Study Guide

Objective

After completing the course, the students will be able to
• Analyse and select creative ideas to be developed into concepts
• Compare and select the different goals, methods and processes of concept and marketing design.
• Create marketing oriented concepts for different kinds of products and services
• Evaluate the objectives, brands, briefing and overall marketing direction of an organisation in creating concepts
• Communicate appropriately about the concept and marketing design process and outcomes to relevant stakeholders

Content

• Concept planning elements and process
• Idea initialisation, concept design process, concept building with different types of tools
• Concept communication and presentation
• Benchmarking and market, organisation and framework analysis

Materials

the materials on itslearning

Teaching methods

Itslearning environment: materials, assignments and online lectures

International connections

online lectures, learning assignments, group work

Completion alternatives

Discuss with the teacher

Student workload

Learning Assignment 1: Literature Review
Learning Assignment 2: Developing, testing and evaluating your concept
Learning Assignment 3: Concept Presentation on 24.4. or 8.5.

Content scheduling

TIMETABLE – Online Meetings

March 13th at 4:00-6:00 Concept Planning: From Ideas to Concepts
March 27th at 4:00-6:00 Design Processes and Tools
April 3rd at 4:00-6:00 Group Working: Benchmarking and Strategy Views
April 24th at 4:00-6:00 Concept Presentations – part 1, Feedback & Discussion
May 8th at 4:00-6:00 Concept Presentations – part 2, Feedback & Discussion

Itslearning will be open and ready on March 13th.

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment methods and criteria

Under evaluation: learning assignments
The evaluation is based on YCDM-evaluation principals.

Objective

After completing this course, the students will be able to
• choose and define a relevant topic and a specific development task and research question for their Master's thesis
• find and evaluate sources and information relevant for their Master's thesis
• construct a relevant theoretical framework for their Master's thesis
• choose appropriate methods for the reseach and development activities of their thesis project
• consider ethical aspects and GDPR in their research and development work
• write a research and development plan for their thesis, following the practices and rules of academic research writing

Content

• Professional, theoretical and research contexts for the Master's thesis
• Information seeking and evaluation for the needs of the Master's thesis
• The role of methodological and theoretical frameworks in a Master's thesis
• The role of research methods in supporting development work for a thesis
• Ethical considerations and GDPR in research and development work
• Academich research writing and communication at various phases of the thesis process

Materials

Info Skills Online Course:
- Information and Research Guides and subject guide Arts and Culture
https://libguides.turkuamk.fi/informationandresearchguides

Other relevant learning materials will be instructed on itslearning course platforms.

Teaching methods

- Reading materials
- Individual and group assignments
- Group discussions and presentations in online sessions
- Info skills online course

Student workload

1) Reading 3 Master’s thesis works of Turku UAS students and writing a short summary on them
2) Group presentation of a chosen methodological/theoretical approach & an individual text on one approach
3) Mindmap of the theoretical concepts, research methods and materials, academic and professional contexts etc. of one’s thesis project.
4) Concept note for the thesis project
5) Mini essay on ethical considerations and GDPR in one's own thesis project

Content scheduling

Info Skills online course, 1 ECTS, introductory meeting on Tue 29.8. at 15:00-16:00, deadline for all assignments 30.11.2023 (a separate itslearning course)
***

Thu 31.8. at 16–18 Introduction to the Development work methods and design course & the Master’s thesis requirements & process in Turku UAS (Vesa & Pirita)

Wed 13.9. at 16–18 Role of theory in research and in the thesis (Vesa)

Wed 4.10. at 16–18 18 Role of research methods in RDI projects and in the thesis (Pirita)

Wed 25.10. at 16–18 Presentations on theoretical/methodological frameworks

Wed 1.11./8.11. at 16–18 Seminar (half of the group on one day) – discussing preliminary plans (concept notes) for the thesis project

Wed 22.11. at 16–18 Research ethics and integrity and GDPR in research (Vesa)

Wed 29.11. at 16–18 Thesis as a text – academic writing; Instructions for writing the researh & development plan (Pirita)

Further information

Development work methods and design consists of preparatory work for the development work and/or research conducted in the thesis project.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment is based on the learning assignments.

