BSc Mathematics with Placement Year

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.

BMAN30010 is a free choice option for students with prior agreement from their home schools.

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

Methods of delivery - Lectures/seminars

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. 

Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Dependent courses: None
Programmes to which this course unit contributes (including cross faculty/school): BMaP (cross-faculty/school). The course is not available to students in BSc in Management/ Management (Specialism), and IM programmes.

For academic year 2025/26
Updated March 2025