Study plan for MSc in Innovation and
Technology Management
Study code
MAITM
Duration
4 semesters
Applies to
Class of 2021 Autumn
Teaching language
English
Program level
Master's degree (2
years)
Fulltime percent
100
Credits
120
Responsible
Department of
Business, Strategy and
Political Sciences
Table of Content
1. Content of the study programme
2. Relevance for further studies
3. Learning outcome
4. Structure and completion
5. Learning activities
6. Forms of assessment
7. Internationalisation and student exchange
8. Approved curriculum with related subject
9. Study model
10. Other classes
1. Content of the study programme
The MSc. in Innovation and Technology Management (ITM) is a two-year, full-time study
programme awarding 120 ECTS. The programme integrates entrepreneurship, innovation
and technology management with the study of change processes as in new venture or
existing organisations. The value proposition of the ITM study programme is the education
of leaders in a world of change. The study programme aims to enable students to
understand change processes in a transitional context and exploit the opportunities
fostered by new technology. Additional aims are to enable students to lead development
processes as new ventures and/or act as internal change agents in organisations, in
addition to giving students an in-depth knowledge of change for utilisation in hi-tech
industries, governments and the business world in general, in their role as entrepreneurs
or project managers. Key issues covered by the study programme are change drivers in
rapid intrusive transitions, such as digitalisation, globalisation and sustainability.
The study programme adopts an important ethical principle through its focus on circular
economy and sustainability. The overarching issue is to minimize the footprint of
production and societies’ resource consumption, while increasing value creation and
welfare. Moreover, as sustainability and commercial viable solutions must consider all
aspects of production and use of services and products, the study programme shall
introduce the students to the characteristics and challenges of global markets.
Contents of study programme:
•
Core subjects of business economics and management, providing students with
knowledge in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology management for the
understanding of change processes as new ventures or in existing organisations
•
In-depth studies of entrepreneurial and innovation in industrial processes, providing
students with knowledge of industrial development and manufacturing processes,
with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation in an international perspective
•
Research methodology and thesis
The core elements of the ITM study programme are, but not limited to:
•
Entrepreneurship, with courses in corporate entrepreneurship and courses in new
venture entrepreneurship
•
Technology management, with courses in technology management and systems
engineering
•
Innovation Management, with courses in innovation management and creativity
•
Change, with courses in organisation and leadership- change management and
project management
The programme qualifies graduates academically for admission to Ph.D. programmes in
economics and management in Norway or abroad. In common with most industrial
management programmes in the Nordic region the focus is on market functioning,
innovation, operation management, supply chain management, quality management and
project management. The programme includes subjects that provide insight into processes
that help players in industrial systems become more efficient, innovative and able to
improve their performance. In the courses, students learn how innovation can take place at
many levels - from product innovation, to streamlining processes and focusing on
advantages developed through a global approach to production and sales. Students are
introduced to system design, planning, implementation, working methods, optimization,
risk assessment, coordination and collaboration related to industrial production and
development processes. In total, the foregoing subjects cover all the traditional topics of
industrial management.
The MSc. in Innovation and Technology Management qualifies the graduates for
employment in various areas of the private and public sectors. After graduation, the
candidates shall be able to address topics and perform tasks when implementing an
understanding of technology change. This includes innovation and entrepreneurship within
organisations and the ability to develop an active approach in dealing with external and
internal change and seizing the opportunity.
2. Relevance for further studies
The Master's programme focuses on the field of Innovation Technology Management and
provides in-depth knowledge and specialized expertise required by the public and private
sectors. On completing the ITM programme, students shall be able to conduct R&D work in
the business field, and/or proceed with doctoral studies at, for example, the University of
Agder (UiA), University of Oslo (UiO), Norwegian University of Science and Technology
(NTNU), USN or at institutions abroad.
