Learn the analytical structure and processes of organisations concerned with developing and/or utilising technology. You will develop skills to apply this knowledge to help decision-making for shaping and accomplishing the strategic and operational objectives of the organisation.

This course will expose you to the process of planning and strategic technology management, particularly the integration of technology strategy with business strategy in the context of engineering and technological organisations, the operational aspects of managing technology including the relationship with production, marketing R&D and human resources activities and a framework for understanding current technology management issues.

You will explore—with an integrated view—the full impact of technology by effectively linking engineering, science, business and management disciplines. Through case study analysis and selected readings, you'll develop new insights leading to more effective decision-making in the practice of integrating technology strategy with business strategy in a technology-based organisation.

 

Course coordinator

Sabu John, Professor - School of Engineering

Course objectives

  • Describe, investigate and analyse complex engineering systems and associated issues (using systems thinking and modelling techniques);
  • Identify and assess risks (including OH&S) as well as the economic, social and environmental impacts of engineering activities;
  • Develop creative and innovative solutions to engineering problems;
  • Initiate, plan, lead or manage engineering activities;
  • Demonstrate effective team membership and team leadership;
  • Communicate in a variety of different ways to collaborate with other people, including accurate listening, reading and comprehension, based on dialogue when appropriate, taking into account the knowledge, expectations, requirements, interests, terminology; and
  • Demonstrate orderly management of self and professional conduct.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

  • Apply engineering knowledge and skills to integrate technology strategy with business strategy in an organisation from the basic research stage through to transferring to, and implementation in, industry effectively;
  • Reduce time and effort in development programs, appraise risk and uncertainty more realistically and address discrepancies between operational conventions and strategic goals;
  • Participate and be able to lead decision making about continued use of existing technology, introduction or development of new technology and commercialisation of technology;
  • Offer guidance for developing competencies in technology development management in a performance-demanding technical organisation;
  • Explain the role of a technology audit, technology transfer and global technology strategies in developing a technology strategy, including in a wider business context;
  • Describe the key concepts and principles underpinning technology management, the broad innovation process, R&D management, product and process development, concurrent engineering and technology protection processes in managing technology projects; and
  • Integrate technology strategies and operations within an organisation including the: technology-production interface, technology-marketing interface and organisational issues.

Assessment

Assessment for this course will occur at various times across the seven-week teaching period. In most cases, assessment should follow a similar structure to the below:

  • A short assessment may occur in the first couple of weeks, driven mostly by peer-assessment or objective feedback as is the case of a survey quiz or contribution to discussion.
  • Assessments that occur mid-study period (approximately week 2 to 5) will have a highly formative purpose, like an extended case study or a scenario role play. These are intended to provide an indication of performance and occur at this time to enable positive changes to future performance.
  • Final assessments are usually summative, and generally draw the course?s threshold concepts together. Your previous assessments will have directly prepared you for a summative-style assessment.

Rich, online feedback will be provided to you throughout the teaching period on practical exercises and by individual consultation, ideally within five business days.


Please note, unit structure and content are subject to change. Contact your RMIT Student Enrolment Advisor on 1300 701 171 for more information based on your particular circumstances.