OI 361 Innovation, Design, and Creativity for a Competitive Advantage

Course Syllabus
Course Prefix and Number:
OI 361
Course Title:
Innovation, Design, and Creativity for a Competitive
Advantage
Course Schedule:
10/18/10 – 11/15/10
Course
Location/Times/Newsgroup:
Las Vegas Main Campus
Monday
6:00pm – 10:00pm

Required Course Materials

Links to course materials and electronic resources for
each week of class are located on the page of the
student Website. Content is divided by weeks.
Instructor’s Name:
Peggy S. Ryan
Telephone:
Home: 702-256-4523, cell: 702-769-7335
University of Phoenix E-mail
Address: knoll@email.phoenix.edu
Alternative E-mail Address:
gdenana@aol.com
Availability:
Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 7:00pm
Welcome!
Welcome to this exciting class: OI361: Innovation, Design, and Creativity for a Competitive
Advantage. During this class, we’ll explore how companies evolve from creative designs that put
them at the top of their industry. We’ll explore how companies recognize barriers and use their
creative workplace environment to move forward in their industry and survive in hard economic times.
Instructor Bio
I have twenty plus years as an active professional and currently working in the
manufacturing field in Quality Assurance. Throughout the years, I have
experienced many internal and external changes within the work environment
and have dealt with all aspects of management.
Currently hold a Masters Degree in Organizational Management but I have found
that special training courses in Change Management, Cultural Behavior and
other specialty fields are not nearly as exciting as the experience in the
workplace environment. Students continue to enrich my education through
teaching.

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Course Description

This course will provide students with a solid foundation in innovation, design, and creativity.
Additionally, students will be prepared to apply relevant principles, tools, and techniques to
promote and sustain organizational innovation for competitive advantage.

Course Topics & Objectives

Week One: Introduction to Innovation, Design, and Creativity

 Compare and contrast innovation, design, and creativity.

 Examine the value of having creative thinkers within an organization.

 Analyze the benefits of innovation, design, and creative thinking in meeting organizational
objectives.

 Identify the internal and external drivers of innovation.

Week Two: Impact of Innovation, Design, and Creativity on the Organization

 Evaluate the impact of innovation, design, and creativity on strategy, process, product,
and services.

 Evaluate the impact of innovation on various types of organizations.

 Analyze the unique considerations in managing an innovative organization.

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Week Three: Creativity for Innovative Decision Making

 Examine the powers of mental models/mind sets, the forces that influence them, and the
potential limits they impose on the decision making process.

 Identify the four steps to changing mental models/mind sets.

 Analyze the mental models/mind sets that guide your decision making in the work place.

 Compare and contrast the four styles of creative intelligence and their influence on
organizational decision making.

Week Four: Tools and Techniques for Innovation and Creativity

 Explain the tools and techniques used in the design process.

 Identify the four basic phases of the innovative process.

 Evaluate the results of a creative/innovative process for continuous improvement.

Week Five: Creating and Sustaining an Innovative Organizational Culture

 Analyze the role of incentives, training, and education in promoting innovation.

 Assess the role of leadership in creating, managing, and sustaining an innovative

organization.

 Discuss the ethical implications of an individual rewards system.

 Differentiate between a non-innovative organization and an organization that has

adopted, or is transitioning to become a creative and innovative organization.

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Course Materials

Rowe, A. (2004). Creative intelligence. Discovering the innovative potential in ourselves and
others. Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

Von Stamm, B. (2003). Managing innovation, design and creativity. West Sussex, England: John
Wiley & Sons.

Wind, Y. J., Crook, C., & Gunther, R. (2005). The power of impossible thinking: Transform the
business of your life and the life of your business. Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

All electronic materials are available on your student website.

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Point Values for the Course Assignments

CLASSROOM and ONLINE

ASSIGNMENTS DUE POINTS

Individual: Definitions Paper W1 10

Individual: Case Study “Creative Thinkers” Presentation Only W2 10

Individual: Discussion Questions (choose 2 for 2.5pts each) 5

Individual: Organizational Impact Paper W3 5

Individual: Discussion Questions (choose 2 for 2.5pts each) 5
Learning Team Assignment: Strategy, Process, Product, and Services 5

Individual: Mental Process Paper W4 10

Individual: Discussion Questions (choose 2 for 2.5pts each) 5

Individual: Organizational Transformation Q&A W5 5

Individual: Final Examination 10
Learning Team Assignment: Innovation Process Presentation Only 10

Participation All 20

Total 100
How Points and Percentages Equate to Grades:

100- A 76-74 C
95

94-90 A- 73-70 C-

89-87 B+ 69-67 D+

86-84 B 66-64 D

83-80 B- 63-60 D-

79-77 C+ 59 < F
Required Writing Manuals
All papers submitted are required to be written and cited according to the
Required Writing Manuals. For information on how to purchase required copies
of the University of Phoenix approved publication and reference manuals, please
refer to the link titled, ‘Required Writing Manuals', which can be found on the left
hand column of your course web page(s). These writing manuals have
distinct features and will be valuable reference tools throughout your academic
programs.