3. Learning outcome
The study programme aims to educate candidates with strong multidimensional analytical
skills by introducing real life problems from the local business sector of USN. The study
programme shall focus on students developing an understanding of the contribution of
entrepreneurship, innovation and technology. Further, it will demonstrate how adapting to
transition through change can increase value creation and welfare through effective
implementation and efficient management. Accordingly, the students must understand
how organisations, entrepreneurs and managers can facilitate the development of new
technology and business models. This requires students to understand how new
technology can be applied in different contexts by consumers and producers, and how
these players may change their behaviour due to the introduction of new technology.
The course plans concretise the learning outcomes of the study programme. Overall, the
course units in the study programme shall contribute to the total learning outcome of the
students.
Knowledge
Upon completion of the study programme, the candidate shall:
•
have advanced knowledge of theories relating to entrepreneurship, innovation and
technology management and the concept of change
•
have advanced knowledge of how to implement change processes related to the
fields of entrepreneurship, innovation and technology management
•
have thorough knowledge of pertinent fields of scientific theory and methods
•
have specialised knowledge about academic issues based on the history, traditions,
features and place of the community in the area of specialisation
Skills
Upon completion of the study programme, the candidate shall be able to:
•
implement change in existing organisations and/or take advantage of the economic
potential of change in establishing new ventures
•
apply knowledge and skills in collaboration with others and in new areas to perform
advanced tasks in small and larger projects
•
analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations in entrepreneurship,
innovation and technology management and to work independently with practical
and theoretical problems solving relevant topics to the subject of change
•
use relevant methods for research and professional development in an
independent manner
•
conduct an independent, limited research or development project under
supervision and in accordance with current research ethical norms
General competence
Upon completion of the study programme, the candidate shall be able to:
•
use various sources of information that are pertinent to entrepreneurship,
innovation and technology management, and to analyse them critically in terms of
formulating professionally relevant reasoning within the specialisations
•
analyse relevant academic, occupational and research ethical issues related to
society, relevant to entrepreneurship, innovation and technology management
•
convey self-assurance and master the field of expression in a manner that is
reassuring for collaborators, colleagues and others in various work situations
•
communicate on academic issues within entrepreneurship, innovation and
technology management, analyse and propose conclusions in the fields, both with
specialists and to the general public
•
contribute to innovative thinking in processes of change that are pertinent to
entrepreneurship, innovation and technology management
•
continually acquire knowledge within the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation and
technology management
4. Structure and completion
The MSc. in Innovation and Technology Management has the following structure:
•
7.5 ECTS of compulsory introduction courses, alternatively in business
administration or engineering. The purpose of the two courses is to provide basic
knowledge and understanding of the two disciplines for the two different student
groups. The aim is to provide insight into and an understanding of the two academic
fields, in addition to creating common ground for the fulfilment of the
interdisciplinary learning environment in the other courses.
•
52.5 ECTS compulsory core courses, providing an advanced scientific basis,
contributing to cross disciplinary competence and a broader perspective within the
fields of entrepreneurship, innovation and technology management. This includes a
7.5 ECTS in quantitive research design and research methods course.
•
30 ECTS elective courses in two specialisations, entrepreneurship or systems
engineering, altternatively. In the specialisations there is a 7.5 ECTS course in
qualitative research design and research methods. Alternatively, 30 ECTS study
abroad at a partner institution, giving a specialized competence within the chosen
field. The courses must be approved by the programme coordinator. When studying
abroad, a 7.5 ECTS course in qualitative research design and research methods is
required.
•
30 ECTS, consisting of a research assignment documented in a master's thesis
(compulsory). The master's thesis is an independent research work, preferably
based on work practice in one or more organisations. The master’s thesis should be
supported by theoretical and research methodological knowledge to elaborate and
analyse a research question. The students shall also have the opportunity to
collaborate with the academic staff on R&D projects.
5. Learning activities
The engineering and business students shall attend the same learning activities.
Teaching methods shall be focused on providing students with relevant real-life cases and
opportunities. A combination of lectures, group work, project work and supervision is
utilized to maximize the learning outcome.