Objective

After completing this study unit, the students will be able to
• critically evaluate and apply research knowledge and research and development methods to analyse ja solve problems in working life
• work independently as an expert in demanding contexts in which he/she is managing his/her own and possibly also the others’ work in a target-oriented way
• communicate and network in his/her own field and in international environment
• take into account principles of research ethics and ethical guidelines of their professional field
• evaluate the implementation and results of their research and development project and reflect on development of their own competences during it
• communicate of their research and development project and its results to different target groups through appropriate channels

Content

An essential part of Master-level studies is a Master's thesis of 30 credits. The thesis process starts immediately at the beginning of the studies, and it continues through the entire cycle of studies. The Master's thesis module is divided into two study units in the curriculum:

- Development work methods and design 5 ECTS (1st semester)
- Implementation and reporting of the development project 25 ECTS (2nd ja 3rd semester)

The thesis is implemented as a development project with a research-based approach and a close connection to practical work. The student carries out his/her development work at his/her workplace, in RDI projects of the Turku University of Applied Sciences, in working life connections or in a manner agreed with the supervisor. The thesis is based on commission, if possible. It is preferable that the thesis is based on an assignment.

The thesis relies on in-depth information gathering and analysis, and relevant research methods are used during the development process, following principles of good scientific practice and research ethics. The thesis includes documenting and reporting on research and development activities (a thesis report).

Implementation and reporting of the development project study unit on the 2nd and 3rd semester includes the following steps:

• Presenting the research and development plan for the thesis (thesis plan) in a seminar meeting (and for a commissioner)
• Preparing a thesis agreement, once the thesis supervisor (and a commissioner) has approved the thesis plan
• Implementation of the development activities, related research activities and documentation of the work in accordance with industry practice and in a meaningful way for the thesis
• Participation in group supervision sessions (“Thesis seminar”) to present and discuss the thesis and in individual supervision meetings at the critical phases of the process
• Reporting on the implementation and results of the research and development work in a written thesis report, following the instructions of the degree programme
• Giving feedback on another student's thesis at the pre-examination phase
• Presentation of the implementation and results in a seminar after completion of the thesis
• Maturity test: The student must write a maturity examination in the field of the thesis. This demonstrates awareness with the subject and the linguistic competence. If the (excellent) competence of the school education language has already been assessed in previous studies, the maturity test will only serve as a test the professional expertise. The maturity test is evaluated on a scale approved/ failed.
• Ensuring that there is no plagiarism in the thesis and evaluation of the thesis
• Publishing the thesis on the Theseus platform

Materials

Relevant methodology guides, and prior research and professional literature on the topic of a student's thesis.

Teaching methods

- Seminar meeting for presenting thesis work during the process and in the end of it
- Discussions in seminar meetings
- Giving and receiving peer feedback on the thesis
- Individual tutoring meetings with thesis supervisors

Content scheduling

During the Implementation and Reporting of the Development Project study unit (= Master's thesis, for short) students:

- present a research and development plan for their Master's thesis ("thesis plan", for short) in a seminar
- do fieldwork, i.e. implement the planned research and development activities for their thesis
- report on their research and development work, i.e. write their thesis report
- present a disposition and a draft of the Introduction chapter in a seminar
- give peer feedback on a fellow student's masters thesis at the pre-examination phase
- give a presentation of their thesis project and its results in the end of the process (Dissemination Seminar)
- write a maturity examination, i.e. a media release or an online article on their thesis project

Seminar meetings take place once a month during the 2nd and 3rd semester.

Seminars on spring semester 2024:
- 17.1.2024 at 15-18
- 31.1.2024 at 15-18
- 28.2.2024 at 15-18
- 10.4.2024 at 15-18
- 15.5.2024 at 15-18


Dissemination seminar for Master's Thesis presentations (for those who wish to graduate in June: 29.5.2024 at 13-18.

Further information

More detailed information is provided in the itslearning course platform: YCDMVS23/22 Master's thesis 2024

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Thesis is evaluated according to the general Master's thesis evaluation criteria in Turku UAS.

