MSc/PgDip/PgCert Managing Innovation and Information Technology

MSc/PgDip/PgCert

Managing Innovation and Information Technology Managing Innovation and Information Technology (MIIT) is a multidisciplinary postgraduate degree, designed to help create hybrid managers with the skills to take advantage of the latest developments in information systems and technology.

Suitable for graduates or professionals with a background in computer science or business, MIIT not only explores information systems but helps you to develop essential leadership, problem-solving and strategic skills.

Whether you are planning a career in the growing digital economy, leading on digital transformation projects or even starting your own business, MIIT will develop you as a leader and as a creative thinker.

The programme is research-informed and delivered by academics from the University’s active Centre for Digital Business. Through regular visits from industry speakers, the Industry Collaboration Project and the chance to take part in University entrepreneurship projects and competitions, you’ll gain experience and an insight into Greater Manchester’s growing tech scene.

The digital skills gap is an obstacle for businesses regardless of size or sector; by focusing on realworld applications of emerging technologies and the development of practical skills, you’ll graduate with the credentials and experience that employers are looking for.

Six good reasons to choose Salford Business School: Salford is a city focussed on using digital technologies to transform lives, as represented by #DigitalSalford

We have excellent industry links into the dynamic Greater Manchester business community, a hub for digital enterprise

Real-world learning on the unique Industry Collaboration Project

Multiple start dates to fit with your life priorities

Our beautiful campus just minutes from Manchester city centre

Focus on the digital, ethical and sustainability business challenges of the 21st century

Course Content The programme is block delivered and there are several entry points throughout the year. You will take the modules below in a sequence dependent on your start date.

The course is delivered in four blocks of intensive study periods. For each block, you study a single module for a 6-week period. Face-to-face teaching is delivered on campus for 6 hours each week. In addition, you will attend the taught element of the Industry Collaboration Project one afternoon a week during the 6-week blocks. For the final third of your studies, you will work on your Industry Collaboration Project, working with your own or another organisation on a live brief.

Part time students study alternate modules (one module on, one module off) to complete their degree in two years.

As part of your learning, you will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.

Modules INNOVATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

Teaching:

This work-based module has been developed to ensure that you will gain an awareness and appreciation of the innovative, exploitative nature of emerging and disruptive technologies and open-source possibilities.

You will learn from problem analysis, to design creative solutions to meet information needs of defined and potential user communities. This might include the elderly, disabled or the third sector groups.

/ Practice-based sessions to experience and learn appropriate tools, techniques and applications

You will be tasked with innovative problem solving using real life case studies. For this, you will have access to a range of technologies (raspberry pi, sensors,) tools (3D scanners and printers, laser cutters) and our purpose built developmental spaces (Makerspace) to support your development process.. This exciting module has a continuous digital portfolio assessment to showcase the progress of your innovative designs.

Assessments (based on real-life briefs):

/ Industry guest speakers (including graduates) give you valuable insight and advise on current practices, career advice and networking opportunities / Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles

30% ‘Meet the brief’ presentation to key stakeholders who will form part of the assessment panel.

70% Digital portfolio to showcase a proof of concept that is seeking external funding or support

INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Most businesses are undergoing some form of digital transformation, this module has been designed in partnership with business leaders to take a critical overview of the processes that are involved. You will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the needs of organisations when strategically planning transformation and integrating business information systems. You will also achieve a holistic knowledge of the critical role of Information Technology/ Systems (IT/S), both at corporate and business levels, enabling you to be ready to support and deliver professional, ethical and legal services in IT/S transformation.

The module is divided into six topic specific blocks.

Each block will introduce the topic, via interactive/ participatory lecture and tutorial/seminar sessions and close with a reflection and synopsis of the topic area.

Each block will inform the following block.

Teaching: / interactive lecture sessions, timed tasks, panel discussions, round table debates and quizzes. These will be explored in greater detail by students, working individually or in small groups on a case study, or articles/whitepapers from associated business resources. Groups will be asked to present their solutions to the larger class and these will be openly discussed. / guest speakers (including graduates) from industry provide you with valuable examples of current practices, career advice and networking opportunities. / additional guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles Assessments: 50% Individual assignment 50% Digital portfolio

DIGITAL MARKETING ANALYTICS AND STRATEGY The module combines two interesting topics in the field of digital marketing: (i) Digital Marketing strategies (ii) Marketing/Digital Analytics.

To start the module, we look at digital marketing strategy development, the critical components of a digital marketing strategy and its strategic significance.

Interesting topics like buyer persona development, customer journey mapping etc. will form this part of the module. You will be required to develop a digital marketing strategy for a company of your choice.

