Objectives of the course (learning outcomes and competences)

The overall criterion for success is that the process of development which the chosen product undergoes must realise a revenue potential larger than estimated prior to the innovation process.

This objective is achieved by first looking at customers’ and users’ needs, and then adding new values to the product one or several times in its value chain or life cycle. The aim is to create as much actual experienced value for the stakeholders, the customers and the end user at the lowest costs possible.

Subsequently, the revenue potential will be documented in a report (a business case). The business plan will be based on the company’s visions, values and strategies as well as real conditions in the company and the market at which the product is targeted.

Professional objective

On the basis of an existing product or an identified need chosen in cooperation with the associated company, the professional objective is to practise the student’s skills in an innovative and user-driven product development process where focus is also on balancing and developing the appertaining production and business processes.

The overall purpose is to create authentic, customised products, product architectures and process solutions increasing the reaction time towards individual customer requirements, thus the company can act competitively and take advantage of the sales potential on the most attractive markets.

In addition, the professional objective focuses on making the student aware of the personal and professional skills required to act as change agent in a company.

The project result of the course is to have realistic and well-documented suggestions for product and process improvements along the value chain of the specific product. These must be based on the actual product as well as the customers’ and the users’ needs.

Course description (contents, subject areas)

The course will, among other things, contain the following elements in the innovation process:

• The value chain concept
• User-driven product development
• Raising the awareness of the basic principles of making high performance teams
• Raising the awareness the potential in working in cross-curricular and cross-cultural teams
• Structured knowledge and idea generating processes
• The ability to convert new knowledge into commercial value.

Personal development

The objective is to make the student part of matching cross-curricular teams consisting of 4-6 students in which they acquire the following personal skills:

• Team cooperation
• The ability to see possibilities
• Communication/presentation technique
• Independence
• Persistence
• Taking action in chaotic situations
• Innovation
• Creating networks.

Learning methods

• Lecture 0 %
• Self-study 30 %
• Group work 15 %
• Project work/problem-oriented teaching 55 %

Important

Each participant may choose 1 out of 3 selected assignments.

When signing up for the course, you must remember to write down which assignments you want to work on.

Please note that the literature you must buy before the beginning of the course, is adapted the individual assignment.

Teaching material

The compendium “Cross-curricular Innovation” can be bought in the bookshop at AU-IBT.

Assessment methods

Individual oral examination.

The curriculum for the oral examination is the literature in the assignment-specific compendium.

Internal censorship.

Requirements for passing an examination

Marks are given according to the Danish 7-step ECTS scale. The given mark must be at least 02 or above.