Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	must be in the Dalyell stream
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	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	Jane Strachan, jane.strachan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jane Strachan, jane.strachan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Innovation Challenges written reflection	15%	Formal exam period Due date: 21 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Nov 2025	800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Innovation Drivers written report #earlyfeedbacktask	15%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Aug 2025	650 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Problem identification presentation	15%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Sep 2025	4 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Innovation progress review written report	10%	Week 10 Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Oct 2025	600 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Innovation project - Report written work	30%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Nov 2025	1800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Innovation project - Pitch presentation	15%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Nov 2025	4 minutes 30 seconds	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Innovation Drivers Report (Individual) : In this 650 word report, using the concepts discussed in the class, you will briefly describe the industry partner's organisation and discuss any one innovation driver for the industry partner.

Innovation Project - Problem definition (Group): your group will identify and examine an innovation problem faced by the industry partner.

Innovation Project - Progress Review (individual): You will complete a review on the progress of your group's innovation solution.

Innovation Project Report (Group): Your group will work on an innovation project across the semester and complete an 1800 word written report. You will detail a consolidated and coherent approach to solving the industry partner’s innovation problem. Your group will present the group's approach, analysis, and proposed solution to the industry partner's innovation problem.

Innovation Pitch (Group): your group will present your innovation solution to the industry partner.

Innovation Challenges (Individual) : In this final 800-word written individual assignment, the focus will be on analyzing the challenges encountered within the innovation process.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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 guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per Business School policy.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	What is innovation?	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 02	Why innovate? Innovation Drivers Managing innovation	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 03	Empathise and define: Understand the organisation and its stakeholders	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 04	Empathize and Define: Innovation problem identification	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 05	Empathize and Define: Customer centricity, personas, innovation outcomes ** There is also a COMPULSORY lecture this week.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 06	Generate ideas - Part 1	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 07	Generate ideas - Part 2	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 08	Prototype & test - Part 1	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 09	Prototype & test - Part 2 Risk evaluation	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 10	Innovation assessment and management: Feedback loops	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 11	Innovation assessment and management: Challenges in innovation	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 12	Persuasively closing the innovation loop	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 13	Final Presentations to industry partner	Seminar (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This unit is delivered in an interactive seminar format, where students will work collaboratively on their group assignment. Weekly participation is essential to support this group work.

In addition, there are two compulsory meetings with the industry partner, which are listed as 'lectures' in the timetable.

Business School Policy states:
“Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 per cent of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption through special consideration, special arrangement, previously arranged disability adjustment or by the Associate Dean. The Associate Dean may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90 per cent”

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

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Assessments were revised following student feedback from semester 1, 2025.

Additional information

Disclaimer

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

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BUDL2902: Innovation in Organisations

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links