The tuition schedule and method vary throughout the programme. Some courses involve
one intensive week of lectures and group work followed by ten weeks of project work,
while other courses can last several weeks (for example 3 + 3 + 3) followed by the
submission of an individual report. Weekly supervisory sessions with faculty staff and work
in study groups may take place during this period.
Full attendance is required in many of the courses. Any absence must be cleared in
advance with the course responsible and be documented.
Tuition and seminars
The syllabus and topics for individual courses will be taught by means of lectures and
seminars. The teaching method will be research-based since it is an MSc. programme.
Follow-up and preparation for teaching are supported by ICT-based facilities. The seminars
are set up as interactive processes, where students are expected to contribute actively.
Attendance to the seminars is essentially compulsory (cf. course descriptions for details).
The reason for compulsory attendance relates to learning activities, argumentation and
communication training, as well as reflective learning processes at individual and group
levels.
Argumentation and communication training
Students shall practise different skills in oral and written dialogue and communication.
Students shall be trained to provide and receive guidance in writing processes, and use
writing in their own learning process. Guidance is given on individual writing and group
work, and courses in literature reviews and information searches, academic styles and
reference management will be given.
Case assignments
Students work individually and in groups across disciplines (i.e. students with engineering
and business backgrounds) with case studies that describe practical and theoretical
challenges. Students are challenged to derive contexts and consequences, explore different
scenarios and make ethical and normative assessments. The cases thus provide practice in
business management, as well as abstraction and generalisation.
Thesis
The Master's thesis is an independent scientific study that builds on and further develops
the knowledge acquired by the students through the first part of the study. Through the
work of the master's thesis, the students will be given the opportunity for theoretical and
methodological specialisation, gaining experience in scientific working methods and
developing the ability to produce research-based knowledge. In the master's thesis, the
students shall have the opportunity to enhance their reflective skills accumulated from the
compulsory courses in the first year of study. The students' research work, in connection
with the master's thesis, shall be conducted in collaboration with organisations in the
public, voluntary or private sectors. Students will also be given the opportunity to
collaborate with the academic staff in ongoing R&D projects. The students are given
guidance from the teachers and resource staff in the organisations. The students require
fifteen to twenty hours of supervision for the master's thesis that, on completion, awards
the student with 30 credits (ECTS).
6. Forms of assessment
Compulsory work requirements
Compulsory work requirements of the subjects in the study programme shall ensure that
students are actively working at all periods to achieve the learning outcomes. The work
requirements shall help the student to make consistent progress throughout the semester,
in addition to providing a basis for reflection, dialogue and discussion of issues in the
subject area. The work requirements include written submissions, oral presentations or
prepared discussions to be done individually or in groups. In this way, the work
requirements contribute to reinforcing independent work with the ability to collaborate
with others and developing communicative skills within all the subject areas of the study
programme.
The mandatory work requirements are assessed as approved/unapproved. The student
must pass the mandatory work requirements to be eligible for taking the final examination.
Final examinations
The examinations in the master's programme are varied. These test the students
individually or in groups, written or orally, by means of proctored examinations or major
assignments that extend over set periods. The examination methods are adapted to the
specific nature of the courses, thus ensuring that the overall learning outcomes for the
study are assessed.
The following examinations shall be used in the study programme:
•
Written, proctored exam. This form of examination measures academic and
theoretical knowledge, as well as the ability to work under pressure.
•
Written exam without supervision. Selected task are done individually or in groups.
This form of study assesses the following abilities: to apply knowledge in new areas,
analytical skills, to think independently and critically, writing proficiency, academic
and theoretical knowledge, to acquire fresh knowledge, methodological skills, y to
manage and coordinate tasks and to collaborate.
•
Oral exam (individual and group presentation). This form of study measures
academic and theoretical knowledge, oral dissemination, ability to manage and
coordinate tasks and ability to collaborate.
•
Master thesis. This examination form measures, among other things, theoretical
and methodological knowledge written and oral, analytical properties and the ability
to produce research-based knowledge and research ethical attitudes.
All subjects are assessed in letter grades, from the highest A down to –E. F is fail.
For compulsory work requirements and exam form for the individual courses, see course
plans.
