5 Day Course Description

“Innovation for Community & Voluntary Organisations”

University of Limerick are now accepting applications for the Innovation for Community & Voluntary Organisations course, which will run from January to March 2014, 10.30am-4.30pm on the dates listed below. This course will suit those who are active in the community & voluntary sector. The course tutor will be Dr John F Noonan, and all classes will be held in the University of Limerick.

For information on applications please contact . The closing date for applications is Friday 10th January 2014.

1: Saturday 18th January

Unit 1 Understanding Innovation, innovation strategy and process in services

This unit defines innovation and outlines its key attributes. In addition, it introduces the concept of treating innovation management as a process. This unit explains different approaches to innovation strategy and how to perceive, plan and adapt to emerging and cutting-edge trends. Service innovation is a driving force in the Irish economy and has seen significant growth in recent years. The unit explores what service innovation is, how it differs from product innovation, and its scope within organisations.

2: Saturday 01st February

Unit 2 The Innovation Process: Idea Generation and selection

This unit focuses on the organisational context for idea generation and how best to manage an organisation toward capturing and capitalising on its creativity. Innovative organisations can manage several simultaneous types of project that together make a successful portfolio. This unit explores how best to achieve a balanced portfolio that maximises gain and encourages innovation.

3: Saturday 15th February

Unit 3 The Innovation Process: Implementation and culture

This unit looks at the implementation of innovation projects from the organisational perspective once projects and portfolios are selected. How can a culture of innovation be stimulated and sustained within the organisation? This unit explores and examines this fundamental concept.

4: Saturday 08th March

Unit 4 Collaboration for Innovation, Open Innovation and Knowledge Management

External knowledge, expertise and collaboration are increasingly important resources to the innovative organisation. This unit explores alliance management as a key capability, and introduces the concept of innovation networks. Open Innovation has emerged as a leading worldwide paradigm for managing innovation. This unit explores the key concepts, uses and challenges it represents. As the processes of innovation are applied, the organisation begins to create new knowledge and learn from it. This unit describes the different types of knowledge, how it is acquired and its impacts in business.

5: Saturday 22nd March

Unit 5, Leadership and the Ambidextrous Organisation:

Transformational leadership is a buzzword associated with innovation. In this unit we explore the need for context-sensitive approaches to leadership. Actively managing the diverse processes of exploration and exploitation can be a challenging task. This unit summarises the key challenges of innovation management, and reflects upon a holistic view of the module content.

5 DAY COURSE- AN INTRODUCTION TO QUALITY MANAGEMENT FOR
COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS