STRATEGY, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT - 1

This course is a core educational activity of the Master's Degree Programme in International Management. The aim of the course is to provide the preliminary knowledge that is deemed necessary for dealing with the strategic and organisational phenomena related to the introduction and diffusion of innovations in companies, with a focus on technological innovation.
The course provides students with an overview of the most recent phenomena in the field of innovation and technology, the main theories useful for the comprehension of such phenomena, as well as a set of practical and conceptual tools for their management and valorisation within the entrepreneurial organisational environment. In this course, students learn the basics for analysing these phenomena and for their strategic management.
This is a 12 ECTS course and is provided on the first semester. This syllabus provides the information for the whole course.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired an advanced theoretical knowledge of innovation and technology management in various business processes (from production and supply chain management to communication, finance, and strategy formulation). In addition, through guided case studies, group activities, and assignments students will deal with (simplified) real-world cases with which they will have to test the knowledge acquired.

This course doesn't require any prerequisite. However, it is advisable to have bachelor-level knowledge of management.

Basics of strategy, organization & environment
Case study on strategic analysis and strategic response to environmental threats
Principles of innovation management
Technological innovation
Case study on the analysis of technological innovation and related strategic response
Organisational innovation
Case study on the analysis of organisational innovation and related strategic response
Business Model Innovation
Case study on the analysis of business model innovation and related strategic response
Principles of technology management
Technology management and innovation in production and operations
Case study on technology management and innovation in productions and operations
Technology management and innovation in procurement & supply chain management
Case study on technology management and innovation in procurement & supply chain management
Technology management and innovation in communication
Case study on technology management and innovation in communication
Technology management and innovation in finance
Case study on technology management and innovation in finance

The teaching materials, including the course slides, will be made available during the course in electronic format on the Moodle platform

The exam will consist of a written assignment to be delivered within 1 hour. During the course, students will have the opportunity to carry out project work that will be evaluated. This opportunity is completely optional and will provide bonus points for the exam.
The written examination is open book. The assignments are given through the Moodle platform and each student will have to deliver his/her assignment through the Moodle platform.
The general evaluation criteria are the following:
- completeness and precision, with respect to the topic assigned;
- rigorousness of terminology and, in general, professionalism;
- quality of the sources and accuracy of citations,
- degree of comprehension achieved by the student about the course topic, measured (for instance but not only) through the capability of students to propose their own examples or own way of explaining concepts and theories.
- correct application of the tools and concepts explained in the course;
Further specific evaluation criteria will depend on the assignment.
Please note: the tasks assigned will be very specific and circumscribed. The answers to the questions should be equally precise and specific.
Generic and off-topic talk, as well as unsourced data and information, will result in penalties. Plagiarism and the use of AI tool-generated text will result in penalties or failure, and possible further sanctions. If you don't know what plagiarism is, check: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills/plagiarism

written

The final grade is the average of the written and oral performance, plus any bonus points for the project work, if any.

18-20 The response is minimally acceptable, covering the basic aspects of the topic but with evident gaps in depth, accuracy, or precision. The argumentation is weak, with limited application of course concepts. Some inaccuracies in terminology and sources.

21-23 Adequate understanding of the topic, with a generally correct but sometimes superficial approach. Some minor inaccuracies in reasoning or terminology. Limited ability to propose independent examples or alternative explanations.

24-26 Good grasp of the subject, with clear and structured answers. Proper use of terminology and sources. Demonstrates some ability to apply concepts correctly and provide relevant examples. Few or no inaccuracies.

27-29 Very good understanding and application of concepts, with precise and well-argued answers. High level of professionalism in writing. Good use of sources and citations. Strong ability to provide relevant examples or alternative explanations.

30-30L Outstanding work demonstrating deep understanding, critical thinking, and originality. Responses are precise, insightful, and professionally structured. Excellent use of sources, terminology, and argumentation. Exceptional ability to explain concepts in an innovative way.

Lectures, class discussion, laboratories and case-study development, possibly in cooperation with third parties.

Due to the highly interactive and practice-oriented nature of the course, regular attendance at lessons is recommended.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development