Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Have an advanced understanding of (a) selected “hot” operations and/or innovation management concept(s), such as for example business models/business model innovation; user-driven, supplier-driven, networked or open innovation; smart work, technologies or products; agile manufacturing systems or supply chains; globalization of production networks; sustainable production systems; fuzzy front-end innovation; or manufacturing servitization, and in particular:

• The role of processes, technologies and systems, people and organization in the development, implementation and deployment/marketing of such concepts.
• The relationships between these elements.
• Their effects on operations/innovation and business performance.
• The prerequisites for the successful development, implementation and deployment/marketing of the concept(s).
• The dynamic interactions between operations systems characteristics and innovations of, or related to, operations systems.

Skills

• Be able to perform a structured literature search and analysis.
• Be able to develop a literature review in the form of a state-of-the-art report on the operations and/or innovation concept(s) addressed in the module.
• Be able to map, analyze and propose a change/improvement of the operations and/or innovation system of a manufacturing or service firm, based on and through the lens of the focal concept(s).

Competences

• Demonstrate the understanding and skills acquired through exemplifying and/or applying the concept(s) studied as part of the module in exercises, cases or real-life situations.

Type of instruction

The module is carried out as an individual or small group project, and aimed at performing in-depth literature study, which is delivered in the form of an extensive literature review on a topic approved by the supervisor. If organized as a small group project, the project is carried out in a group
with normally no more than two members. The student(s) organize and coordinate the project themselves in collaboration with the supervisor.

Extent and expected workload

Since it is a 5 ECTS course module the expected workload is 150 hours for the student.

Exam

Exams