Outline

Overview

This unit provides essential knowledge of the current trends in Innovation Management research and practice. It combines the leading-edge theories and innovation assessment methods with the strong practical component. Students are offered an opportunity to experience the innovation process by participating in commercialisation of research/invention originated from the University of Sydney. Innovation projects are sourced across the University of Sydney, enabling exceptional inter-disciplinary experience for the participating students.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Maria Rumyantseva, maria.rumyantseva@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Engagement and contribution Participation, engagement and contribution in lectures and tutorials	20%	Ongoing	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Individual assignment Assignment based on innovation project	25%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Sep 2026	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Theory quiz Assessment testing understanding of theories	10%	Week 08	20 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group presentation/poster Assignment based on innovation project	15%	Week 12	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group assignment Assignment based on innovation project	30%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 09 Nov 2026	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Individual report: Students will use element/s of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) to analyse the challenge faced by the innovation project. This assignment feeds into the group report.

In-class group presentation: Students will present their results from the group report to the innovation project's sponsor.

Group report: The group report brings together and builds on each team member's individual report. For the group report students will use BMC to outline potential solution/s to the challenge faced by the innovation project.

In-class quiz: 20 minutes assessment testing understanding of theories. This is a written task to apply concepts and theories to the innovation project. This assessment feeds into the group report.

Engagement and contribution: Attendance, engagement and regular contribution to lectures and tutorials demonstrating knowledge application, peer support, and advancement of understanding.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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:

Late penalties will be applied per University 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	Project sponsor meeting #1 & unit introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Unit introduction & project discussion	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Innovation process: essential definitions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Data search skills & formation of project teams	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Innovation process: diffusion of innovation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Data analysis skills & confirmation of project teams	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Innovation process: current trends in innovation management	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Discussion of the project & individual reports	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Project sponsor meeting #2: Q&A	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	BMC & discussion of individual reports	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Business Model Canvas	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	BMC & discussion of individual reports	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Innovation systems: public research & industry interface	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Finalisation of individual reports	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Innovation systems: entrepreneurial ecosystems	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Discussion of group reports & quiz	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Innovation systems: innovation ecosystems and non-linear development	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Feedback on individual reports	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Innovation assessments & impact: the role of failure	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Discussion of group reports	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Innovation assessments & impact: ways to improve innovation results	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Trial presentations of group projects	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Project sponsor meeting #3: group presentations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Feedback on group presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Recap	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Feedback on group project & discussion of your future career plans	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance of lectures and tutorials is assessed along with engagement and contribution.

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

The Oxford Handbook of Innovation Management

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. Apply theoretical concepts and practical knowledge acquired through the real-life innovation project to the context of your career
LO2. Identify and critically evaluate commercialisation opportunities using concepts, frameworks and relevant experience gained in this unit
LO3. Generate solutions to business challenges applying both theoretical concepts and first-hand practical knowledge acquired through the innovation project
LO4. Practice communication skills, including clear and concise delivery of complex concepts, through on-going interactions in the groups and in class as well as with project partners
LO5. Practice organisational and time management skills while collaborating in the group and interacting with project partners
LO6. Co-create ethical and socially responsible practices and behaviours in the innovation project and formulate its potential social contribution

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.

(1) Production and creation assessments are rebalanced to emphasize group work. (2) Two in-class assessments (quizzes) are reduced to one secure in-class assessment. (3) Engagement and contribution assessment is increased in weight from 15% to 20%.

Additional information

Business School Policies

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SIEN6004: Innovation Management

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links