A pass grade shall be attained for each course. Compulsory work, exercises and
assignments shall be approved before the student can take the final examination in a
course. Details of compulsory exercises, assignments and the assessment method and
duration are given in the respective course description.
The students are expected to spend about 1,600 hours on their full-time studies lasting ten
months each year. Each course awarding 7.5 ECTS requires 200 study hours. Each student
is expected to spend a total of 800 hours studying to complete the master thesis.
7. Internationalisation & student exchange
Students are encouraged to take courses at other approved universities abroad. The USN
has exchange agreements with several universities abroad. Students intending to
participate in our exchange programmes may do so in the third semester of the study
programme and must apply at the appropriate time.
The courses of the partner institution must have the prior approval of the programme
coordinator at the department, ensuring that students meet the requirements of the study
plan after completion of the programme.
For further information about the USN exchange agreements and options please
access: https://www.usn.no/english/academics/usn-outbound-exchange/
The ITM programme has an international orientation in the form of English study literature,
English as the language of tuition, lecturers with international backgrounds, student
exchange and admission for international students.
8. Approved curriculum with related subject
Vice- dean, USN School of Business, June 2019.
9. Study Model
MSc in Innovation and Technology Management
-Common Compulsory Courses
2021 Autumn
2022 Spring
Quantitative
Methods
System Engineering
Innovation
Management
Project Management
of Complex Systems
Corporate
Organization and
Entrepreneurship Leadership – Change
Management
Technology
Management
82.5 stp.
2022 Autumn
2023
Spring
Master
Thesis
-Compulsory Introduction Courses – Engineering / Business
-Fundamentals of Industrial Management – Engineering Students only 7.5 stp.
2021 Autumn
2022 Spring
2022 Autumn
2023
Spring
Fundamentals of
Industrial
Management
-Fundamentals of Engineering-Business Students Only
7.5stp.
2021 Autumn
2023
Spring
2022 Spring
2022 Autumn
Fundamentals of Engineering
-Specialisation
-Entrepreneurship
2021 Autumn
30 stp.
2022 Spring
2022 Autumn
2023
Spring
Quantitative Methods
and The Business Plan as
an entrepreneurial
Method
Idea Generation and
Evaluation, Putting
Novelty into Context
Entrepreneurial Finance
Managing Firm
Operations and Firm
Growth
One Semester Exchange
Studies Abroad
-System Engineering
2021 Autumn
2022 Spring
30 stp.
2022 Autumn
2023
Spring
Research Methods for
System Engineering
Architecture and Design
Sustainability and Life
Cycle
Knowledge Management
One Semester Exchange
Studies Abroad
Quantitative Methods
Pensumlitteratur
BOOK
Multivariate data analysis
Hair, Joseph F. |0 (NO-TrBIB)90163019 |4 aut, Andover, Cengage Learning
EMEA, Total Pages XVII, 813 sider, 2019, isbn: 9781473756540,
Hovedlitteratur
BOOK
SPSS survival manual: a step by step guide to data analysis using IBM
SPSS
Pallant, Julie, London, Open University Press, Total Pages XVI, 361 sider,
2020, isbn: 9780335249497; 0335249493,
Alternativ hovedlitteratur
Alternativ hovedlitteratur
BOOK
Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches
Creswell, John W., Los Angeles, Calif., SAGE, Total Pages XXIX, 273 s. :, cop.
2014, isbn: 9781452226095; 9781452226101,
Further Reading
Innovation Management
Required Textbook
BOOK Managing innovation: integrating technological, market and
organizational change
Tidd, Joseph, Bessant, John, Hoboken, N.J., Wiley, Total Pages XV, 586 s., cop.
2018, isbn: 1119441099; 9781119441090; 9781119379454,
Corporate Entrepreneurship
Obligatorisk litteratur
BOOK Corporate entrepreneurship : how to create a thriving entrepreneurial
spirit throughout your company
Hisrich, Robert D., Kearney, Claudine, New York, McGraw-Hill, Total Pages XI, 335
s, 2011, isbn: 0071763163; 9780071763165,
Til den elektroniske utgaven av boken: Select your institution: Velg: "Not listed" i
nedtrekksmenyen.
