Module E: Project management, innovation and teamwork

Basics of project management, project objectives and phases, problem identification and definition, situation analysis (SWOT, SIPOC), work breakdown structure (WBS), time scheduling and Gantt charts, resources and risk management, critical path.

Characteristics of teamwork, team roles (Belbin questionnaire), team dynamics and conflict resolution (active listening, mediation). Running meetings: meeting types, invitation, agenda, minutes, evaluation of effectiveness.

Public speaking and presentation skills. Basics of innovation management and idea generation (brainstorming, problem analysis).

Intellectual property (patents, models, copyright; application procedures). World wide web and European supporting environment for innovation, research and development. The course includes two invited lectures and one field excursion.

To understand theoretical knowledge and skills of project management, innovation management, teamwork and problem solving techniques.

Students will develop general competencies on:

– ability of analysis, synthesis and anticipation for solutions and consequences of phenomena of innovation management, project management and teamwork,

– management of research and development methods and innovation management and development of critical and self critical assessment,

– ability to employ knowledge and skills in practice,

– autonomy at professional work and decision making,

-ability of defending of one owns positions using arguments while considering different opinions.

The students will also develop subject specific competences:

– understanding project management, team work and innovation processes,

– ability of recognising challenges related on project management and team work and strengthening creative and innovative processes,

– ability of searching information and use of different information sources,

-understanding relations between acquired knowledge in organisation and necessity to control and manage processes considering technological, inventive, research, managerial and legal aspects,

– understand and use of acquired knowledge and skills for organizing and manageing of specific professional challenges.

Lectures, invited lectures by distinguished guest speakers, field excursion, laboratory exercises, group work, individual work, role-play and simulations, case analysis.