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University Policies

For class policies, please see the “Policies” link. Faculty and student/learners will be held
responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within that link. University
policies are subject to change so please be sure to read them at the beginning of each class as it
may have changed since your last class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the
modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities it is important you
read the policies governing your current class modality.

Feedback
All individual and team assignments will receive feedback through the OLS
Gradebook. Papers submitted will receive suggestive comments for
improvement on future assignments.

Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is highly valued at the University of Phoenix. You must always
submit work that represents your original words or ideas. Please refer to the UOP
Student Handbook for specifics.
Privacy and Confidentiality in the University of Phoenix Classroom
One of the highlights of the University of Phoenix academic experience is that
students can draw on the wealth of examples from their organizations in class
discussions and in their written work. However, it is imperative that students not
share information that is confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature.
Students must be mindful of any contracts they have agreed to with their
companies. If you are unsure as to information you can share from your
experiences, check with the company’s officials or change the name for
discussion purposes.

Learning Teams:
 You must be a member of a Learning Team and participate in all Learning
Team activities for all workshops. This is your responsibility.
 The expectation of Learning Team meetings, irrespective of the
communication mode, is that individual students spend sufficient time in
team interaction. Non-attendance or non-participation in team meetings is
considered during the grading process for team assignments.
 Team assignments, in this course, are built on the previous week’s
assignment. It’s expected that all team members participate during the
discussion and each member share in any research needed to cover the
weekly topic.
 Weekly team logs are not required.

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 A Team Charter is required before week #2’s class. The charter should
reflect how conflict will be handled. If there is conflict within the team, I will
refer back to the charter for resolution should problems occur.

Online Learning System (OLS)

 All individual assignments must be posted in the Assignment section. If
you are experiencing OLS technical difficulties, contact Tech Support. Not
having computer access is not a valid reason for not submitting papers.
Each campus throughout the LV Valley has a resource room available for
student’s use.

 Team folders are available for conversations between team members.

Please use your discretion when posting comments. It is the team’s
responsibility to ensure the assignment is posted to OLS.
 Papers are graded and returned in the Assignment Section. Comments
are given at the end of the paper as well as your grade points. Each
student will also receive comments given on the OLS system, which
automatically notifies of postings.

General Information:
 Use your laptop at your discretion for notes; however, if you are found
working on assignments or exploring the internet, you may be asked to
turn it off. Group or individual assignments should be handled outside the
classroom.
 Please turn your cell phones to vibrate, or better yet, turn them off. If you
feel you need to answer a call, quietly step outside the classroom to
accept.
 No recording devices are allowed.
 Written assignments should be submitted in MSWord and formatted to
accept corrections during grading. If the assignment is received and I am
unable to use “Track Changes”, your paper may be returned.
 Presentation Grading:
o Use MS PowerPoint only.
o Slides should be formatted in a style that is easy for the audience to
read.

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o Oral presentations are graded on content, organizational structure,

effective use of visual aids and presentation style. Style includes
the perception of subject knowledge and smooth transitions
between presenters.
 Papers submitted should be in APA format. Pay special attention to
citations and reference pages.
 Citations:
o Two citations are required within the text of the paper. The
dictionary and Wikipedia are not considered appropriate citations.
The purpose of having citations is to have the student research the
subject matter to expand their knowledge.
o Refer to the APA formatting help available on the student website.
Points are deducted if citations and references do not agree. (2
points)
 Paper Grading:
o Content, citations, grammar, spelling, capitalization
o Organizational layout
 Title page (separate sheet) (APA format)
 Introduction
 Content layout
 Summary of content
 Reference page (separate sheet) (APA format)

 Late Assignments:
o Assignments are due by 11:59pm the day of class. Late papers will
be accepted but are subject to a late penalty. Point values for late
papers start at ½ the original value. This can have an impact on
your final grade. Due to final grade posting, Week #5 papers are
due no later than 11:59 pm the last night of class.

 Student requirements:
o Complete required readings for each workshop and be prepared to
discuss them during class meetings.
o Participate in class discussion. Your opinions and comments are
valued.
o Respect the rights of other students and respect their opinions.

