminars, group projects

Examination format

1. Active participation in seminars. In case of absence or a fail grade for seminar participation, a maximum of one (1) seminar can be compensated for via written assignments. A group project shall be presented orally and in writing at the final seminar.

2. Written examination.

The grading criteria are distributed prior to the start of a course or module.

If a student has a certificate from Södertörn University for compensatory support, the examiner has the right to decide on an adapted examination or alternative form of examination in accordance with Södertörn University's regulations.

Restrictions on accreditation

The course may not be accredited as part of a degree if the contents are partly or wholly the same as a course previously taken in Sweden or elsewhere.

Other stipulations

Following the Vice-Chancellors decision on internationalization and grade scale at Södertörn University College (dnr: 1148-1.1.2-2018), this syllabus replaces the syllabus with course code 1075FE, with the difference that the grade system has been updated. The syllabus is determined through special order (dnr: 1773-2.1.1-2018).