Management of a Product Development ProcessLaajuus (10 cr)

Objective

Students are able to analyse the development needs of new products for consumer / catering or facility services.
Students are able to apply domestic and international forecasting and customer data in product development. Students are able to lead product development projects and processes. They have assimilated various innovation process phases and the basic service design tools used in them. They are aware of regional innovation services. They are able to evaluate the usability, involvement of multiple senses, experience-related characteristics, customer orientation and business risks of service products. They are able to ensure the quality, safety, life-cycle and profitability of products as well as responsible implementation.
Students are able to choose the marketing and sales channels efficient for customer segments. They are able to evaluate business opportunities on the basis of product innovation. They are able to improve their creativity.

Content

Contents:
•Innovation process
•Product development strategy
•Customer know-how
•Service design and innovation tools
•Project activity management
•Developer organisations
•Revenue logic, value creation and risks
•Mass customisation and commercialisation
•Involvement of multiple senses, experience-related characteristics and user orientation
•Enterprise opportunities
The course focuses on creativity, Internationalisation, responsibility, welfare, and economic efficiency.

Qualifications

Students are able to handle the management of business, service and production processes of companies providing consumer, catering and facility services, as well as the domestic and international operating environment of these sectors. They know how to price products and how to evaluate the profitability, quality and customer orientation of catering, commercial and consumer service products. Students have assimilated the basic principles of research and development activities.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

1 (Adequate)
Students have a concise view of product development.
Students recognise target groups and are able to find general trend information. They recognise innovation processes and utilise tools under supervision. Students are able to assess the overall quality and customer orientation of products. Students are able to work in projects according to instructions. They stay on schedule.
2 (Satisfactory)
Students have a concise view of product development.
Students recognise the needs of companies’ target groups and are able to find general trend information. Students recognise innovation processes and are able to make use of basic tools. They are able to assess product success factors and risks. They are able to work responsibly in projects, are co-operative and carry out the tasks according to their roles and on schedule. They recognise the obstacles to their creative activity.
3 (Good)
Students are able to search and analyse customer data and identify the need for new products on the basis of this information. They have assimilated the innovation process and know how to use tools in a versatile manner. Students are able to evaluate product-related success factors, risks and business opportunities. They are able to create product sales campaigns and choose sales channels. They can handle project work and work efficiently to achieve project objectives. They are able to promote their creativity.
4 (Very good)
Students are able to find and analyse customer data, national and international forecast information and identify the need for new products on the basis of this information. Students have understood the innovation process, can work with many tools and use them in creative ways. Students are able to evaluate product-related success factors, risks and business opportunities. They solve problems creatively and responsibly, and improve the value creation of products for customers and businesses in the long view. They are able to create successful sales campaigns and choose cost-effective sales channels. They are able to lead projects effectively. They are able to promote their creativity.
5 (Excellent)
Students are able to find and analyse customer data, national and international cluster data of their sector and recognise innovative product concepts from various interfaces. Students are able to modify the innovation process according to their needs and use tools in a creative and versatile manner. Students are able to evaluate product-related success factors, risks and business opportunities. They act responsively and are able to anticipate problems related to projects and their results. They develop long-term value creation through products for customers and companies. Students are able to create successful sales campaigns for products and choose cost-effective sales channels. They are able to lead projects effectively and inspiringly, optimally exploit group skills, and solve problems creatively.