Systems Engineering
Obligatorisk litteratur
BOOK
Systems engineering : theory and practice
Sols, Alberto, Madrid, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Total Pages
366 s., cop. 2019, isbn: 9788484687887,
BOOK
Systems engineering and design facilitating multidisciplinary
development projects
Bonnema, G. Maarten, Veenvliet, Karel Th.; Broenink, Jan F., Boca
Raton, CRC Press, Total Pages xvii, 113 s., cop. 2016, isbn: 978-14987-5126-1,
Tilleggslitteratur
BOOK
Systems engineering handbook : a guide for system life cycle
processes and activities
Walden, David D.; Roedler, Garry J.; Forsberg, Kevin; Hamelin, R.
Douglas; Shortell, Thomas M., Hoboken, N.J., Wiley, Total Pages xii,
290 s., 2015, isbn: 9781118999400,
BOOK
Systems engineering and analysis
Blanchard, Benjamin S., Fabrycky, Wolter J., Boston, Pearson, Total
Pages 800 s., cop. 2011, isbn: 9780137148431; 0137148437,
Organisation and Leadership- Change Management
Obligatorisk litteratur
BOOK
The theory and practice of change management
John Hayes (1943-) (forfatter), London, Palgrave Macmillan, 2018, isbn:
9781352001235,
Technology Management
Obligatorisk litteratur
BOOK
Technology management: activities and tools
Çetindamar, Dilek,, Probert, David,; Phaal, Robert,, Basingstoke, Hampshire :,
Palgrave Macmillan, Total Pages 1 volume :, 2016., isbn: 9781137431851,
Fundamentals of Engineering
Qualitative Methods and the Business Plan as an Entrepreneurial
Method
Core textbook (Obligatory)
BOOK
Qualitative research : the essential guide to theory and practice
Savin-Baden, Maggi., Major, Claire Howell., London, Routledge, Total
Pages XXXI, 569 s., 2013, isbn: 9780415674782,
BOOKS
BOOK CHAPTER
BOOK CHAPTER
Doing Template Analysis: A Guide to the Main Components and
Procedures
Nigel King ; Joanna M. Brooks, Nigel King ; Joanna M. Brooks,
Template Analysis for Business and Management Students, 55 City
Road, SAGE Publications Ltd, Total Pages 25-, 2017, 25, isbn:
1473911575,
Conducting Research Interviews
Catherine Cassell, Catherine Cassell, Conducting Research Interviews
for Business and Management Students, 55 City Road, SAGE
Publications Ltd, Total Pages 37-, 2015, 37, isbn: 9781446273555,
Idea Generation and Evaluation, putting novelty into context
Obligatorisk litteratur
BOOK
BOOK
Creative problem solving for managers : developing skills for decision
making and innovation
Tony Proctor, London, Routledge, 2018, isbn: 9781138312364,
Creative problem solving for managers : developing skills for decision
making and innovation
Tony Proctor, London, Routledge, 2018, isbn: 9781138312364,
Entrepreneurial Finance
Obligatorisk litteratur
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurial Finance
BOOK
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurial Finance
Oxford University Press, 2020, isbn: 0-19-094155-3,
Managing Firm Operations and Firm Growth
BOOKS
BOOK
BOOK
CHAPT
ER
The lean startup : how constant innovation creates radically successful
businesses
Ries, E., London, Portfolio Penguin, Total Pages 320 s., 2011, isbn: 978-0-67092160-7,
Også tilgjengelig som ebok https://bibsysalmaprimo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/kb63e2/TN_cdi_askewsholts_vleb
ooks_9780670921621
The early stage software startup development model: a framework for
operationalizing lean principles in software startups
Bosch, J., Olsson, H. H., Björk, J., Ljungblad, J, Lean Enterprise Software and
Systems, 2013, 1-15, isbn: 3-642-44930-1,
In compendium