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o Turn in all assignments when they are due. Students who choose
not to complete assignments will be referred to their Academic
Counselor. Missed assignments drastically affect grades.

Week One

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Introduction to Innovation, Design, and Creativity

 Compare and contrast innovation, design, and creativity.

 Examine the value of having creative thinkers within an organization.

 Analyze the benefits of innovation, design, and creative thinking in meeting organizational
objectives.

 Identify the internal and external drivers of innovation.

Course Assignments

Readings

 Read Ch. 1, 2 & 20 of Managing Innovation, Design and Creativity.

 Read Ch. 3 of Creative Intelligence.

 Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

Discussion Questions

 What are innovation, design, and creativity? How do you distinguish between
innovation, design, and creativity? How have you seen innovation, design, and
creativity applied in your organization? Explain your answer.

 What is a creative thinker? What are some examples of how these creative thinkers
have applied innovation, design, or creativity? What are the similarities among these
creative thinkers? Explain your answer.

 What are the benefits of innovation, design, and creativity in meeting or improving
organizational objectives? What would be the challenges of using innovative thinking
in an organization? What is an example of how your organization has benefited from
an innovation? If not, what type of innovation would you suggest? Explain.

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 What are internal and external drivers of innovation? How would these drivers be
applied to your organization? What is a specific instance where innovation would
produce a positive result for your organization? If there is no specific instance, what
would you recommend?

Individual Assignment: Definitions Paper

 Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you compare and contrast innovation,
design, and creativity.

 Define each term and discuss their business implications.

 Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

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Learning Team Assignment – Wk#1

ASSIGNMENTS: This assignment is not a written paper. Use this as a guideline to help build
on Week #3 paper and Week #5 team presentation.

Benefits and Drivers Proposal

In preparation for this assignment, select an organization that you feel would benefit from a
new focus on creativity and innovation.

NOTE: Be sure to obtain faculty approval of your selected organization prior to beginning this
assignment.

Assume the role of a consultant for your selected organization. You have been hired to help
the organization become more innovative.

Prepare a proposal in which you analyze how your selected organization will benefit
from becoming more innovative and creative

Analyze how innovation, design and creativity support the organization’s goals and
objectives.

Identify the internal and external drivers of innovation for your selected organization.

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Week Two
Impact of Innovation, Design, and Creativity on the Organization

 Evaluate the impact of innovation, design, and creativity on strategy, process, product,
and services.

 Evaluate the impact of innovation on various types of organizations.

 Analyze the unique considerations in managing an innovative organization.

Course Assignments

Readings

 Read Ch. 6, 11, 14, 23, 24, & 29 of Managing Innovation, Design and Creativity.

 Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

Discussion Questions

 How would you define strategy, process, product, and services? How are strategy,
process, product, and services related? What could be the impact of innovation,
design, and creativity on strategy?

 What are the different types of organizations? What is an example of a significant

innovative organization within the service sector (Google, Yahoo!, eBay ®, etc.)?
Why? What organizational type is representative of your organization, and what are
the opportunities for innovation within that type of organization?

 What is disruptive innovation? What is the difference between incremental change

and disruptive change? How would a disruptive innovation impact your organization?

Individual Assignment: Case Study Creative Thinkers Presentation Case Study “Creative
Thinkers” Presentation

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Using your assigned reading and/or independent research, select an individual who you
believe to be a creative thinker. Be prepared to present a 10 minute presentation on your
creative thinker. Obtain your instructors approval before beginning this assignment.
PowerPoint presentation not required.
In your presentation, please include:
-why you think this person is a creative thinker
-what are their accomplishments
-describe how his/her impact has improved their company/processes/product for future
success
-describe the SWOTT analysis that helps you in your decision about your creative thinker
-describe this person’s impact that they have had in the future or will have in the future
-challenges / barriers for this Creative Thinker and why

This assignment is due in Week Two.

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Learning Team Assignment – Wk #2

ASSIGNMENTS
Review the objectives from Week Two, and discuss additional insights and questions that may
have arisen.

Learning Team Assignment: Strategy, Process, Product, and Services Paper

 Prepare a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper based on the organization your team selected
for your Benefits and Drivers Proposal.

 Evaluate the impact of innovation and creativity on the organizational strategy,

processes, products, and services of your selected organization.

 Identify at least two to three unique innovation considerations for your selected
organization.

This assignment is due in Week #3

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.
Week Three

Creativity for Innovative Decision Making

 Examine the powers of mental models/mind sets, the forces that influence them, and the
potential limits they impose on the decision making process.

 Identify the four steps to changing mental models/mind sets.

 Analyze the mental models/mind sets that guide your decision making in the work place.

