The objective of this course is to acquaint participants with key concepts relating to the process of innovation and technical change and to the factors that affect the successful management of such change at a tactical and strategic level. Using the concepts of the 'Fifth Generation Innovation Process' and 'National Systems of Innovation', the unit discusses recent approaches to the sources, nature and determinants of industrial innovation in different industrial and cultural contexts. Emphasis is placed on learning from the companies in the Asia Pacific region that have been so successful in the management of technology and innovation. Success and failure factors in the management of innovation are examined and the importance of effective communications, project champions and user need determination is analysed. Other topics may include technology forecasting and assessment, functional integration and technological collaboration.

The learning objectives of the course are to:

1. Stimulate and inform a strategic perspective on the role of innovation, and in particular to increase understanding of:
   • The characteristics of innovation processes and the factors that shape and drive innovation;
   • The potential roles of incremental and disruptive innovation in creating and sustaining firm competitivenes
2. Understand the sources of innovation competence in firms and how these competences are developed, and in particular to increase understanding of:
   • Why some firms are more successfully innovative than others;
   • The many different sources of knowledge and capability used for innovation and the strategies for accessing them.
3. Understand the major tools that are used increasingly to assist innovation management, both at the project level and at the level of organisational development.
4. Understand the central role of learning in innovation and in innovation management.

• Case Note 1:  Presentation of Innovation Survey 10%
• Case Note 1: 3M or Medronic 10%
• Case Note 2: Lenovo or Hyundi 10%
• Case Note 3: Innovation Audit 10%
• Peer Assessment 10%
• Essay/Assignment/Exam 50%

 5 x 4 hour classes, 2x 8 hour classes

At least an average of 65% (or equivalent) in the final two years of an Australian undergraduate degree and 3 years professional work experience since graduation.

For further information please refere to the Course Website