Objective

After completing this course, the students will be able to
• analyse their strengths and development needs as a leader and an innovator and to develop their skills in a goal-oriented manner
• use career stories and systematic and continuous reflection to clarify their professional values and goals and to develop their professional identity and leadership style
• compare different leadership theories and models and evaluate their relevance for their own work
• create and maintain partnerships and networks to support their work as a leader

Content

• Leadership and innovation in creative businesses
• Different career paths to leadership and management positions
• Leadership skills and qualities of a good leader
• Role of values, ethics, empathy and emotions in working life and leadership
• Different leadership theories, models and styles
• Role of collaboration and networks in leadership

Materials

Learning materials are available online and are instructed on the itslearning course platform.

Teaching methods

Lectures and discussions, reading learning materials, and individual assignments.

Completion alternatives

-

Student workload

Learning assignments:
1) writing a mini essay on innovations (based on readings) (8 h)
2) creating a digital career story (18 h)
3) keeping regular reflective diary on given themes and sharing a monthly insight on a Padlet wall for the group and teachers (34 h)
4) creating a visual presentation on leadership (20 h)
5) creating a shortened business plan (20 h)
6) writing a reflective report based on the reflective diary (8 h)

The course is worth 5 credits = ca. 155 hours of workby students. 1 credits (27 hours) of the workload consists of participating in and preparing for the online sessions. 4 credits (108 hours) consists of doing assignments independently.

Content scheduling

Part I: Innovation (Autumn term 2023)
- Types of innovation
- Methods of innovating
- Managing and leading innovations
- Online lecture & instructions for the assignment 1.9., readings and written assignment by 30.9.

Part II: Digital Career Story & Reflective Diary (Autum term 2023 & spring term 2024)
- Different career paths leading to management and leadership positions
- Skills and qualities required in leadership postitions
- Personal professional goals and values; strengths and competences useful in management and leadership position
- Online workshop meetings 1.9., 6.9., 7.9. and 20.9.
- Creating the digital story by 18.9.
- Keeping the diary regularly 21.9.-30.4.
- Reflective discussions based on the reflective diary: 18.10., 15.11. & 13.12. (and 2 - 3 meetings in Jan-April 2024, dates to be announced by December 2023)

Part III: Leadership (Spring term 2024)
- skills and qualities needed to lead and manage customer-oriented media and communication projects
- different leadership paradigms, theories and styles
- role of values, ethics, empathy and emotions in leadership
- creating customer-inspired innovations and business plans 
- the role of collaboration and networks in leadership 
- different career paths to leadership and management position
- Lectures, readings and assignments in January-March 2024 (dates to be announced by December 2023)

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment is based on assignments. All the assignments (1-6) need to be approved for the course to be approved ("pass").

Objective

After completing the course, the students will be able to

• Apply project management methods when leading creative projects
• Execute efficient time, resource and budget management in creative projects
• Analyse, assess, model, and steer creative processes
• Select and justify applicable approaches and tools of project management
• Communicate appropriately about project implementation to relevant stakeholders

Content

• Project management methodologies and tools
• Time, resources and budget management
• Stakeholder analysis and project evaluation process
• Project communication

Materials

Learning materials are available online and are instructed on the itslearning course platfor

Teaching methods

Online course: lectures, group working, online meetings and learning activities.

Exam schedules

No exam

International connections

Working life oriented individual learning activities. Group discussions and peer review.

Student workload

Activities will be introduced in Itslearning

• Project management - general and methodologies 1 ect
• Time management 1 ect
• Resources and budget management 1 ect
• Stakeholder analysis 0,5 ect
• Project evaluation 0,5 ect
• Project communication 0,5 ect
• Peer review 0,5 ect

The course is worth 5 credits = ca. 155 hours of work by students

Content scheduling

• Project management methodologies and tools
• Time, resources and budget management
• Stakeholder analysis and project evaluation process
• Project communication

Online meetings in Zoom:

Wed 27.9.2023 at 16.00-18.00
Wed 11.10.2023 at 16.00-18.00
Thu 7.12.2023 at 16.00-18.00

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment methods and criteria

All activities must be submitted and accepted in order to pass the course. Assessment is based on assignments.

