The aim of this module is to explore the practical aspects of “doing” innovation and corporate entrepreneurship in the present times anchored in a firm understanding of the theoretical origins of these concepts. More specifically, the aims are to:

Review the key theories and recent research relevant to understanding the dynamics and practice of innovation and corporate entrepreneurship;

Discuss the main types, strategies and processes of innovation and corporate entrepreneurship, as well as the main challenges that are encountered in successfully implementing change;

Understand the different definitions and types of innovation and identify the relationships between innovation, entrepreneurship and the performance of organisations in a range of sectors, including the private, public and third sectors;

Examine the approaches that can be employed to analyse organisational strategies, structures, cultures and business models as a basis for enhancin g innovation and entrepreneurial activity;

Describe the phases of the process of innovation and entrepreneurship including ‘recognising the opportunity’; ‘finding the resources’; ‘developing the venture’; and ‘creating value’.

(LO1) Understand why innovation and entrepreneurship matter to developing growth in organisations;

(LO2) Describe and critique theories of innovation and entrepreneurship and their relevance for understanding approaches to strategy and day-to-day operational management and change;

(LO3) Evaluate critically the key theories of creativity and innovation and their implementation as a means for developing an organisational culture which supports these;

(LO4) Evaluate and describe relevant resources and strategies for innovation as well as the individual and organisational barriers to innovating and entrepreneurship in a variety of contexts;

(LO5) Analyse and critique relevant ways of developing new products and services, as well as carrying out effective corporate venturing strategies;

(LO6) Evaluate the importance of a range of tools and approaches to effectively manage innovation and entrepreneurship.

(S1) Adaptability. Will be developed via the group works on the asynchronous learning and the presentations in seminars. Students will be able to manage contrasting priorities and deal with multiple demands arising.

(S2) Problem solving skills. Developed via the asynchronous and synchronous learning and seminar activities, including the one seminar activity that will include working in groups to solve a specific problem in corporate entrepreneurship and innovation.

(S3) Commercial awareness. Developed throughout the module in asynchronous sessions, synchronous sessions, seminars, class discussions and needs to be exhibited in the assessment.

(S4) Teamwork. Students need to work proactively during the group work and the presentation in the seminar activity.

(S5) International awareness. Developed throughout the module in asynchronous and synchronous learning activities, class discussions and needs to be exhibited in the assessment.

2 hour lecture x 6 weeks
2 hour seminar x 6 weeks
1 hour group learning x 6 weeks
120 hours self-directed learning

The focus of this module is on corporate entrepreneurship and innovation in order to be relevant for students that are interested in working as innovation managers, corporate venturing, consultants, or business support professionals. The key topics will be:

Understanding why innovation and corporate entrepreneurship matter;

Recognising the opportunity, creativity, sources and strategies for innovation;

Finding the resources, building the business case, leadership, teams and networks;

Developing new products, services, corporate venturing and growing the business;

Learning to manage innovation and corporate entrepreneurship.