Syllabus: Environmental Engineering MA, Innovation Systems and Diffusion of Technology, 7,5 Credits
General data
Code: MÖ002A
Subject/Main field: Miljöteknik
Cycle: Second cycle
Credits: 7.5
Progressive specialization: A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Answerable department: Department of Ecotechnology and Sustainable Building Engineering
Established: 9/20/2007
Date of change: 7/10/2013
Version valid from: 8/15/2013
Aim
The objective of the course is that a student should acquire an understanding of barriers and opportunities to diffusion of innovations
Course objectives
At the end of the course a student should be able to:
- Explain a technology transition process
- Analyze barriers and opportunities to technology transfer
- Apply systems of innovation concept to explain various factors facilitating and obstructing creation and diffusion of innovations
- Identify adopter categories and attributes of an innovation that affect speed of diffusion of that innovation
- Describe the role of change agents and information channels in diffusion of innovations
- Analyze decision-making process of an individual to adopt an innovation and how such decisions can be influenced
- Analyze factors affecting adoption of innovations in organizations
Content
The course provides an overview of the concept of systems of innovation and a thorough understanding of theories of diffusion of innovation process.
Entry requirements
Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 Credits (180 ECTS) or equivalent, with at least 30 Credits (30 ECTS) in Environmental Science or Environmental Technology/Engineering.
Proven language proficiency in English (English course B), for example shown from one of the following international English tests:
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 575 on a paper based test and not below 4.5 on the TWE
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 90 on internet based test and not below 20 on the TWE
- IELTS Academic Training with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score on the specific parts of at least 5.5.
Selection rules and procedures
The selectionprocess is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.
Teaching form
The teaching is given as lectures, seminars and various excercises. Computer applications may be included. Attendance may be compulsory for some of the teaching.
Grading system
The grades A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F are given on the course. On this scale the grades A through E represent pass levels, whereas Fx and F represent fail levels.
Course reading
Required literature
Edquist, C., Systems of innovation: Perspectives and Challenges, in Fagerberg, J, Mowery, D.C. and Nelson, R.R. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Innovation, Oxford University Press, 2004
Comment: pp. 181-208.
Fagerberg, J., Innovation: A guide to the Literature, in Fagerberg, J, Mowery, D.C. and Nelson, R.R. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Innovation, Oxford University Press, 2004
Comment: pp. 1-27.
Fowler, F. J. Jr., Survey Research Methods, Applied Social Research Methods Series, Vol. 1,, Sage Publications, 2002, 3rd Edition
Rogers, E.M., Diffusion of Innovations, New York, Free Press, 2003
Wilkins, G., Technology Transfer for Renewable Energy: Overcoming Barriers in Developing Countries, London, Earthscan Publications, 2001
Comment: Chapter 2 and 4.
Dessutom tillkommer ett antal artiklar som obligatorisk litteratur.
Other information
The course is offered in English.