University of Technology Sydney

81517 Global Innovation Studio A

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Creative Intelligence and Innovation: TD School
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This Innovation Leadership program emphasises international networking and excursions or study tours in building a global perspective to group and individual engagement and practice. This subject provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in another innovative, entrepreneurial and educational culture. A selection of global studios are offered, allowing students to undertake intensive educational projects and experiences with students from overseas institutions, and utilising established international relationships.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Understand the complexity of the unique social and cultural context in which innovation takes place.
2. Explore the usefulness of theories, methods and practices used by social entrepreneurs.
3. Develop appropriate team-based decision making skills and participate collaboratively to make a contribution in a uniquely different cultural context.
4. Develop innovative ideas for social venture, with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities at play.
5. Use a range of appropriate media, tools and techniques to discover, investigate, design and communicate ideas.
6. Make creative decisions that evaluate the social and cultural context with sensitivity and respect.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject contributes specifically to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:

  • Develop reflexive connection with an evolving self, demonstrating ethical and intellectual positions that reflect well-considered values that enable greater purpose and inclusivity. (CII.4.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Students will be required to immerse themselves in the learning styles of our host institution. As well as this, students will be asked to further their BCII thinking using exploratory methods from diverse disciplines in the context of social innovation.

Content (topics)

* Social ventures / social design

* Value creation in a cultural context

* Theory of Change

* Social enterprise models

* Impact measurement

* Impact communication

* Traction with suppliers and customers

* Solutions for scaling projects

* Cultural discovery

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Ethnographic reflection

Intent:

Ethnographic reflection / blog/report – with visuals, drawings, film, etc. (500-700 words max)

  • BEFORE: Write an appraisal of this global studio opportunity in advance – this can be based on your personal statement you used to apply for the subject, readings on social entrepreneurship, intercultural encounters, new ethnography and understandings of the other. We are looking at the preparations you have made for an encounter with the unknown.
  • DURING: Ethnographic reflection. Describe 4 deep insights into the culture that you’ve developed – i.e. not pre-formed judgements, but the understanding of how your learning/understanding has been transformed by the experience of being in a new environment. Or what led you to understand the contribution you could make in Fiji.
  • DURING: Outline the process involved in social venture and cultural discovery from your experience in Fiji. What were the methods you used to co-create with the local community and how did these methods add value? For example, you may with to outline any of the following:
    • Social value proposition
    • Theory of Change
    • Social enterprise model
    • Impact measurement
    • Traction with suppliers and customers
    • Solution for scale
  • Describe an aspect of customer and product development or process design that your group developed in response to the challenge.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s):

.2, .2 and .3

Type: Reflection
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 50%
Length:

500-700 words max. Visuals (drawings, film, etc) permissable as extra submissions as a documentation of process.

Criteria:

Insightful cultural understanding of the context of innovation

Understanding of the value of methods used for social design

Novelty of ideas balanced with value to stakeholders

Assessment task 2: Individual evaluation of your contribution to a social venture

Intent:

ASSESSMENT 2

Individual evaluation of contribution to a social venture 20% (Individual – marked by Project Everest)

  • How well did you use the principles and methods of social venture to engage and co-create with the local community?
  • What value did you contribute to the goals of Project Everest and Fiji?
  • What value did you contribute to your group and the larger group of participants in this experience?
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s):

.2 and CII.4.1

Type: Demonstration
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Criteria:

Insight into applicability of social venture methodologies

Ability to engage with the group challenge and contribute to creative outcomes

[no content]

Assessment task 3: Presentation to stakeholders

Intent:

ASSESSMENT 3

Presentation to stakeholders on your group’s contribution 30% (group – back in Sydney)

  • Present the ‘story’ of your contribution in Fiji to stakeholders back at home. Identify the challenge(s) that you focussed on and your understanding of them. (You will present back to academics and students from the BCII as your contribution to those who haven’t been on the global studio with you.)
  • Describe your group’s contribution to human-centred social innovation, with a demonstration of the contribution that you have made as a result of this trip. Furthermore, discuss the opportunities and future opportunities for engagement as well as the challenges you encountered.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

4, 5 and 6

This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s):

.2, .3 and .3

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 30%
Length:

No more than 15 minutes long.

Criteria:

Understanding of the cultural context of human-centred social innovation

Artful communication of the social venture ‘story’

Quality of innovative ideas that contribute to the social aims of the project

Required texts

All texts will be provided by the Project Everest team and made available on UTSonline.