Technology & innovation strategy

MGT-414 / 3 credits

Teacher: Fernandes Rodrigues Alves Marlon

Language: English

Remark: Special schedule. See the MTE website: https://go.epfl.ch/mte

Summary

This course focuses on the economic and organizational conditions that shape technological innovation by firms. The intent is for students to learn core concepts that can make innovation initiatives within a firm more successful, and to then apply those concepts to real business problems and cases.

Content

Strategic management differs from other courses in management in that it focuses on the firm as the unit of analysis. Accordingly, the course objectives are threefold: (1) to develop an understanding of how innovations emerge and gain adoption in the marketplace; (2) to gain insights into how firms can transform themselves into effective innovators; and (3) to evaluate strategies and structures that enhance venture success. The course is particularly applicable for students interested in working for, or learning about, technology-oriented companies. The class MGT404 is a useful follow-up to the present class.

Keywords

Technology

Innovation

Strategy

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and evaluate strategies and structures that are more likely to lead to success
  • Apply theory and best practices for assessing the potential for new ideas to convert into new products, technologies and businesses
  • Apply different theoretical perspectives on technology strategy and innovation, think creatively about alternative courses of action, and ask insightful questions
  • Recognize core concepts for technology and innovation strategy
  • Link concepts to real-world context
  • Plan for ambiguity and uncertainty in a strategic analysis
  • Discuss with team-members to research and analyze a real-world problem
  • Organize and write up a logical argument and explanation
  • Work out / Determine respond to challenging questions
  • Explain core concepts for technology and innovation strategy
  • Transpose concepts to real-world context
  • Take into consideration ambiguity and uncertainty in a strategic analysis

Transversal skills

  • Communicate effectively, being understood, including across different languages and cultures.
  • Evaluate one's own performance in the team, receive and respond appropriately to feedback.
  • Identify the different roles that are involved in well-functioning teams and assume different roles, including leadership roles.
  • Keep appropriate documentation for group meetings.
  • Resolve conflicts in ways that are productive for the task and the people concerned.
  • Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
  • Take feedback (critique) and respond in an appropriate manner.
  • Summarize an article or a technical report.

Teaching methods

The course will be taught through readings, lectures, discussions, individual research, group-organized research, and group presentations. We will analyze real companies in often fast changing environments. Students will be placed in the role of a key decision maker and asked to address issues related to the management of technical and innovative products and services for that firm.

Expected student activities

  • Attending lectures
  • Working in group
  • Reading written material
  • Preparing case studies
  • Debating/arguing

Assessment methods

  • Class participation: 25%
  • Project (slide deck + presentation in class): 25%
  • Final exam: 50%

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Bibliography

Schilling M.A. Strategic Management of Technological Innovation. – 6th Edition. – New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2020.

Ressources en bibliothèque

Moodle Link

Prerequisite for

MGT-411 Innovation Management

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Technology & innovation strategy
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Technology & innovation strategy
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Technology & innovation strategy
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Technology & innovation strategy
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Technology & innovation strategy
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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