Evaluation: pass/fail

Objective

After completing the course, the student is able to:

- analyse changes in the operating environments and anticipate future developments applying the concepts and methods of futures studies
- evaluate impacts of the changing operating environments on her/his work, work community and organization, as well on the industry/field at large
- develop one’s competences and expertise in a focused and goal-oriented way in anticipation of the future competence requirements in the work life
- improve and innovate operations and work processes in the organization using multidisciplinary and multiprofessional futures knowledge.

Content

- Future of work and income
- Future competence needs
- Changing career paths and professional identities
- Future technologies, human–technology interaction
- Circular economy and sustainable future
- Theories and methods of future studies and foresight
- Importance of foresight for innovations and strategic planning and decision-making

Materials

In the itslearning course platform.

Teaching methods

Studying instructed learning materials, individual written assignments, group work in multidisciplinary groups, reading and discussing in reading groups in your own study programme.

Student workload

Contact days and lectures: 15 h
Online and virtual working individually and in groups: 120 h

Group work and assignments:
• Starting day 28.8.2023: multidisciplinary groups working with SITRA’s megatrend cards.
• Reading groups within each study programme: reading and discussing research articles/papers/reports, creating a visual presentation of the key ideas and publishing it in a discussion forum in the itslearning course platform (tutor teacher evaluates, pass/fail).
• Hackathon 27.11.2023 (a pre-meeting of the hackathon 15.11.2023): multidisciplinary groups work to solve real working-life problems.

Individual work and assignments:
• Orientation assignment: Futures consciousness and attitudes towards future (in the itslearning course platform; tutor teacher evaluates, pass/fail).
• Scenario assignment: imagining alternative professional futures (in the itslearning course platform; tutor teacher evaluates, pass/fail).
• Reflective report on utilizing futures thinking and anticipation methods in one’s own work (in the itslearning course platform; tutor teacher evaluates, pass/fail).

Content scheduling

The course is compulsory for all Turku UAS Master Students. It will be implemented partly in groups comprised of students across the various study programmes, and partly as team and individual work within each study programme.

There are three contact days (Zoom-meetings: 28.8.2023, 15.11.2023 and 27.11.2023).) common to all students of the various study programmes, and further, there are common study materials and assignments in the itslearning course platform. In addition, the study programmes may add and cover discipline specific topics. This will be guided by the tutor teacher during the programme’s contact days.

***

THEME 1: CHANGING WORLD AND WORKING LIFE (calendar weeks 35-37)
• Common starting day 28.8. for all students of the various study programmes: orientation to the course, a keynote talk on the future working life and competence requirements, and group work with SITRA’s megatrend cards (tutor teachers will guide working of the groups).
• Students familiarize themselves independently with the materials in the itslearning course platform.
• Orientation assignment: Futures consciousness and attitudes towards future (DL 17.9.)
• (Each study programme may arrange lectures by TUAS specialists on themes such as new technologies, circular economy etc. during the programme’s contact days.)

***

THEME 2: FUTURES STUDIES AND ANTICIPATION (calendar weeks 38-41)
• Students familiarize themselves independently with the materials in the itslearning course platform.
• Scenario assignment: imagining alternative professional futures (DL 15.10.)

***

THEME 3: CHANGING WORKING LIFE IN MY FIELD (calendar weeks 42-45)
• Reading groups: reading and discussing research articles in groups that meet virtually or face to face, and creating a visual presentation based on the key ideas of the discussion. Readings are related to the changing work, working environment and competence requirements in the field of the study programme. The visual presentation will be shared in the itslearning course platform (DL 12.11.).

• Tutor teacher organizes the reading groups and compiles the list of readings (or guides students to find relevant research articles and reports).

***

THEME 4: SHAPING MY OWN FUTURE (calendar weeks (viikot 46-49)
• Students familiarize themselves independently with the materials in the itslearning course platform.
• Common Hackathon day 27.11. (a pre-meeting of the hackathon 16.11.) for all students of the various study programmes: group working to solve real working-life problems related to sustainable future. Students will familiarize themselves with the Hackathon instructions and assignments before the Hackathon day in the itslearning platform and submit their team reports there after the Hackathon (DL 3.12.).

There are two possible ways to participate in the hackathon: 1) as a commissioner or 2) as a student solving working life problems in a multidisciplinary small group.