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 Compare and contrast the four styles of creative intelligence and their influence on
organizational decision making.

Course Assignments

Readings

 Read the Introduction and the Preface of The Power of Impossible Thinking.

 Read Ch. 1 & 2 of The Power of Impossible Thinking.

 Read Ch. 1 of Creative Intelligence.

 Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

Discussion Questions

 What is a mental model/mindset? What forces influence a mental model/mindset, and

what forces cause the evolution of that mental model/mindset? How has your mental
model/mindset limited your decision making?

 What are the four steps that change your mental model/mindset? Provide examples.
What are some of the possible inhibitors of changing your mental models/mindsets?
What is an example of a mental model/mindset of yours that you would like to
change? What are the inhibitors associated with making that change?

 What is creative intelligence? What are the differences between the four types of
creative intelligence? What is your creative potential profile? Explain.

Individual Assignment: Organizational Impact Paper

 Select at least three different types of organizations.

 Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you evaluate the impact of innovation on
your selected organizations.

 Discuss the impact on strategy, process, product, or services within each type of
organization.

 Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

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 Explain why you feel these considerations apply to this organization.

 Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

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Learning Team Assignment – Wk#3

ASSIGNMENTS
Review the objectives from Week Three, and discuss additional insights and questions that may
have arisen.
This assignment is not a written paper. Use this as a guideline to help build on Week #5 team
presentation

Evaluate the impact of innovation and creativity on the organizational strategy, processes, products, and
services of your selected organization.

Identify at least two to three unique innovation considerations for your selected organization.

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Week Four

Tools and Techniques for Innovation and Creativity

 Explain the tools and techniques used in the design process.

 Identify the four basic phases of the innovative process.

 Evaluate the results of a creative/innovative process for continuous improvement.

Course Assignments

Readings

 Read Ch. 3, 8, 10–13, & 25 of Managing Innovation, Design and Creativity.

 Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

Discussion Questions

 What are some of the idea generating tools and techniques for innovation, design,
and creativity? How do you create an innovative environment? How have you used

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one of the idea generating tools and techniques in your own decision making?
Explain.

 What are the four basic phases of the innovative process? What is the importance of
the design phase to the overall process? What possible application of these four
phases would you suggest to your organization? Why?

 What are the four steps in the closing the loop process? Why is the closing the loop
process important in the innovative process? How would you utilize the evaluation of
the results for the process of continuous improvement?

Individual Assignment: Mental Process Paper

 Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper in which you compare and contrast the four
styles of creative intelligence and their influence on organizational decision making.

 Discuss how the five forces influence mental models and mindsets.

 Include examples of how mental models and mindsets might limit the decision-
making process.

 Analyze your most commonly used mental models and mindsets that guide your
decision making in the work place. How do these models influence your decision
making?

 Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Prepare for your FINAL EXAMINATION.

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Learning Team Assignment – Wk #4

Learning Team Assignment: Innovation Process Presentation: 20-25 minute presentation

on organization selected.

Based on the organization your team selected:

Identify and discuss the Benefits and Drivers Proposal of your organization

Identify and discuss the Strategy, Process, Product, and Services of your organization

Identify and discuss the four basic phases of the innovative process.

Explain how you will apply the innovative process to change your selected organization.

Identify the appropriate tools and techniques to be used in this process and explain why
they were selected. The tools chosen should measure the Key Performance Indicators
identified for the improvement.

This is due in Week #5

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Week Five

Creating and Sustaining an Innovative Organizational Culture

 Analyze the role of incentives, training, and education in promoting innovation.

 Assess the role of leadership in creating, managing, and sustaining an innovative

organization.

 Discuss the ethical implications of an individual rewards system.

 Differentiate between a non-innovative organization and an organization that has

adopted, or is transitioning to become a creative and innovative organization.

Course Assignments

Readings

 Read Ch. 21, 27, & 30 of Managing Innovation, Design and Creativity.

 Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the role of motivation in innovation? How would you reward innovative
behavior? What do you feel are the ethical implications associated with rewarding an
individual, as opposed to a team?

2. What is the role of leadership in an innovative organization? How is this type of

leadership different from that of a non-innovative organization? Would you describe
the leadership of your organization as innovative? Why or why not? Explain.

Individual Assignment: Organizational Transformation Q&A

 Write a 700-word response to the following questions:

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 How would you identify and characterize the roles of incentives, training, and
education in promoting innovation in your organization?

 What is the role of leadership in creating, managing, and sustaining innovation in

your organization?

 What are the ethical implications of an individual reward system? Support your
answer.

 Would you describe your organization as innovative or non-innovative? Why?

Explain your answer.

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