This provides a platform to apply the principles and frameworks that you have learned.

Next we look at digital analytics. We work on a google analytics data set and try to conduct advanced data analysis to bring out interesting patterns and messages. Ultimately all marketing is data driven and hence a marketer should have a good grasp for data analysis. The main aim is to develop an ability to spot patterns in data, conduct basic data analysis and appreciate how data analysis could inform and enrich marketing decision making.

Teaching: / Interactive lectures and seminars / Group working on a case study or article with group presentation of solutions / Industry guest speakers and live project case studies / Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles Assessments: 50% Portfolio report 50% Group project report

PROJECT MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP, SKILLS AND PLANNING CONTROL You will learn about the approaches, skills and methods of effective project management, and the tools and techniques required for planning, control, teamwork, leadership and other key processes. You will develop knowledge and application of the techniques of estimating, forecasting and resource management.

All of these qualities will develop your ability to lead complex projects.

Teaching: / I nteractive lectures and seminars /S mall group learning sets will be used as the basis for problem-based learning scenarios designed to include case studies, class-based activities, research articles and web-based materials /G uided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles Assessments: 50% Individual assignment 50% Portfolio of business proposal, exhibition and business plan

INDUSTRY COLLABORATION PROJECT (ICP) - CHOOSE FROM:

Assessment:

ICP work placement - a six month paid project with an organisation located regionally, nationally or internationally. By exploring a key issue impacting an organisation, you will apply the theoretical knowledge gained through your studies and develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment.

10% project proposal 90% portfolio

You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal then compile an 8,500 – 10,000 word portfolio of evidence that shows the work undertaken, the deliverables created, the impact achieved, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities undertaken and a critical reflection by the student of their work practices and learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.

ICP internship – the three-month unpaid internship aims to equip you with the relevant practical skills to critically identify and evaluate key issues impacting organisations and their environments either in the UK or overseas. You will work alongside an organisation to identify and explore a real organisational issue. You will have specified learning goals and will need to actively reflect on what is being learned throughout the experience.

You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal then compile an 8,500 – 10,000 word portfolio of evidence that shows the work undertaken, the deliverables created, the impact achieved, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities undertaken and a critical reflection by the student of their work practices and learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.

Assessment: 10% project proposal 90% portfolio

ICP applied dissertation - an advanced-level applied research pathway based on a real-world business problem and examining an issue important to an organisation. The dissertation path gives you the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained from the taught elements of the programme to a current organisational issue and deploy and effectively use appropriate problem-solving skills through critical selfreflection and methodical, systematic research. It is an excellent option if you are considering moving into academic research and PhD studies.

Assessment: 10% project proposal 90% portfolio

You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal consisting of research questions, aims and objectives, and the rationale for undertaking the study. The 12,000 – 15,000 word dissertation will include literature review, research methodology, analysis of findings, conclusions, recommendations and a critical reflection of your learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.

ICP entrepreneurship - through this option you will apply the theory and concepts you have learnt from the taught elements of your programme.

With the help of mentors in the Launch@ Salford incubator, you will develop the skills and thinking that supports entrepreneurial action while working on the development of your own innovative business idea.

You will horizon scan for business opportunities, assess the external challenges and consider available strategies that will support your aim of establishing a new business, or let you incorporate entrepreneurial thinking into an existing organisation.

Assessment: initial 1,500 word business proposal (10%) and an 8,500 - 10,000 word Comprehensive Business Proposal accompanied by a 30 minute presentation (90%).

Entry requirements: A minimum 2:2 degree or equivalent or successful completion of the Graduate Certificate International Management programme. A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted. We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully. Please contact us for information on our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process All of our courses are taught and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this however we accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

We also offer several English language courses which help you gain entry onto our degrees. For more information go to salford.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements

Career prospects: Our graduates have gone on to employment working in small and large corporate sector businesses or in the third sector in the UK and overseas. They are working in areas including brand management, marketing communications, social media marketing and heritage marketing. We encourage entrepreneurship and several of our students have gone on to set up their own business.

Start dates: Multiple entry points; visit website for up-to-date information Duration: MSc (one year full-time, two years part-time) PgDip (eight months full-time or two years part-time) PgCert (four months full-time or one year part-time) The MSc is the only route available for international students. If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.

Find out more at salford.ac.uk/international/scholarships WANT TO KNOW MORE? Visit salford.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/managing-innovation-and-information-technology STILL HAVE SOME QUESTIONS? Contact us: By email (UK applicants): enquiries@salford.ac.uk By email (international applicants): international@salford.ac.uk @salfordbusinessschool

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