Subject Description Form

Subject Code

ISE549

Subject Title

Management of Innovation and Technology

Credit Value

Level

Pre-requisite/Corequisite/Exclusion

Nil

Objectives

Innovative and successful new products/services involving technologies provide

the basic drivers of both business and economic/social development within China
and worldwide. This course is designed to provide students with a broad
perspective on the key issues involved in the effective management of technology
and innovation, including market, technological, and organisational factors, in
todays fast-changing, competitive, global environment. The course aims to help
students develop an understanding of the nature of technological work and
knowledge systems in technology as well as the key considerations in managing the
innovation process. From this basic understanding, the role of technology and
innovation in business strategies and operations is examined. Students should gain
insights into the key factors affecting product development success or failure
through various case study discussions and the review of empirical research
findings.

Intended Learning
Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the subject, students will be able to

Subject Synopsis/
Indicative Syllabus

15.7.2010

a.

comprehend and analyse the fundamental issues and challenges of technology

management, new product development, and innovation management within
an organisational context;

b.

follow an organisational process model for managing technology, and new

product or innovation management;

c.

possess the insights necessary to function as an effective general manager in

managing the innovation process and avoid common errors and
misperceptions;

d.

link technology and innovation decisions to a companys strategic planning

and operational management processes;

e.

identify and formulate managerial strategies applicable to new venture

projects that involve technology and innovation.

1. Importance of Technology and Innovation in Economic and Social Development

Risks and rewards of technological innovation; role of government policy in
promoting technology and innovation; role of technology and innovation in
Chinas/Hong Kongs economic development; past successes, current
challenges, and future directions in Chinese economic development;
sociocultural factors inhibiting technology development and innovation
management in Chinese societies.

2. Organisational Nature of Technological Work and Knowledge Systems in

Technology
Differences between technology and science; common misunderstandings about
technology; differences between organised R&D and individual inventions;
work motivations of engineers. The nature of engineering work and key issues
for managing a technology-based organisation.
3. Understanding the Key Factors that Affect New Product Development Success or
Failure
Lessons learned from decades of empirical research; separating facts from
fiction; illustrative classical examples and cases of new product/technology
development success and failure; strategic considerations in the management of
technology and new product development; linkages among technologies,
strategies, and operations; special considerations regarding complex systems,
products, or technologies; roles of standards and network externalities; timing
of new product entry; how to avoid common misunderstandings and errors.
4. Organisational Process Model of New Product Development and Innovation
Management
Activities and tasks involved in the organisational new product development
process; technology push vs. market pull new product development; radical vs.
incremental new product innovation; obstacles and challenges in the new
product development process; managing new ventures; in-depth case studies.
5. Sources of Ideas for Technology and Innovation Management
Information flow in technology; best sources of ideas for technology; internal
vs. external sources; dual requirements of an innovative idea; thinking
outside the box how to overcome cognitive biases and functional
fixedness; capturing novel ideas and user needs; roles of lead users and
opinion leaders; understanding the innovation diffusion process; innovation vs.
integration how to build organisational core competence, how to encourage
innovation in established organisations, and how to cultivate the innovative
capabilities of an organisation.
6. How to Push New Product Development or an Innovation Project through the
Organisation
Critical roles in the innovation process; overcoming different challenges in
pushing an innovative project through an organisation.
7. Managing a High-Performance Team of Technical and Innovative People
How to build and lead a high-performance project team the importance of
creating and managing creative tension in the innovation process; how to
overcome Chinese cultural barriers. Illustrative examples and in-depth case
studies.
8. Current Issues in Managing Technology and Innovation in China/Hong Kong
Trends, opportunities, and difficulties; case studies.
15.7.2010

Teaching/Learning
Methodology

Assessment
Methods in
Alignment with
Intended Learning
Outcomes

This subject is offered in block mode format at the weekends, usually spread over a
month. A mixture of lectures, tutorial exercises, and case studies is used to deliver
the various topics. Some material is covered using a problem-based format where
this advances the learning objectives. Case discussion and project activities take
place against a background of conceptual materials, which include selected readings
and brief lectures pertaining to the theme of each session.

Specific assessment
methods/tasks

%
weighting

1. Two in-class
individual tests

50%

2. In-class exercises
and participation
in case discussions

15%

3. Individual final
field project
presentation

5%

4. Final field project

report

30%

Total

100%

Intended subject learning outcomes to

be assessed
a

Assessment comprises individual and group assignments, tests, and a group project.
The individual tests are designed to assess students understanding of the lecture
materials and application of the knowledge learnt. Individual participation in class
discussions is used to evaluate the students course preparation work. This also
helps students to develop analytical and organisational communication skills in
technology and innovation management. Interactive case analyses, group-based
exercises, and assignments are used to develop and assess the students group
problem-solving process and work collaboration skills. The field project
components require students to apply what they have learnt to realistic work
scenarios.
Student Study
Effort Expected

Class contact:
Lectures

21 Hrs.

Tutorials/Seminars/Case studies

21 Hrs.

Other student study effort:

15.7.2010

Conducting projects and project discussions

20 Hrs.

Studying the materials covered by lectures for tests

30 Hrs.

Preparation for seminars/case studies

21 Hrs.

 Preparation for project presentations and report writing

Total student study effort
Reading List and
References

15.7.2010

20 Hrs.
133 Hrs.

1.

Burgelman, Robert, Christensen Clayton and Wheelwright Steven, Strategic

Management of Technology and Innovation, McGraw-Hill/Irwin (ISBN: 0-072536950), latest edition

2.

Chesbrough, Henry, Open Innovation, Harvard Business Press, latest edition

3.

Christensen, Clayton, Innovation and the General Manager, Irwin/McGraw

Hill, latest edition

4.

Tushman, Michael and Anderson, Philip, Managing Strategic Innovation and

Change, Oxford Press, latest edition

5.

Utterback, James, Mastering the Dynamics of Innovation, Harvard Business

Press, Boston, MA, latest edition

6.

Schilling, Melissa, Strategic Management of Technological Innovation,

McGraw Hill, latest edition