Outline

Overview

An essential skill for an IT manager is the ability to keep up-to-date with emerging technologies, and be able to evaluate the significance of these technologies to their organisation's business activities. This unit of study is based around a study of current technologies and the influence of these technologies on business strategies. Important trends in innovation in IT are identified and their implications for innovation management explored. Major topics include: drivers of innovation; the trend to open information ("open source") rather than protected intellectual property; and distribution of innovation over many independent but collaborating actors. On completion of this unit, students will be able to identify and analyse an emerging technology and write a detailed evaluation of the impact of this technology on existing business practices.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Computer Science
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	18 credit points of units at 5000-level or above
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	INFO4444 or PMGT5875 or OINF5992
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ravihansa Rajapakse, saumya.rajapakse@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 exam ?	Final Examination Final examination; onsite.	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Two quizzes Two individual quizzes - Week 5 & 10	10%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Innovation Report - Mid Mid report on a topic with IT innovation based on a selected case study	10%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Sep 2025	Max 2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Innovation Mid Report - Reviewed Address any comments you got once the mid "Innovation Report" is marked.	5%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Oct 2025	Revised mid report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Innovation Report - Final Final report on a topic with IT innovation based on a selected case study	15%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 09 Nov 2025	Max 4200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Innovation Pitch Presentation Pitch presentation, group presentation (each member must present)	10%	Week 12 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 09 Nov 2025	10-15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Two quizzes.
Innovation Report (Group) – Students will be required to write a report applying key concepts and frameworks in innovation (such as dominant design and disruptive innovation). The report is supposed to be submitted in two drafts, i.e., "Innovation Report - Mid" and "Innovation Report - Final". In addition, students should submit a reviewed report for the mid-report to address any comments from the markers, i.e., "Innovation Mid Report - Reviewed"
IT Innovation Pitch - Full Presentation.
Final Examination – Restricted open book exam which covers all learning objectives in the course. Must meet the required standard in an assessment to pass the unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
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.

It is a policy of the School of Computer Science that in order to pass this unit, a student must achieve at least 40% in the written examination. For subjects without a final exam, the 40% minimum requirement applies to the corresponding major assessment component specified by the lecturer. A student must also achieve an overall final mark of 50 or more. Any student not meeting these requirements may be given a maximum final mark of no more than 45 regardless of their average.

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:

Late submission is not possible for any of the quizzes during semester, as results for these are released immediately after the due time. Late submission for the innovation report follows the normal university late submission policy - 5% of total available marks per calendar day up to 10 days.

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	Unit of Study Introduction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Tutorial Introduction; Understanding General Purpose Technology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Innovation Frameworks I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Dominant Design applications	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Innovation Frameworks II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Disruptive Innovation Examples	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Distributed Innovation I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	WEB API Product Platform	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Distributed Innovation II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Crowdsourcing	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Distributed Innovation III / Guest Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Platform Business Models	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Commercialisation I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Australian Startup Example	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Commercialisation II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Value Proposition Canvas Applications	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Commercialisation III	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Business Model Canvas	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Commercialisation IV	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Deaths by J-Curve	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Innovation at Scale I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	The Sydney Startup Ecosystem	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Guest Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Innovation Pitch Presentation	Presentation (1 hr)
Week 13	Course Review & Final Examination Discussion	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Innovation Pitch Presentation	Presentation (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

There are no specific attendance and class requirements for this unit.

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.

Required readings

There are no specific prescribed readings for this unit. All assigned readings will be available on Canvas and can be found alongside the lecture and tutorial materials.

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. Define innovation and differentiate between innovation and invention
LO2. Outline and discuss the importance of innovation to a country
LO3. Explain the concept of general-purpose technology and assess whether certain technologies are general purpose technologies
LO4. Discuss and apply frameworks relating to the diffusion, adoption and maturity of innovation
LO5. Discuss and apply the concept of dominant design and any related framework(s), and evaluate the key drivers which contribute to the emergence of dominant design (or lack-thereof)
LO6. Explain key research on disruptive innovation and related concept(s), apply the Disruptive Innovation Model on specific case studies and discuss the concept of the Innovator's Dilemma
LO7. Discuss, apply and evaluate open innovation, closed innovation and the eight open innovation methods
LO8. Discuss, apply and design the commercialisation process and business strategies for IT innovation, comprising of concepts and frameworks such as the customer development process, lean startups, agile development, value proposition canvas and business model canvas
LO9. Outline and evaluate the capital and fundraising pathways for IT innovation in Australia and abroad
LO10. Outline and evaluate the innovation ecosystems in Silicon Valley and Australia
LO11. Discuss and evaluate organisational cultures and structures that support innovation
LO12. Analyse, compare, contrast and judge IT innovation based on various methodologies

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.

'Innovation Final Report - Reviewed' which was due during the exam period in last semester was removed. It was perceived that this would impose unnecessary pressure on students during the exam period. The marks allocated for this task is now integrated into Innovation 'Mid Report - Reviewed' report which is due in week 9. An additional guest lecture is introduced to show the connection of the concepts discussed in the unit and the industry practices.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas or provided in-class and/or via email.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

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

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

INFO5992: Understanding IT Innovations

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links