InGenious – Value-Creating Innovation – Interdisciplinary Development Project, 8 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• 90 ECTS credits passed from undergraduate studies, or equivalent.
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6 or Engelska nivå 2).
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• in a group, work in a challenge-based way and identify a relevant challenge from a broader abstract problem context, investigate opportunities through guiding questions, and thereafter develop and communicate a value-creating solution 
• understand and use innovation processes – from challenge to solution – and have insight into how value and impact are created from a business, sustainability, and ethical perspective 
• communicate innovative solutions in the form of oral professional pitches as well as in writing in report form 
• discuss and reflect, individually and in groups, on group processes and group dynamics in value-creating innovation processes where individuals from different professions collaborate interdisciplinarily 

Course content

In the course, an interdisciplinary development project is carried out in groups. The project is based on a real challenge from an external project partner from industry, civil society, or the public sector. The project is related to the global sustainability goals and aims to drive responsible development. Furthermore, ethical aspects in the innovation process are discussed.

The challenge of the development project allows great freedom for the group and also places demands on responsiveness and initiative. Challenge-based learning is applied, and in the course the innovation process in three phases (engage, investigate, act) used by ECIU (European Consortium of Innovative Universities) is followed.

In close collaboration with external parties, the opportunity is given to test academic subject-specific knowledge in a real practical context. The course includes coaching and communication, where pitches are an important tool. The pitches follow a progressive development curve, and the course includes presentation of a final pitch to a large audience. Reflection – both individual and in groups – is an important part of the course.

Teaching and working methods

Teaching takes place in the form of lectures, films, workshops, group work, and individual reflection. In the course, Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) is applied as the main pedagogical approach.

Students are expected, in addition, to carry out self-study, both individually and in groups.
Language of instruction and examination: English.

Examination

The course is examined through:

• written assignments in groups, grading scale: P/F  
• written project plan in groups, grading scale: F/PWD 
• written final report in groups, grading scale: F/PWD 
• active participation in seminars and pitches, grading scale: P/F 
• individual written reflection, grading scale: F/PWD 

For a Pass grade, at least Pass is required on all components. For a Pass with distinction, Pass with distinction is required on the written final report in groups and on the individual written reflection.

Detailed information is found in the study guide.

If there are special reasons, and if it is possible with regard to the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent assignment.

If LiU’s coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to adapted examination for a written examination, the student has the right to this.

If the coordinator has given the student a recommendation for adapted examination or an alternative form of examination, the examiner may decide on this if the examiner assesses it possible based on the course objectives.

The examiner may also decide on adapted examination or an alternative form of examination if the examiner assesses that there are exceptional reasons and that it is possible based on the course objectives.

A student whose examination has been failed twice in the course or part of the course has the right to request another examiner at a new examination occasion.

A student who has passed an examination may not participate in a new examination for a higher grade.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

The course is carried out in collaboration with Almi East Sweden AB, whose task is to recruit companies and organizations that provide the challenges that students take on. To regulate issues regarding rights to results linked to the students’ work, both companies/organizations and students need to sign agreements with Almi East Sweden AB. The agreements also form the basis for possible negotiations regarding the purchase of the potential results developed by the students in the course.

Planning and implementation of the course shall be based on the formulations in the syllabus. The course evaluation that is to be included in every course shall therefore address the question of how the course corresponds to the syllabus.

The course is conducted in such a way that equivalent conditions apply with regard to gender, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation, and age.

If there are exceptional reasons, the Vice-Chancellor may, by special decision, specify the conditions for and delegate the right to decide on temporary deviations from this syllabus.

Regarding language of instruction and examination

The language of instruction is shown for each course instance under the tab “Overview”. The language of examination relates to the language of instruction as follows:

If the language of instruction is “Swedish”, the course may be given entirely in Swedish or entirely or partly in English. The language of examination is Swedish, but parts of the examination may take place in English.
If the language of instruction is “English”, the course is given entirely in English. The language of examination is English.
If the language of instruction is “Swedish/English”, the course is given entirely in English if students without prior knowledge of Swedish participate. The language of examination follows the language of instruction.

Department