• Final assignment: a reflective report on utilizing futures thinking and anticipation methods in one’s own work (DL 10.12.).

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment will be based on the individual and group assignments submitted in the itslearning course platform and on the demonstrated contribution to the group work in contact days.

Tutor teacher evaluates the assignments (assignments 1–4). To pass the course, students are expected to participate in the contact days and to contribute to group work in them, as well as to complete and turn in all the assignments. Missing contact day participation will be compensated by an extra assignment. Tutor teachers will keep records of participation in group work in contact days and evaluate the compensatory assignments.

Qualifications

-

Objective

After completing the course, the students will be able to
• Analyse and select creative ideas to be developed into concepts
• Compare and select the different goals, methods and processes of concept and marketing design.
• Create marketing oriented concepts for different kinds of products and services
• Evaluate the objectives, brands, briefing and overall marketing direction of an organisation in creating concepts
• Communicate appropriately about the concept and marketing design process and outcomes to relevant stakeholders

Content

• Concept planning elements and process
• Idea initialisation, concept design process, concept building with different types of tools
• Concept communication and presentation
• Benchmarking and market, organisation and framework analysis

Materials

the materials on itslearning

Teaching methods

Itslearning environment: materials, assignments and online lectures

International connections

online lectures, learning assignments, group work

Completion alternatives

Discuss with the teacher

Student workload

Learning Assignment 1: Literature Review
Learning Assignment 2: Developing, testing and evaluating your concept
Learning Assignment 3: Concept Presentation on 24.4. or 8.5.

Content scheduling

TIMETABLE – Online Meetings

March 13th at 4:00-6:00 Concept Planning: From Ideas to Concepts
March 27th at 4:00-6:00 Design Processes and Tools
April 3rd at 4:00-6:00 Group Working: Benchmarking and Strategy Views
April 24th at 4:00-6:00 Concept Presentations – part 1, Feedback & Discussion
May 8th at 4:00-6:00 Concept Presentations – part 2, Feedback & Discussion

Itslearning will be open and ready on March 13th.

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment methods and criteria

Under evaluation: learning assignments
The evaluation is based on YCDM-evaluation principals.

Objective

After completing this study unit, the students will be able to
• critically evaluate and apply research knowledge and research and development methods to analyse ja solve problems in working life
• work independently as an expert in demanding contexts in which he/she is managing his/her own and possibly also the others’ work in a target-oriented way
• communicate and network in his/her own field and in international environment
• take into account principles of research ethics and ethical guidelines of their professional field
• evaluate the implementation and results of their research and development project and reflect on development of their own competences during it
• communicate of their research and development project and its results to different target groups through appropriate channels

Content

An essential part of Master-level studies is a Master's thesis of 30 credits. The thesis process starts immediately at the beginning of the studies, and it continues through the entire cycle of studies. The Master's thesis module is divided into two study units in the curriculum:

- Development work methods and design 5 ECTS (1st semester)
- Implementation and reporting of the development project 25 ECTS (2nd ja 3rd semester)

The thesis is implemented as a development project with a research-based approach and a close connection to practical work. The student carries out his/her development work at his/her workplace, in RDI projects of the Turku University of Applied Sciences, in working life connections or in a manner agreed with the supervisor. The thesis is based on commission, if possible. It is preferable that the thesis is based on an assignment.

The thesis relies on in-depth information gathering and analysis, and relevant research methods are used during the development process, following principles of good scientific practice and research ethics. The thesis includes documenting and reporting on research and development activities (a thesis report).

Implementation and reporting of the development project study unit on the 2nd and 3rd semester includes the following steps:

• Presenting the research and development plan for the thesis (thesis plan) in a seminar meeting (and for a commissioner)
• Preparing a thesis agreement, once the thesis supervisor (and a commissioner) has approved the thesis plan
• Implementation of the development activities, related research activities and documentation of the work in accordance with industry practice and in a meaningful way for the thesis
• Participation in group supervision sessions (“Thesis seminar”) to present and discuss the thesis and in individual supervision meetings at the critical phases of the process
• Reporting on the implementation and results of the research and development work in a written thesis report, following the instructions of the degree programme
• Giving feedback on another student's thesis at the pre-examination phase
• Presentation of the implementation and results in a seminar after completion of the thesis
• Maturity test: The student must write a maturity examination in the field of the thesis. This demonstrates awareness with the subject and the linguistic competence. If the (excellent) competence of the school education language has already been assessed in previous studies, the maturity test will only serve as a test the professional expertise. The maturity test is evaluated on a scale approved/ failed.
• Ensuring that there is no plagiarism in the thesis and evaluation of the thesis
• Publishing the thesis on the Theseus platform

Materials

Relevant methodology guides, and prior research and professional literature on the topic of a student's thesis.

