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Unit of study_

BUDL2902: Innovation in Organisations

Intensive February, 2021 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

A creative idea becomes an innovation when it undergoes a transformative process to make it practical. Innovation is the driving force that underpins long-term organisational growth and competitiveness. An innovative and innovating organisation brings new ideas to life in all aspects of its operation to address the needs of internal and external stakeholders. We walk the path to understanding innovation, its different forms and its management. Through case studies and workshops, we learn to identify different types of innovations and how organisations and their stakeholders can benefit from them. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we learn to identify opportunities for innovation, create and design innovative solutions for some of the most pressing issues in different types of organisations. We draw on multidisciplinary insights and employ practice-based design thinking solutions to address key organisational problems and challenges.

Unit details and rules

Unit code BUDL2902
Academic unit International Business
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
must be in the Dalyell stream
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Please note that where this unit of study is on offer in either the Intensive January or the Intensive February session, the classes for these sessions commence prior to semester one.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Praveena Chandra, praveena.chandra@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Carlos Vazquez Hernandez, carlos.vazquezhernandez@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment group assignment Case analysis
Written analysis
20% Ongoing
Due date: 21 Jan 2021 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Jan 2021
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Innovation paper and pitch
Written analysis, digital poster and pitch
20% Ongoing
Due date: 29 Jan 2021 at 23:59

Closing date: 29 Jan 2021
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Essay
Short essay
20% Ongoing
Due date: 18 Jan 2021 at 23:59

Closing date: 18 Jan 2021
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Assignment Innovation Deep Dive
Long essay
40% Ongoing
Due date: 05 Feb 2021 at 23:59

Closing date: 05 Feb 2021
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Essay: The student is expected to write a 500-words (max.) analysis of innovation drivers of the industry case assigned to the team. In this individual assignment, the student will analyse any two major innovation drivers for the industry partner and present an explanation of why and how those drivers play a role in motivating the industry partner to innovate. In this paper, the student is expected to critically apply the different concepts and frameworks taken up in class (check CANVAS).

Case analysis: The students propose an approach to analysing their industry case. The research and analysis proposal must utilise relevant frameworks discussed in class, identify the relevant innovation dimensions that will be included in the analysis, and describe and explain the research needed to be done to gather more insights on the problem that will inform and support prospective innovation solutions. In this 1000-word written group assignment, the students are expected to describe the proposed approach to analysing the industry case and coming up with possible solutions.

Innovation paper and pitch: In this group assignment, the students will present their analysis and proposed solutions to the industry case previously allocated in Assessment 2. This assignment consists of two parts. (1) A 2000-words written summary of the innovation problem analysis and proposed solution/s which includes worksheets on problem identification, ideation, customer survey and business model canvas as appendices (2) A digital poster presenting the analysis and proposed solution/s, which the team will pitch at an industry conference (check CANVAS).

Innovation deep dive: In this 3000-word individual assignment, the student is expected to examine the solution presented by their team in Assignment 2 and Assignment 3 and present their ideas on what could have been done differently and why. The student must draw on the research that they would have done in line with this alternate solution, and opportunities/challenges presented by this dimension within the context of the broader innovation process. The student may present a point of view that is different from their team, or that is an enhancement/extension of the group’s analysis and proposed solution presented in Assessment 3.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Ongoing Module 1: Why Innovate? 1. What is innovation and why innovate, 2. Innovation life cycle 3. Drivers for innovation, 4. Interdisciplinary teams 5. Team etiquette, team communication, team contract 6. Case challenge Block teaching (8 hr) LO1 LO3
Module: How to innovate? 1. Types of innovation 2. Innovation process 3. Problem definition 4. Generating ideas Block teaching (8 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Module: How to innovate? 1. Validating ideas 2. Risk evaluation 3. Customer centricity 4. Forecasting Block teaching (8 hr) LO2 LO4
Module: How to innovate? 1. Implementing ideas 2. Prototyping 3. Business plan canvas Block teaching (8 hr) LO2 LO4
Module: Manage Innovation 1. Innovation Strategy 2. Innovation management 3. Challenges in innovation 4. Innovation protection 5. Presentation tips Block teaching (8 hr) LO2

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Explain the different types of innovation.
  • LO2. Apply different approaches to innovation.
  • LO3. Identify opportunities for innovation in an organisation.
  • LO4. Analyse a problem and design innovative solutions using multidisciplinary perspectives.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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