Innovation & Entrepreneurship in IT

This subject is not offered in 2014.

200 hours

Students who are enrolled in the two year 200 point Master of Information Systems must have completed 50 points of study to enrol in this subject.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Aims
This subject asks the question ‘what makes a successful entrepreneur?’ It’s a complex topic and the subject of heated debate in the business, education and the economics communities, and also in discussions of international development, sustainability and social philanthropy. The way we will approach this subject is by looking at the behaviours, attitudes, values and skills that entrepreneurs need to create the climate for successful innovation - whether they are entrepreneurs starting new ventures or ‘Entrepreneurs’ in large organisations. What you will discover in this subject is that innovation isn’t just about having great ideas, and that entrepreneurs aren’t who you think they are. The subject will do this by looking at topics such as how innovation works and how it can be managed, different modes of entrepreneurialism, how entrepreneurs think and how to create, build and sustain an entrepreneurial business.

Indicative Content
The subject comprises 5 themes:

• ’Making New Things’, a survey of current thinking about innovation and entrepreneurship
• ’The Customers’ Point of View’, looking at techniques for understanding customers and consumer-led innovation
• ’Everything is Negotiable’, including work done at the Harvard negotiation project on win/win negotiation and emotional negotiation
• ’Everyone Needs Help’, exploring the ways entrepreneurs create support networks to help them be successful innovation and mentoring
• ’Inspire People’ - an examination of the importance of vision and commitment in innovation and entrepreneurship.

The subject involves advanced learning activities including case-based, experiential, and team-based approaches.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. You will acquire an understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation;

2. You will be able to apply this understanding to your individual learning goals;

3. You will be able to move on to integrate your understanding into your chosen academic, career or personal development path

• Students create a portfolio of learning resources, hosted on platforms like Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Evernote and Vimeo (amongst others). The portfolio will be graded at a formative waypoint that provides feedback on progress (50%, Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1,2 &3) during the semester and a summative waypoint (50%, ILOs 1,2 & 3) at the end of semester.
• Assessment is against the following criteria: The depth of analysis evident in the portolio The presentation / style of the portfolio that is appropriate for its audience How well the portfolio meets deadlines, length, and basic quality measures The demonstration of critical reflection.

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

• Report writing
• Oral communication
• Independent learning skills
• Public presentation
• Teamwork

Learning and Teaching Methods
The subject is delivered in five weekend day long classes, with each class containing: a lecture on theoretical concepts; project work activity; an interactive debrief on the outcomes of the group activity. Outside class students will study theory and cases through reading and continuing their group activities.

Indicative Key Learning Resources
Recent cases and materials will be made available during class.

Careers/Industry Links
An entrepreneurial orientation and an understanding of how to stimulate innovation is a pre-requisite for employment in many industries. It’s essential for those wishing to start new ventures, changing careers, seeking promotion, thinking of starting a consultancy practice, updating qualifications, moving to a new company, and will help you understand how to move from a technical trajectory to a management, consulting and leadership career path.

This subject will help you to gain a broad business and real world perspective, together with experience in applying business communication, interpersonal, and team skills to real situations, while honing your critical thinking and analytical skills through a mixture of advanced teaching models including case-based, social-media supported, experiential, and team-based approaches.