Certificate in Business Innovation

Business Innovation is a system by which organizations can foster a culture that supports the methodical management of human capital, information, and knowledge to transform new ideas into successful products, processes and services. The pillars of innovation include the collective knowledge, experience and other attributes of organizations and their work force that allow them to convert ideas into viable processes, products, and services that bring economic value and increase their economic competitiveness in the knowledge economy.

This certificate program introduces participants to the elements and attributes of the innovation process as well as the key factors that allow organizations and their workforce to harness this process. It will show participants how this process can turn ideas into successful products, processes or services and add economic value to the organizations and society.

The program is designed to enable the participants to understand the tools, methods and techniques used in innovation management, and consists of three courses, each of which will include lectures by experienced instructors, review and discussions of case studies, and presentations by guest speakers, who have managed interesting and exciting innovation challenges.

Certificate Benefits

Completing the Business Innovation Certificate program will provide participants with:

• Comparative advantage in the knowledge acquired about the theory and practice of innovation management.
• Understanding of the challenges facing organizations throughout the innovation process, from early research to market launch and  commercialization.
• Taking leadership in turning good ideas into revenue-generating products and services

Required Courses

SCS 2539 Foundations of Business Innovation (formerly called Foundations of Innovation Management)
SCS 2540 The Tools and Techniques of Business Innovation 
SCS 2541 Business Innovation Applications

Certificate Requirements

• This certificate requires the successful completion of the 3 required courses.
• Students have two years from the start date of their first course to complete the certificate.
• Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) exemption may be granted for a maximum of one course.

FAQ

Who is the target audience for this certificate?  Is it for people already working in product development, marketing, or application development?
This is an introductory certificate, so the target audience is very broad and includes middle level positions in any organization, public or private, that is in the process or contemplating introducing innovation is their products or services

What employers or areas of business would be interested in the graduates from this certificate?
Any organization, public or private, that is in the process of or contemplating introducing innovation in their products or services.

What industry input have you had for the curriculum?
Instructors on the team already have, or are working in various industry/public sector  as employees or consultants

If I want to work in product development, but do not have much experience in that area, how will this certificate give me credibility in the eyes of employers?
It will provide you with a better understanding of : (1) the process of innovation and the challenges it faces, (2) the tools and techniques used in managing the innovation process at both the front end ( product development) and back end ( providing product support services)