Syllabus

Title
4641 E&I Zone 3: Strategic Management of Innovation
Instructors
Alessio Delpero, Ph.D., MBA, Carola Wandres, M.Sc.
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/21/22 to 02/23/22
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Wednesday 03/16/22 09:00 AM - 01:30 PM TC.4.04
Wednesday 03/23/22 09:00 AM - 01:30 PM D2.0.374
Wednesday 03/30/22 09:00 AM - 01:30 PM TC.4.04
Wednesday 04/06/22 09:00 AM - 01:30 PM TC.5.14
Wednesday 04/27/22 09:00 AM - 01:30 PM TC.4.04
Contents

Technology and innovation shape the environment in which firms operate and impact their ability to position themselves against competitors strategically. Indeed, not only must firms leverage their innovations to steer the trajectory of their industry, but they also must adapt to innovations introduced by established competitors and new entrants aiming at disrupting the status quo.

By taking this course, students understand how firms strategically manage technology and innovation to achieve a competitive advantage.

With the support of case studies, students are exposed to the practical experience of firms that have succeeded (or failed) when facing the challenges of managing innovation.

In the E&I Strategic Management of Innovation course, students learn and practice:

  • Understanding how new technologies and start-ups disrupt industries.
  • Analyzing the obstacles that established companies face to react to the new standards.
  • Understanding the factors that enable established companies to adapt to changing industries.
  • Understanding the factors that enable established firms to lead the change of an industry.

The course targets students with a basic understanding of strategy and innovation who enjoy learning based on practical examples and real case studies.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

· Understand and disentangle different types of innovation as well as their implications for strategic management.

· Recognize, compare and evaluate different approaches to manage innovation and technological change.

· Evaluate the strategic effects of innovation.

· Recognize threats and opportunities introduced by technological change.

· Propose solutions to diverse business problems where innovation plays a significant role.

    Attendance requirements

    Due to the active class discussion characterizing this course, attendance is strongly recommended for each session.

    Absence must be limited to a maximum of 40% of the sessions.

    In the case of absence above 20% of the appointments (but below 40%), students will be asked to complete a take home assignment making up for the missed sessions.

    Since during the first session you will be assigned to the team you will be working with for the whole course, attendance on the first day is of utmost importance.

    Teaching/learning method(s)

    · Face to face lectures.

    · Interactive discussion of real-life case studies either in groups or individually according to each specific case.

    · Final presentation (in groups).

    Assessment

    Grades are based on the following assignments:

    · Participation in the case discussion: 40% (group grade)

    · Group assignment on a case study: 40% (grade based on individual contributions)

    · Final presentation: 20% (group grade)

    Class participation is evaluated according to group participation in discussing the cases answering the questions proposed by the instructor. Class participation accounts for 40% of the final grade.

    The analysis of one selected case is assigned at the group level, but students will be evaluated individually on the part of the project they contribute to. Students are asked to submit a case report that answers specific case questions by applying the concepts previously discussed in class. This assignment accounts for 40% of the final grade.

    For the final presentation, students are asked to identify a company different from those analyzed in the case studies and describe how it has successfully led the change of its industry, adapted to the change introduced by a competitor, or failed to do so. The presentation accounts for 20% of the final grade.

    Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists

    The following students may register for the course:

    · Students enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation specialization program

    Please note that course registration is binding. The moment your registration is received, it is regarded as a clear commitment on your part. Students cannot drop the course or transfer to another course (once the add/drop period is over) with no exceptions, as it would be unfair to other students (who might not have gotten into the course of their choice because of the spot you registered for). The number of students accepted to the course will only be expanded if there is no space in any other course 3.

    Availability of lecturer(s)

    after appointment by email

    Last edited: 2022-01-11



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