| Unit name | Tools and Methods for Digital Innovation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | INOVM0031 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Parker |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Centre for Innovation |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
This unit is pivotal for immersing students in the digital innovation landscape, offering foundational knowledge and hands-on experience with the tools and methods driving today's digital industries. By exploring diverse digital organisations' approaches, students will understand how case study analyses, interactive workshops, critical thinking, and collaborative project work methodologies are applied in real-world contexts, preparing them for the complexities of digital transformation projects.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
As the cornerstone of the ‘Master of Arts in Digital Innovation’ programme, this unit introduces students to essential digital innovation tools and techniques. It lays the foundation for the deeper exploration of digital media, design, and business strategy in later units. This initial exposure ensures students are well-equipped with the practical knowledge needed to tackle more complex projects, fostering a comprehensive understanding of digital innovation's role across industries.
An Overview of Content
This unit introduces students to key digital innovation tools and methodologies that are essential for thriving in today's fast-paced digital landscape. Throughout the course, students will explore case studies of successful digital organisations, examining how they leverage innovation to achieve competitive advantage. In addition, students will participate in practical sessions held in industry studios, workshops, and tech spaces, where they will have the opportunity to apply their learning in real-world environments.
Personal Development as a Result of the Unit
By engaging with this unit, students will develop in several key areas. In terms of knowledge, they will gain a strong understanding of fundamental digital innovation tools, equipping them with the insights needed to navigate and shape the digital future. In the realm of thinking, students will learn to critically assess the application of different methodologies across various contexts, enhancing their analytical abilities. Regarding skills, students will develop the practical ability to apply learned tools and methods in hands-on settings, preparing them to implement digital innovation in their future careers.
Learning Outcomes
How You Will Learn
The unit adopts an interactive, applied learning approach, emphasising real-world application through industry collaboration. Students will participate in a variety of engaging activities, including case study analyses, workshops in industry spaces, and collaborative project work.
To facilitate learning and preparation for the final assessment, students will engage in interactive workshops focused on applying various digital innovation tools and methods. These workshops provide practical experience and an opportunity to experiment with different tools in a supportive environment.
Additionally, students will participate in peer-led critique sessions where they present their ongoing projects for feedback. These sessions are designed to help students refine their understanding and application of digital innovation tools in practical settings, enhancing their critical analysis and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, students will participate in peer-led critique sessions where they present their ongoing projects for feedback. These sessions are designed to help students refine their understanding and application of digital innovation tools in practical settings, enhancing their critical analysis, synthesis and problem-solving skills.
These activities are formative in nature, meaning they contribute to skill development and hands-on experience but do not directly affect the unit's final mark. Instead, they serve as crucial stepping stones towards mastering the skills and knowledge required for success in digital innovation.
An Individual Autoethnographic Reflective Critique is a reflective assignment where students analyse their personal experiences related to a project or learning activity. They must situate these experiences within a broader theoretical framework and draw on relevant academic literature to provide a deeper, contextual understanding of their actions and insights.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Scheduled supervision sessions will guide student projects with feedback from industry professionals. An initial Project Proposal will be submitted early in the term to facilitate early corrective feedback from academic staff. A ‘Tools Application Pitch’ is designed to gather critical feedback from a panel of experts to aid in refining practical skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Team Project, 3000 words or equivalent (75%). [ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4]
A team-produced presentation of a student-developed application of the elements taught in the Unit, including research, analysis, development, and an outcome.
For the Team Project, the word count will be shared across the group.
Individual autoethnographic reflective critique, 1000 words or equivalent (25%). [ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4]
An individual autoethnographic reflective critique on your input into the project.
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. INOVM0031).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
