Management of Knowledge and Innovation

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of managing knowledge and innovation within organisations. It equips students with the theoretical foundation and practical skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

The course spans two semesters. In Semester 1, the focus is on Knowledge Management, exploring how organisations create, acquire, share, and transfer knowledge to drive innovation. Semester 2 transitions to Innovation Management, examining the processes, strategies, and ecosystems that foster innovation and sustain competitive advantage.

Students will learn to integrate knowledge management with innovation practices, analyse real-world cases, and develop skills in effective communication, information retrieval, and problem-solving. By the course's end, students will be equipped to devise knowledge management and innovative strategies, as well as navigate the complexities of modern business with confidence.

This course is ideal for those seeking to understand the critical role of knowledge and innovation, including their impact on organisational success.

BMaP (cross-faculty/school)

The course is not available to students in BSc in Management/Management (Specialism), and IM programmes.

The aim of the course is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in today's dynamic business environment.

In Semester 1, the course primarily focuses on Knowledge Management, aiming to provide students with an understanding of the foundational principles and theories related to knowledge management. Students will explore the intricacies of knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing, and transfer within organisations, recognising the critical role played by knowledge in driving innovation. This semester serves as a crucial building block, laying the basis for understanding how knowledge in general and knowledge management practices in particular contribute to and enhance innovation within organisations.

In Semester 2, the course is particularly focused on Innovation Management. Here, students will delve into the multifaceted world of innovation, examining its significance in the modern economy and its impact on organisational growth and competitiveness. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including product development, technology strategy, market dynamics, and the intricate interplay of factors within innovation ecosystems. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to synthesise their knowledge of knowledge management with the concepts and practices of innovation management, illustrating how these two aspects are intrinsically linked. By the end of the course, students will possess a deep understanding of knowledge and innovation, together with the practical skills necessary to develop effective innovation strategies and confidently navigate the complex landscape of modern business.

Semester 1: The Management of Knowledge

Week 1: Knowledge types
Week 2: Knowledge management cycle
Week 3: Knowledge production
Week 4: Knowledge diffusion
Week 5: Knowledge application
Week 6: Knowledge management strategy
Week 7: Special topic - Knowledge in multicultural contexts
Week 8: Special topic - Knowledge in the digital age
Week 9: Special topic - Knowledge-based industries
Week 10: Semester 1 revision lecture on knowledge management

Semester 2: The Management of Innovation

Week 1: From knowledge to innovation
Week 2: Organising for innovation
Week 3: Opening the innovation process
Week 4: Collaborating for innovation
Week 5: Profiting from innovation
Week 6: Developing an innovation strategy
Week 7: Special topic - Innovation in the international context
Week 8: Special topic - Sustainable innovation
Week 9: Special topic - Diversity and innovation
Week 10: Full year revision lecture on the management of knowledge and innovation

The course is delivered through lectures complemented by seminars, ensuring students gain a balanced mix of theoretical understanding and practical application.

Lectures (20 x 1.5 hours)

Lectures are designed to introduce and explain key theories, concepts, and frameworks related to knowledge and innovation management. They provide a structured overview of core topics, supported by real-world examples and case studies. Delivered in a larger group setting, lectures aim to build foundational knowledge, stimulate critical thinking, and provide students with the tools to engage with the subject matter independently.

Seminars (8 x 1.0 hours)

Seminars are interactive sessions that encourage active participation and collaboration. They provide students with opportunities to apply the knowledge gained in lectures to case studies, as well as other specific tasks and problem-solving activities. Seminars facilitate discussion, critical analysis, and teamwork, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the material and refine skills such as communication, argumentation, and reflection.

Delivery pattern

Lecture hours: 20 x 1.5-hour lectures (10 in Semesters 1 and 2)

Seminar hours: 8 x 1.0-hour seminars (4 in Semesters 1 and 2)

Private study: 162 hours

Total study hours: 200 hours

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the foundational principles and theories of knowledge management.

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the foundational principles and theories of innovation management.

Demonstrate an ability to analyse and synthesise the link between knowledge management and innovation management.

Apply critical thinking to examine the generic and real-world cases of knowledge management, integrating theory with practical applications.

Apply critical thinking to examine the generic and real-world cases of innovation management, integrating theory with practical applications.

Formulate and defend reasoned arguments about the impact of knowledge and innovation management on organisational outcomes.

Conduct effective information retrieval, critically evaluating sources and synthesising data to support evidence-based decision-making.

Produce clear and persuasive written reports that would facilitate productive discussions in professional and academic settings.

Apply theoretical frameworks to practical scenarios to address real-world challenges.

Work independently to meet deadlines, demonstrating time management and organisational skills.

Reflect on personal learning and development, setting informed goals for continuous improvement.

Exhibit ethical decision-making and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility in managing knowledge and innovation.

Exam (60%)

Individual reflective report (40%) 

Via Canvas, 15 working days.

Core textbooks

Dalkir, K. (2011) Knowledge management in theory and practice. 2nd Ed. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Tidd, J., and Bessant, J.R. (2021) Managing innovation: Integrating technological, market and organizational change. 7th Ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Schilling, M.A. (2019) Strategic management of technological innovation. 6th Ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Supplementary textbooks

Semester 1: The Management of Knowledge

Andersson, Å.E., and Beckmann, M.J.T. (2009) Economics of knowledge: Theory, models and measurements. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.

Antonelli, C., and Link, A.N. (2014) Routledge handbook of the economics of knowledge. London: Routledge.

Foray, D. (2004) Economics of knowledge. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Semester 2: The Management of Innovation

Hall, B.H., and Rosenberg, N. (2010) Handbook of the economics of innovation. Amsterdam: Elsevier B.V.

Mowery, D.C., and Rosenberg, N. (1989) Technology and the pursuit of economic growth. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Swann, G.M.P. (2014) The economics of innovation: An introduction. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.