Module Code - Title:
PT4011
-
INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the concept of Technology Management and in doing so to provide them with an understanding of what they will be studying during their 4-year degree and why it is relevant. This module will provide students with a framework for understanding technology management activities and tools. The module will examine how firms acquire, exploit and protect technology resources. Students will be introduced to a set of tools that can be used in managing technology. Many of the concepts introduced in this module will be explored in greater detail in future modules.
Syllabus:
Technology Strategy: Integrating technology and strategy, design and evolution of technology strategy, acquiring and selecting new technologies, technological competencies and capabilities. Technology Forecasting and Road Mapping: Technology S-curves, patterns of innovation, Forecasting techniques: Scenario analysis, EMV, Decision Trees, Technology Trajectories Technology Development: new product development, stage gate processes, market research methods, prototyping Incremental vs. disruptive development, technology transfer, Technology Portfolio Planning: Value Analysis/Value Innovation, Life-cycle models, Patent Analysis, product selection.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completing this module students will be able to: Describe the link between technology and strategy. Illustrate, using examples, the design and evolution of technology strategy Describe the methods that firms can use to acquire new technologies. Evaluate the impact that the introduction of a new technology can have on a firm. Illustrate the evolution of technologies using the technology s-curve. Apply a range of technology forecasting techniques including: scenario analysis, EMV, decision trees, and matrix analysis. Describe the stage-gate process and discuss its implementation Differentiate between incremental and radical innovation. Describe the methods that can be used to protect technology
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Students will be introduced to a broad range of issues and activities associated with technology management. They will use industry based cases to gain an understanding of the need to apply technology management methods. Guest lecturers and industry visits will be used to provide students with an understanding of how their learning can de applied.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Ongoing research into technology and innovation management will inform this module particularly providing case material for student discussion.
Prime Texts:
Cetindamar, D., Phaal, R. and Probert, D. (2010)
Technology Management: Activities and Tools
, Palgrave MacMillan
Other Relevant Texts:
Tidd, J. and Bessant, J. (2009)
Managing Innovation: Integrating Technological, Market and Organizational Change, 4th Edition
, Wiley
Burgelman R.A., Christensen, C.M. and Wheelwright S.C. (2009)
Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation
, McGraw Hill Irwin
Tushman M.L. and Moore W.L. (1988)
Readings in the Management of Innovation
, Harper Business
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
sean.moore@ul.ie