Unit information: Technology strategy and organisation (University of Bath unit MN50420) in 2014/15

Unit name	Technology strategy and organisation (University of Bath unit MN50420)
Unit code	AENGM0022
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Partridge
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None.
Co-requisites	None.
School/department	Department of Aerospace Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This is a compulsory 10 cp unit which is part of a 180 cp MRes in Composites Manufacture, within the compulsory taught component of EngD programme in Composites Manufacture.

The unit aims to examine the nature and role of technology strategy in creating value for the innovative organisation.

Although some organisations are obviously 'high-tech' or 'technology intensive', it is increasingly difficult to find any organisation whose core mission is not dependent upon the effective use of some form of technology. In other words, far from being an 'add on' component, technology needs to be addressed as an integral part of strategic and organisational processes.

After briefly covering the fundamentals of strategic management, the course introduces a range of perspectives on technology strategy. The pragmatic emphasis throughout is on applying conceptual models to help students explore the interactions between broad patterns of technological and market change, specific competitive forces and internal firm resources.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will understand:

1. How an effective technology strategy creates and captures value.
2. The co-evolution of technologies and industries - and how competitive forces are modified over the life-cycle.
3. How technology can destroy or enhance organisational capabilities.
4. The role of entrepreneurial action in technology strategy: from start-up firms to multi-national organisations.
5. The role of standards and their impact on competition.
6. How political and cultural forces profoundly influence the creation and execution of technological options.
7. How a range of practical tools (scenario planning, real options, etc.) can be used to develop practical technology strategies.

Teaching Information

Lectures

Assessment Information

Coursework 20% Exam 80%

Reading and References

None specified.