Course: Innovation Assignment credits: 15

Strategic Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Global Mindset and Sustainability

The Interdisciplinary Business Professional master programme trains young professionals from the economic and related domains to become creative, entrepreneurial and innovative professionals. Within the Master you are going to work in a dynamic context, where you have to deal with a variety of stakeholders. Issues will have an interdisciplinary dimension in this context, and many problems will be complex. Innovations and contributions to the solution of these issues require an evidence-based mindset; applied research is needed to find the evidence. This module teaches you to conduct applied research in an interdisciplinary context.
In the Innovation Assignment Module (INA) (15 ECTS), you contribute to solving a real-life complex problem by using an interdisciplinary perspective. You use research knowledge and research skills acquired in the module Research in Business, and will build on extending your skills within the INA. By carrying out applied research on the various aspects of a complex problem, you also prepare for writing your Master Thesis in the second semester of this master programme.
The Innovation Assignment starts with a Networking Event. During the Networking Event you have to acquire an assignment based on a complex problem. This assignment has to be related to the professional field, e.g., a complex problem a company is struggling with, or a research project from a professorship that has impact on society.
This module prepares you to have an innovative impact on society and business. You work client-oriented: you are required to find innovative solutions. By working together in a team of two students with a different disciplinary background, you are able to not only combine your knowledge and skills, but moreover transcend the boundaries of remaining in your own territory. By bringing your expertise and science together, you will create one integrated plan. As a team you will analyse, synthesize, and harmonize links between the disciplines into a coherent and coordinated whole. This creates a more condensed, specific and goal directed project and will deliver more sustainable solutions.