Course description

The course focuses on strategic aspects of implementing innovations through projects. Multiple learning formats are used throughout the course, including lectures, workshops, group work assignments and classroom presentations. During workshops, in an intensive group work environment students develop real-life innovation project plans. Results of the group work are discussed and presented in a predefined format. Learning process also includes analyzing and discussing contemporary innovation management practices described in academic and professional publications.

Course aims

The course is designed to develop the insights and skills necessary to critically analyze, assess and improve innovation-related project work in organizations. Upon successful completion of the course, students should have a solid understanding of contemporary innovation implementation management and its benefits for their professional career.

Learning outcomes

• Have a critical awareness of the models, roles, responsibilities and functions of innovation project management.
• Can illustrate the difference among operational, organizational and strategic project management.
• Demonstrate the gained operational innovation project management skills.
• Able to apply process-oriented organizational project management models.
• Analyze strategic alternatives based on innovation portfolio management.
• Display teamwork skills and understand people side of project management.
• Critically assess the value of lessons learned in project work.
• Analyze and implement innovation project management concepts in organizational setting.

Course aim

The course is designed to develop the insights and skills necessary to complete projects effectively, on time, and within budget. It also introduces students to organizational project management process, with special emphasis on its life cycle, and the tools used in managing and delivering projects. Upon successful completion of the course, students should have a solid understanding of contemporary project management and its benefits for their professional and personal life.

Learning outcomes

• Understand basic processes, models, roles and responsibilities of project management.
• Develop project plans to ensure that project outcomes reflect an appropriate organisational strategy.
• Choose and apply appropriate project stakeholder and risk management strategies.
• Use leadership techniques for motivating project teams and developing leadership abilities.
• Communicate a workable project management approach that includes the typical steps, activities, and participant roles for a project life cycle.

Aim of the course

The course focusses on strategic aspects of implementing innovations through projects, programs/products and portfolios. Multiple learning formats are used throughout the course, including lectures, workshops, group work assignments and classroom presentations. During workshops, in an intensive group work environment students develop real-life innovation project plans. Results of the group work are discussed and presented in a predefined format. Learning process also includes analysing and discussing contemporary innovation management practices described in academic and professional publications.

The course has two main aims:

1. It is designed to develop the insights and skills necessary to critically analyse, assess and improve innovation-related project work in organizations. To achieve this a particular focus on understanding an agile framework (i.e. ‘navigating in unknown’) in relation to planning and executing projects will be given.
2. Thinking into the future of online planning and collaboration, the students will learn and practice online collaboration tools, such as Trello, Jira, Planview, Excel, Balancing Iron Triangle: Time, Resources, Cost.

Learning outcomes

• Have a critical awareness of the models, roles, responsibilities and functions of innovation project management.
• Can illustrate the difference among operational, organizational and strategic project management.
• Demonstrate the gained operational project management skills.
• Able to apply process-oriented organizational project management models.
• Analyze strategic alternatives based on innovation portfolio management.
• Display teamwork skills and understand people side of project management.
• Critically assess the value of lessons learned in project work.
• Analyze and implement innovation project management concepts in organizational setting.