INFO5992: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

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INFO5992: Understanding IT Innovations

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

An essential skill for an IT manager is the ability to keep up-to-date with emerging technologies, and be able to evaluate the significance of these technologies to their organisation's business activities. This unit of study is based around a study of current technologies and the influence of these technologies on business strategies. Important trends in innovation in IT are identified and their implications for innovation management explored. Major topics include: drivers of innovation; the trend to open information ("open source") rather than protected intellectual property; and distribution of innovation over many independent but collaborating actors. On completion of this unit, students will be able to identify and analyse an emerging technology and write a detailed evaluation of the impact of this technology on existing business practices.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Computer Science
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
18 credit points of units at 5000-level or above
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
INFO4444 or PMGT5875 or OINF5992
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Imdad Ullah, imdad.ullah@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Armin Chitizadeh, armin.chitizadeh@sydney.edu.au
Imdad Ullah, imdad.ullah@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
hurdle task
Final Examination
Final examination; onsite.
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Assignment group assignment Innovation Final Report - Reviewed
Address any comments you got once the final "Innovation Report" is marked.
3% Formal exam period
Due date: 09 Jun 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 16 Jun 2025
Revised final report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Small test Two quizzes
Two individual quizzes - Week 5 & 10
10% Multiple weeks
Due date: 29 Mar 2025 at 00:00

Closing date: 10 May 2025
20 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Assignment group assignment Innovation Report - Mid
Mid report on a topic with IT innovation based on a selected case study
10% Week 06
Due date: 06 Apr 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 11 Apr 2025
Max 3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment group assignment Innovation Mid Report - Reviewed
Address any comments you got once the mid "Innovation Report" is marked.
2% Week 08
Due date: 17 Apr 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 23 Apr 2025
Revised mid report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment group assignment Innovation Report - Final
Final report on a topic with IT innovation based on a selected case study
15% Week 11
Due date: 18 May 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 23 May 2025
Max 4200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO12 LO11 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Innovation Presentation
Pitch presentation, group presentation (each member must present)
10% Week 12
Due date: 19 May 2025 at 17:00

Closing date: 30 May 2025
10-15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Two quizzes.
  • Innovation Report (Group) – Students will be required to write a report applying key concepts and frameworks in innovation (such as dominant design and disruptive innovation). The report is supposed to be submitted in two drafts, i.e., "Innovation Report - Mid" and "Innovation Report - Final". In addition, students should submit reviewed reports for both submissions to address any comments from the markers, i.e., "Innovation Mid Report - Reviewed" and "Innovation Final Report - Reviewed".
  • IT Innovation Pitch - Full Presentation.
  • Final Examination – Restricted open book exam which covers all learning objectives in the course. Must meet the required standard in an assessment to pass the unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

It is a policy of the School of Computer Science that in order to pass this unit, a student must achieve at least 40% in the written examination. For subjects without a final exam, the 40% minimum requirement applies to the corresponding major assessment component specified by the lecturer. A student must also achieve an overall final mark of 50 or more. Any student not meeting these requirements may be given a maximum final mark of no more than 45 regardless of their average.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submission is not possible for any of the quizzes during semester, as results for these are released immediately after the due time. Late submission for the innovation report follows the normal university late submission policy - 5% of total available marks per calendar day up to 10 days.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Unit of Study Introduction Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial Introduction; Understanding General Purpose Technology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Innovation Frameworks I Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Dominant Design applications Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 03 Innovation Frameworks II Lecture (2 hr) LO6
Disruptive Innovation Examples Tutorial (1 hr) LO6
Week 04 Distributed Innovation I Lecture (2 hr) LO7
WEB API Product Platform Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Week 05 Distributed Innovation II Lecture (2 hr) LO7
Crowdsourcing Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Week 06 Distributed Innovation III Lecture (2 hr) LO7
Platform Business Models Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Week 07 Commercialisation I Lecture (2 hr) LO8
Australian Startup Example Tutorial (1 hr) LO8
Week 08 Commercialisation II Lecture (2 hr) LO8
Value Proposition Canvas Applications Tutorial (1 hr) LO8
Week 09 Commercialisation III Lecture (2 hr) LO8
Business Model Canvas Tutorial (1 hr) LO8
Week 10 Commercialisation IV Lecture (2 hr) LO9
Deaths by J-Curve Tutorial (1 hr) LO9
Week 11 Innovation at Scale I Lecture (2 hr) LO10
The Sydney Startup Ecosystem Tutorial (1 hr) LO10
Week 12 Guest Lecture Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Innovation Pitch Presentation Presentation (1 hr) LO11 LO12
Week 13 Course Review & Final Examination Discussion Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Innovation Pitch Presentation Presentation (1 hr) LO11 LO12

Attendance and class requirements

There are no specific attendance and class requirements for this unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no specific prescribed readings for this unit. All assigned readings will be available on Canvas and can be found alongside the lecture and tutorial materials.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Define innovation and differentiate between innovation and invention
  • LO2. Outline and discuss the importance of innovation to a country
  • LO3. Explain the concept of general-purpose technology and assess whether certain technologies are general purpose technologies
  • LO4. Discuss and apply frameworks relating to the diffusion, adoption and maturity of innovation
  • LO5. Discuss and apply the concept of dominant design and any related framework(s), and evaluate the key drivers which contribute to the emergence of dominant design (or lack-thereof)
  • LO6. Explain key research on disruptive innovation and related concept(s), apply the Disruptive Innovation Model on specific case studies and discuss the concept of the Innovator's Dilemma
  • LO7. Discuss, apply and evaluate open innovation, closed innovation and the eight open innovation methods
  • LO8. Discuss, apply and design the commercialisation process and business strategies for IT innovation, comprising of concepts and frameworks such as the customer development process, lean startups, agile development, value proposition canvas and business model canvas
  • LO9. Outline and evaluate the capital and fundraising pathways for IT innovation in Australia and abroad
  • LO10. Outline and evaluate the innovation ecosystems in Silicon Valley and Australia
  • LO11. Discuss and evaluate organisational cultures and structures that support innovation
  • LO12. Analyse, compare, contrast and judge IT innovation based on various methodologies

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No significant changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

More information can be found on Canvas or provided in-class and/or via email.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 11 Feb 2025.

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