Behörighetskrav

Behörig att registreras är den som följt både A-, B- och C-nivåerna och som vid registreringstillfället har 20 p/30 hp avklarade från A-nivån och 20 p/30 hp avklarade från B-nivån samt 15 poäng/22,5 hp avklarade från C-nivån, inklusive kandidat/examensarbetet på C-nivån.

Mål

The course provides a set of key skills for individuals aiming to become product developers or product managers, as well as skills relevant for marketing managers.

After the course the student attending "Product Innovation Management" will be able to orally as well as in writing discuss the topic by covering the following matters:

- confront and critically evaluate different models and perspectives on product innovation;

- apply these models and views to concrete settings;

- describe and analyse the complex structures and processes involved in product innovation in order to identify key opportunities and problems;

- understand users and their needs with the help of such tools as e.g., marketing research

- elaborate how products can provide value to users through both functional features and branding strategies;

- identify and evaluate innovation sources (including academic research) and new entrepreneurial opportunities;

- identify, evaluate and affect the key actors and resources involved in product innovation;

- apply a few practical tools for handling and steering innovation processes.

Innehåll

This course covers one of the main challenges for any firm: the development of new products. The course digs first deeper into four key topics: (1) new products as innovations connecting technology and marketing, (2) the innovation process and its sources, (3) the business network surrounding product development, and (4) the resources involved in product development. On the basis of the knowledge of these four topics, the course provides then managerial principles and tools for steering product development processes and projects. These principles and tools include two main issues: (a) strategic management of innovation and New Product Development (NPD) (b) steering and controlling the NPD process.

Undervisning

The course is given in English. The skills provided by the are achieved through theoretical lectures and seminars and through practical moments such as case discussions and product analyses.

Examination

Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system and, for international students, the ECTS grading system. The following grades will be used: VG (passed with distinction), which corresponds to A or B in the ECTS grading system, G (passed), which corresponds to C, D or E, and U (failed) which corresponds to the ECTS grade F.

Students receive a single final grade, equivalent to 7,5 ECTS-credits. Students are evaluated on the basis of both their understanding of the course literature and of their ability to apply theories and models to concrete settings. Performance is assessed by using so called Assessment Units (AU). Examination includes:

- a group-based literature seminar (10 AU)

- an individual home assignment covering the course literature (40AU)

- individual case discussions (10AU)

- a group-based product analysis seminar (10AU)

- a group-based memo featuring actual cases built on students' interviews at firms (30AU).

To obtain a "Pass with distinction" mark (VG), students need a total grade exceeding 80 AU and a minimum grade of 40 AU in the two individual evaluations. To obtain a "Pass" mark (G) a minimum grade of 50 AU is required.

In addition, any remaining assignments or supplements must be completed and handed in at least within two weeks after the end of the course otherwise this part of the examination (all assignments included) has to be redone the following semester, provided there is space in the course.

Attention Swedish students: Only completed courses can be recognized in your degree.

Övergångsbestämmelser

Kursen ersätter/ överlappar Produktutveckling och Marknadsföring 2FE518.