81533 Foundation Public Sector Innovation Practices
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Subject handbook information prior to 2017 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
In this subject, students gain a holistic understanding of public sector innovation approaches and practices and where their current innovation approach sits within this innovation landscape. Students learn how to identify, elucidate and review innovation practices observed within their own organisations. The teaching programme includes an introduction to the frame creation methodology, a design based innovation methodology developed for addressing complex problems. Students are familiarised with frame creation by applying the methodology to a live case study provided in class.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject students will have achieved the following:
| 1. | An understanding of the background to public sector innovation. |
|---|---|
| 2. | An understanding of the background to frame creation methodology. |
| 3. | The capacity to situate the frame creation methodology within the broader range of innovation approaches and where it is relevant to employ. |
| 4. | Knowledge about the use a number of typical research and process methods employed in frame creation projects. |
| 5. | An understanding of the stages and general work flows involved in a frame creation project. |
| 6. | The capacity to develop and communicate a shared understanding of a problem. |
| 7. | A discerning understanding of the current conditions for and framing of innovation practice in the public sector. |
| 8. | Meaningful exploration and speculation into the possibilities for innovation practice in the public sector. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes to the faculty's five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (see 'Graduate Attribute Development') through the following course intended learning outcomes:
- address problem situations with an attitude that is open, experimental, empathetic and ethical (A.1)
- develop and evaluate different frames (perspectives) on problem situations that open up new directions for solutions (I.1)
- reflect on the problem solving and innovation practice of own organisation and indicate the position of the practice within the broader public sector innovation landscape (P.1)
- recognise the nature of open, complex, dynamic and networked problems to be able to identify problem situations that require a design-based innovation approach (R.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject also contributes to the faculty's five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (see 'Graduate Attribute Development') through the following course intended learning outcomes:
- Communicate and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team to develop innovative cross-disciplinary interventions (C-1)
- Be able to address problem situations with an attitude that is open, experimental, empathetic and ethical (A-1)
- Reflect on the problem solving and innovation practice of own organisation and indicate the position of the practice within the broader public sector innovation landscape (P-1)
- Recognise the nature of open, complex, dynamic and networked problems to be able to identify problem situations that require a design-based innovation approach (R-1)
- Conduct research to develop a deep understanding of problem situations and the needs, interests and values of multiple stakeholders (R-2)
Develop and evaluate different frames (perspectives) on problem situations that open up new directions for solutions (I-1)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is delivered in an intensive 5 day face to face collaborative setting with a strong emphasis on practice oriented learning and integrated research within the subject material. As a class, students will explore the latest knowledge and progress on public sector innovation through subject resources provided as well as interviewing industry contacts. In their exploration, Students will utilize relevant research methods that encourage structured enquiry, creative and analytical capabilities – these include interviews, themes analysis, ideation, to name a few.
The course will be delivered through a combination of group facilitated exercises, individual independent research, guest lectures, group presentations. Learning resources for the subject range across research articles, Youtube content, Government reports, internet blogs, other suggested readings.
Content (topics)
- Exploring the public sector innovation landscape
- Observing and identifying organisational approaches to innovation
- Introduction to design based methods
- Introduction to the Frame Creation methodology
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Mapping Innovation Practice
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2 and 3 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): P.1 |
|---|---|
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 2: Framing Pitch
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 4, 5 and 6 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): A.1, I.1 and R.1 |
|---|---|
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 3: Futurecasting
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 3, 7 and 8 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): P.1 |
|---|---|
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
Required texts
- Dorst, K., Kaldor, L., Klippan, L. and Watson, R., Designing for the Common Good, BIS Publishers, Netherlands
Recommended texts
Suggested readings
- The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. 2011, Context for public sector innovation. [ONLINE] Available at: http://innovation.govspace.gov.au/innovation-101/context-for-public-sector-innovation/. [Accessed 25 July 2016].
- Dorst, K. Extracts from Understanding Design. Amsterdam: BIS, 2006. Print.
- Hartley, J. 2005, 'Innovation in Governance and Public Services: Past and Present', Public Money & Management, 25:1, 27-34
- Kimbell, L. 2016, 'Design in the Time of Policy Problems', 2016 Design Research Society 50th Anniversary Conference
- Koch, P., Cunningham, P., Schwabsky, N. and Hauknes, J., 2006. Innovation in the public sector: Summary and Policy Recommendations.
