Businesses today are faced with rapidly changing environments and an unknown level of uncertainty. In response, companies rely less and less on traditional new product development processes guided by formal planning, instead they increasingly adopt exploration processes that use experimentation and rapid prototyping to effectively organize for innovation.

This course intends to consolidate managerial considerations and scientific rigor in carrying out innovation processes that follow such new approaches. Students will learn about new product development techniques and gain hands-on experience by working on a real project -launching a new product/ service and attracting potential customers. Theoretical input on how to execute projects will be provided and be complemented by interactive class discussions.

After successfully completing this course, students should be able to

• understand different approaches to new product development
• design and implement the launch of a new product/service
• use customer feedback to refine innovative ideas

Moreover, this course will improve the students’ ability to

• efficiently work and communicate in an international team
• work on solutions for customer problems
• communicate and present efficiently and effectively.

Participation is mandatory for approximately 80% of the course.

Course dates and corresponding learning methods are structured along the process of drafting and executing an innovative idea. Learning methods include lectures, open class discussions, students’ in-class presentations, composing reports and presentations and coaching sessions.

The final grade of the course will depend on:

• Individual participation (20%)
• Intermediate assignments and presentations  (30%)
• Final report and presentation (50%)

By appointment