What you will study
This course comprises of 8 units:
Unit 1: What do we mean by creativity and innovation?
The course begins by exploring what we mean by creativity and innovation. We consider the relationship between creativity and innovation and examine some of the impacting factors, for example culture, can have on defining creativity and innovation.
Unit 2: Innovation and disruption
In this second unit, we consider how innovation can cause disruption to a business. We also look at whether the threat of disruption itself can be a driver of innovation.
Unit 3: Techniques for generating creativity and innovation
In this unit we ask if we are all capable of creativity and innovation and what the science says about that question. We take a look at selected personal and organisational tools that can foster ideas and encourage innovation across a range of disciplines.
Unit 4: Living in the cloud and other digital environments
The unit will consider how digitally led innovation has impacted the business of business at a working level. We'll also consider whether digital tools have changed the fundamentals of doing business and learn about some specific tools, including the management and storage of data in the cloud.
Unit 5: Understanding artificial intelligence
We'll discuss the development of AI from expert systems to machine learning, artificial neural networks and deep learning that is now underpinning most AI. In addition, we will discuss the emerging role of risk and regulation in AI business models including ethical risks.
Unit 6: Designing for creativity and innovation
In this unit we examine how innovation can be fostered in a digital environment through user engagement, research and why methods such co-creation and hackathons are becoming more accessible as digital tools.
Unit 7: Marketing analytics, observation and impact
This unit looks at how marketing and in particular marketing research, has benefited from the development of digital data and analytics. We'll examine how digital dashboards are enabling manipulation and evaluation of data and reflect on the value to organisations of gaining customer insights.
Unit 8: Opportunities for start-ups in the digital environment
Start-ups don’t have to be the prerogative of the SME. Indeed, using start-ups as a business tool is practiced by larger innovative organisations. This final unit considers examples from either end of the spectrum.
You will learn
By the end of this course, you'll have the ability to:
- identify meanings of creativity and innovation and the relationship between them; unlocking your creative potential
- consider the impact of product, service and business model and disruption
- identify global hotspots for innovation and the implications for where your business is located
- be able to use co creation and hackathons to broaden engagement with consumers
- explain the development of AI from expert systems to machine learning, artificial neural networks and deep learning
- recognise the fundamental components for developing new products and services including start-up businesses.
Learner support
Expert, confidential learner support is available when you need it from a learning adviser, who will respond to you directly. Other support is available via the course forum, dedicated website and computing helpdesk.
Work-based activity
There is a Practice-Based Assignment (PBA) which you complete at the end of the course to demonstrate how you have applied, or are intending to apply, the theories and models you have learnt. Once completed and successfully passed you will receive a digital badge and a course completion certificate which you can download as a record of your learning.