81533 Foundation Public Sector Innovation Practices
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Subject handbook information prior to 2019 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 an overview of the approaches and practices used for problem solving and innovation in the public sector. Students are also guided to identify and reflect on innovation and problem-solving approaches observed within their own organisations. The teaching program 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 should be able to:
| 1. | Demonstrate an understanding of the background to public sector innovation. |
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| 2. | Articulate the origins and theoretical background to Frame Creation methodology. |
| 3. | Situate the frame creation methodology within the broader range of innovation approaches and where it is relevant to employ. |
| 4. | Demonstrate knowledge of the use of a number of typical research and process methods employed in Frame Creation projects. |
| 5. | Appreciate the stages and general work flows involved in a Frame Creation project. |
| 6. | Develop and communicate a shared understanding of a problem. |
| 7. | Discern the current conditions for and framing of innovation practice in the public sector. |
| 8. | Explore and speculate the possibilities for innovation practice in the public sector. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
- address problem situations with an attitude that is open, experimental, empathetic and ethical (A.1)
- apply leadership skills to take a proactive role in identifying and collaboratively addressing problem situations in a public sector context, and to promote the values of innovation to others working in the public sector (A.3)
- communicate and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team to develop innovative cross-disciplinary interventions (C.1)
- articulate ideas simply, succinctly and persuasively to a diverse group of stakeholders or audience (C.3)
- 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)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is delivered in an intensive, five-day, face to face studio setting that is strongly practice-oriented. Group work and collaborative learning is emphasised, and students will benefit from tutorial-style facilitation from teaching staff. Students will be guided through exercises to reflect on their own practice, and will learn to utilise research methods that encourage creative thinking, such as theme analysis and ideation.
The course will be delivered through a combination of group exercises, individual independent research, guest lectures, group presentations. Learning resources for the subject include research articles, YouTube and other video content, Government reports, internet blogs, and other suggested readings.
Assessment feedback will be provided through the UTS Canvas system. Where assessments involve presentations, some initial comments will also be provided in person.
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: Developing Methods
| Intent: | To encourage reflective practice through thoughtful analysis and explication of methods used in student's own professional practice. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 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, C.1 and P.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Reflection | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria: | This task will be assessed on capacity for critical reflection, and clarity and quality of description. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Framing Pitch
| Intent: | To encourage students to synthesise their understanding of the Frame Creation process, and to develop groupwork skills. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 2, 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, C.3, I.1 and R.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Presentation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria: | This task will be assessed on the quality of engagement with fellow group members; demonstrated effort in applying the Frame Creation methodology to the problem; strength of framing and narrative; and quality of communication and presentation.
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| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Futurecasting
| Intent: | To explore the use of speculative narrative as both a reflective and creative thinking tool. | ||||||||||||||||
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| 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.): A.3, C.3 and P.1 | ||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Essay | ||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | < 1000 words, plus images. | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria: | This task will be assessed on insightfulness of reflection, clarity of expression, and creativity and imagination. | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Required texts
- Dorst, K., Kaldor, L., Klippan, L. and Watson, R., Designing for the Common Good, BIS Publishers, Netherlands
Recommended texts
Refer to the reading list provided in class.
