School of Management, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: This unit focuses on the key strategic and conceptual issues that affect the innovation process, especially the need to understand and manage innovation within an inter-organisational network context. The unit aims to examine how different network actors within the business environment may influence, enable and inhibit the innovation process. Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course students will be able to: * Identify the enabling and inhibiting role of inter-organisational networks on the innovation process; * Critically analyse the emergence and development of core concepts and bodies of knowledge on inter-organisational networks; * Articulate appropriate, contingent approaches to managing innovation within different types of network; * Evaluate the role of suppliers and supply networks in developing new products and technologies; * Distinguish between different sourcing and procurement strategies that can be applied to leverage technologies, knowledge and capabilities through the supply base; * Apply appropriate concepts and methods of supply relationship development and management; * Critically evaluate the role of information systems in networking. Skills: Intellectual Skills * a systematic understanding of organisations, the internal and external context in which they operate and how they can be effectively managed; (T, F, A) * a critical awareness of current issues and frameworks in management; (T, F, A) * an understanding of theoretical concepts and frameworks that enable the student to link theory and practice meaningfully and the ability to appraise critically both theory and practice; (T, F A) * an understanding of appropriate research and methodological techniques that allow detailed investigation into topical business issues and ability to use these skills to produce professional, critical business reports. (T, F, A) Professional Practical Skills * assess and further develop the strategic position of an organisation under conditions of complexity and uncertainty; (F) * evaluate the current standing of an organisation and practically contribute to the attainment of an organisation's strategies and objectives; (T, F and A) * operate effectively both independently as well as within teams and assume leadership roles where appropriate; (F and A) * be self-directed and able to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects at professional levels.(F and A) Transferable/Key Skills * an ability to develop a holistic perspective on an organisation and an understanding of how the different functions relate to one another; (T, F, A) * an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the resources and competences required for successful cross-functional management in organisations including enterprise skills; (T, F, A) * ability to conduct in-depth research into management and business issues. (F and A) Personal/Interpersonal * an ability to manage and work in teams with an awareness of issues such as culture, gender, working styles etc. and to use these to the benefit of the individual and the team; (F) * the facility to communicate including presenting and marketing themselves and their ideas; preparation and production of effective business plans and reports.(T, F, A). Content: In this unit students will examine and synthesise a range of inter-organisational network definitions and typologies, including business networks, supply networks, strategic networks, and learning networks. Students will explore the dual enabling and inhibiting network effects on the innovation process. Different theoretical approaches to network theory and roots in management theory will be introduced and students will be expected to critically evaluate the purpose and relevance of such different approaches. The unit will evaluate how technology and capability can be analysed from a supply network perspective. Appropriate concepts and methods of sourcing management in addition to supply relationship deveelopment and management will be discussed. Finally, the role of information systems in networking will be critically evaluated. |
| Programme availability: |
MN50419 is Compulsory on the following programmes:School of Management
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