Module manager: Mike Raxworthy
Email: m.j.raxworthy@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 Mar to 30 Apr, 1 Mar to 30 Apr (2mth)(adv yr), 1 Sep to 31 Oct, 1 Sep to 31 Oct (adv yr) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Students are required to meet the programme entry requirements prior to studying the module.
N/A
This module is not approved as an Elective
Innovation generates value through the systematic implementation of new ideas and approaches. Companies and nations need to develop new ideas to maintain competitiveness. Management of this process is considered through the module journey as the types, levels, composition and organisation of teams, the role of policy, and tools for creative problem solving are studied. How each is to be applied within the context of the organisation or industry is central to the approach of this module.
This module seeks to broaden students’ understanding of innovation practice and the management of innovation in an engineering business context. It exposes students to a range a range of models, approaches and tools which can support their innovation process and deepen their understanding of the impact of innovation and the challenges of delivering innovation.
Students will learn how to critically evaluate current innovation methodologies and understand the contextual nature of innovation. They will be taught to appreciate how product, people and process have an impact on innovation. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on the impact of learning from the module on personal and professional development.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Identify the different types and levels of innovation in the Engineering sector;
2. Explore the complexities of managing an innovation process within a business context;
3. Describe the commercial impact of innovation;
4. Explain how design (including the application of design policy) and design thinking can support the development of innovation activity within a business or organisation;
5. Demonstrate knowledge of a range of tools and techniques that support innovation.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes which cover all areas:
1. Critical thinking applied to models, theories and practices so that appropriate methods are selected and justified for a given context;
2. Deliver effective clear, concise, focused and well-structured reports supported by relevant evidence;
3. Information and data literacies;
4. Problem solving, analytical, time management, planning and organising skills;
5. Anticipatory/future thinking to assess the consequences of actions and related risks and challenges;
6. Develop and apply creativity and innovation;
7. Managing uncertainty, ambiguity and risk.
Indicative content for this module includes:
- Innovation theory;
- Types and levels of innovation in Engineering;
- People, process and product in the innovation process;
- Business case studies across a range of Engineering sectors;
- Innovation process, management and practice across a range of business sectors;
- Design and Creativity;
- Innovation Mapping Case studies of product innovation will be used, where appropriate, to illustrate these principles in an Engineering context.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion forum | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| WEBINAR | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| WEBINAR | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 42 | ||
| Private study hours | 89.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Online learning materials will provide regular opportunity for students to post in discussion fora and to check their understanding through feedback from peers and tutors. Around 10 discussion fora are available with typical length of entries being 500 words. Regular group activity embedded into learning (via Minerva and during online webinars) will allow self and peer assessment providing opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors. These activities are part of the teaching and learning methods and are not to be considered as formative assessments. Polls and other exercises are offered during webinars.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Case Study and Report | 80 |
| In-course MCQ | VLE based MCQ | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit will be by a 100% individual assignment.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team