Course syllabus - Innovation Processes in Defence Organizations

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to provide the students with knowledge about how innovation processes in defence organizations are related to a society's general innovation system. With established theories as e.g. Triple Helix, Open Innovation and Diffusion of innovation as a point of departure, the course specifically emphasizes innovation- and diffusion processes in and between organizations, as well as the value of finding deviant cases of situated innovation in the face of complex problems, also in ordinary activities.

Learning outcomes

After completed course, the student should be able to: 
1. describe and explain the specific conditions for working with innovation in defence organizations, with a specific focus on the relation between defence organizations and society's general innovation system 
2. problematize and discuss how innovations emerge, are diffused and developed in and between civil and defence sectors, from scientific, ethical and societal perspectives 
3. problematize conditions for and the potential for development for an increased cross-fertilization between civil and defence sectors for an improved innovation capacity 
4. demonstrate basic knowledge for initiating and lead the development of defence innovation 

Course content

General models and perspectives on innovation, e.g.: 
- Triple Helix 
- Open Innovation 
- Diffusion of innovations 
- Positive Deviance 
Situated innovation as response to complex problems. 
Regular activities as a source of innovation. 
Diffusion and reinvention of innovations in and between organizations. 
Interplay between technology and organizing. 
Promoting innovation processes based on actual, local conditions. 

Requirements

General entry requirements

Examination

Home examination (HEM1), 5 credits, examines the learning outcome 1, marks Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) 
Seminar (SEM1), Active participation in problematizing seminars, 5 credit, examines the learning outcomes 2-3, marks Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) 
Project (PRO1), An assignment that is presented with a report and a demonstration of the project, 5 credits, examines the learning outcome 4, marks Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) 

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail