Specialization in Innovation Management Applied to the Product

Program Overview

The Specialization in Innovation Management Applied to the Product is an online program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to manage innovation in product development. Through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates management with innovation, the program prepares individuals for various careers in innovation, design, and project management, emphasizing the strategic importance of innovation in meeting market demands and achieving profitability.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Specialization in Innovation Management Applied to the Product is an online program designed to train management specialists in the application of innovation to products. The program emphasizes the crucial relationship between product design and innovation, stating that design cannot exist without innovation, particularly in product development where market demands necessitate immediate application of innovative solutions. The curriculum is structured to cover key topics ranging from environmental considerations and productivity to profitability and competitiveness, integrating both established and emerging concepts to fully understand the impact of innovation on product development. The program uses clear language to make the material accessible to students of all backgrounds and experience levels. It consists of nine subjects delivered from a dual perspective of management and innovation, catering to those interested in both innovation and the management aspects of integrating innovation into product development. The program's development incorporates basic project management concepts aligned with international standards (Project Management Association of Argentina, AGPA, a member of IPMA), preparing students for the global project landscape. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to manage innovation effectively within product development. Students also have the option of obtaining a Certified Project Management Associate (Level D) certification through a cooperation agreement between FUNIBER and the Argentina Project Management Association (AGPA) and the Argentina IPMA Certifying Body (OCIA), subject to specific requirements and residency in America.

General Objective:

To train management specialists in an innovative space applied to products, capable of developing and participating in a management process specifically focused on applied innovation to the product.

Specific Objectives:

• Establish relationships from a managerial perspective between the main topics involved in applied innovation, especially product design.
• Incorporate the necessary strategic vision in the management of a product within the globalized multicultural market.
• Train responsible specialists in society, considering that applied innovation to the product has a strong impact on people's lives.
• Explore, theoretically, all knowledge areas related to management, innovation, and the product.

Outline:

The program is structured into two parts:

Part 1: Courses (28 Credits)

This part comprises nine subjects designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of management as applied to product innovation. The subjects are structured from a dual approach of management and innovation, aiming to train not only those interested in innovation but also those focused on project management. | # | SUBJECTS | HOURS | |---|-------------------------------------------------------------|-------| | 1 | Object Theory | 20 | | 2 | Integral Management of Product and Design | 30 | | 3 | Design Aspects. Context Determinants and User Requirements | 30 | | 4 | Product and Environment | 30 | | 5 | Innovation as an Improvement and Contribution Tool for Product Value | 30 | | 6 | Relationships Between Innovation, Creativity, Productivity and Competitiveness | 30 | | 7 | Product Design and the Performers of Technological Innovation | 30 | | 8 | Strategic Management and Planning | 30 |

• Object Theory: Explores the qualities of an object and its levels of perception, understanding the object as a cultural creation.
Covers definitions, perceptions, aspects (formal, existential, pragmatic), relations (user, context, other objects), form-function relationships, and object value.
• Integral Management of Product and Design: Introduces design and innovation management, and product management, emphasizing the synonymous nature of design and innovation.
Covers design management, product management, the relationship between innovation and product from a diagnostic and communication standpoint, and the design brief. Covers context changes over time, globalization and product, the immediate context (social, cultural, and market), new design scenarios, and determining user requirements.
• Product and Environment: Examines the relationship between product and environment, considering the environment as the encompassing context of the product.
Highlights innovation's role in considering environmental impact. Covers basic environmental concepts, sustainable development, global environmental problems, relationships with development procedures, and the environment's relationship with applied innovation to the product.
• Innovation as an Improvement and Value Added Tool for the Product: Explores innovation beyond creativity, encompassing all company areas and stages of the product lifecycle.
Focuses on innovation as a tool for improvement and added value, both tangible and intangible. Covers the concepts of innovation and value, value as perceived by the recipient, innovation as an improvement tool, elements for efficient product improvement, when a product cannot be improved, and the relationship between innovation and value.
• Relationship Between Innovation, Creativity, Productivity and Competitiveness: Examines the interdependent relationship between innovation/creativity and productivity/competitiveness.
Covers concepts of innovation, creativity, productivity, and competitiveness; strategic innovation; creativity in production; requirements for competitiveness; and management of the four areas.
• Product Design and Technological Innovation Factors: Addresses the impact of technological advancements on product and innovative projects, covering current situation analysis, current online society, technological innovation factors, and applicable innovative technology.
• Strategic Planning and Management: Focuses on strategic thinking in management, providing training in management tools and accepting change management as inherent to unstable environments.
Covers change management, strategic management as a change model, strategic thinking, strategic planning, SWOT analysis, implementing strategic management, business strategies, strategic scenarios, vision, values, creating business strategies, objectives, measurement criteria, and business growth strategies.
• Profitable and Strategic Design: Explores how design becomes profitable through practical application and problem-solving, emphasizing functionality and strategic pre-planning.
Covers design's strategic functionality, design management, design in the company, evaluating design results, the product and people, and strategic project objectives.

Teaching:

The program is delivered online. The teaching staff includes numerous Doctors and specialists in various relevant fields (Architecture, Project Engineering, Economic and Geographical Development, Technological Innovation, etc.). The text lists a substantial number of faculty members with their credentials and affiliations. The methodology integrates knowledge and skills acquisition through integrative exercises and internalization of project practices.

Careers:

The program prepares students for various career opportunities:

• Working in innovation and product departments.
• Managing design and project innovation management teams.
• Consulting in design and innovation.
• Working in professional design teams in universities, government, and companies.
• Consulting in communication projects.
• Researching in project sciences and working in innovative and product projects.

Other:

The program duration is 9-12 months, depending on student dedication. The credit structure may vary depending on the enrolling university. One ECTS credit is equivalent to 10-15 hours. The program is offered in collaboration with the International Project Management Association, Organismo Certificador IPMA Argentina, Fundación Innovación y Desarrollo, and Asociación de Gestión de Proyectos Argentina. FUNIBER offers training scholarships. The program content is subject to minor modifications due to updates and improvements.