Teaching methods

- Seminar meeting for presenting thesis work during the process and in the end of it
- Discussions in seminar meetings
- Giving and receiving peer feedback on the thesis
- Individual tutoring meetings with thesis supervisors

Content scheduling

During the Implementation and Reporting of the Development Project study unit (= Master's thesis, for short) students:

- present a research and development plan for their Master's thesis ("thesis plan", for short) in a seminar
- do fieldwork, i.e. implement the planned research and development activities for their thesis
- report on their research and development work, i.e. write their thesis report
- present a disposition and a draft of the Introduction chapter in a seminar
- give peer feedback on a fellow student's masters thesis at the pre-examination phase
- give a presentation of their thesis project and its results in the end of the process (Dissemination Seminar)
- write a maturity examination, i.e. a media release or an online article on their thesis project

Seminar meetings take place once a month during the 2nd and 3rd semester.

Seminars on spring semester 2024:
- 17.1.2024 at 15-18
- 31.1.2024 at 15-18
- 28.2.2024 at 15-18
- 10.4.2024 at 15-18
- 15.5.2024 at 15-18


Dissemination seminar for Master's Thesis presentations (for those who wish to graduate in June: 29.5.2024 at 13-18.

Further information

More detailed information is provided in the itslearning course platform: YCDMVS23/22 Master's thesis 2024

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Thesis is evaluated according to the general Master's thesis evaluation criteria in Turku UAS.

Objective

After completing the course, the students will be able to

• Apply project management methods when leading creative projects
• Execute efficient time, resource and budget management in creative projects
• Analyse, assess, model, and steer creative processes
• Select and justify applicable approaches and tools of project management
• Communicate appropriately about project implementation to relevant stakeholders

Content

• Project management methodologies and tools
• Time, resources and budget management
• Stakeholder analysis and project evaluation process
• Project communication

Materials

Learning materials are available online and are instructed on the itslearning course platfor

Teaching methods

Online course: lectures, group working, online meetings and learning activities.

Exam schedules

No exam

International connections

Working life oriented individual learning activities. Group discussions and peer review.

Student workload

Activities will be introduced in Itslearning

• Project management - general and methodologies 1 ect
• Time management 1 ect
• Resources and budget management 1 ect
• Stakeholder analysis 0,5 ect
• Project evaluation 0,5 ect
• Project communication 0,5 ect
• Peer review 0,5 ect

The course is worth 5 credits = ca. 155 hours of work by students

Content scheduling

• Project management methodologies and tools
• Time, resources and budget management
• Stakeholder analysis and project evaluation process
• Project communication

Online meetings in Zoom:

Wed 27.9.2023 at 16.00-18.00
Wed 11.10.2023 at 16.00-18.00
Thu 7.12.2023 at 16.00-18.00

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment methods and criteria

All activities must be submitted and accepted in order to pass the course. Assessment is based on assignments.

Evaluation: pass/fail

Objective

After completing this course, the students will be able to
• analyse their strengths and development needs as a leader and an innovator and to develop their skills in a goal-oriented manner
• use career stories and systematic and continuous reflection to clarify their professional values and goals and to develop their professional identity and leadership style
• compare different leadership theories and models and evaluate their relevance for their own work
• create and maintain partnerships and networks to support their work as a leader

Content

• Leadership and innovation in creative businesses
• Different career paths to leadership and management positions
• Leadership skills and qualities of a good leader
• Role of values, ethics, empathy and emotions in working life and leadership
• Different leadership theories, models and styles
• Role of collaboration and networks in leadership

Materials

Learning materials are available online and are instructed on the itslearning course platform.

Teaching methods

Lectures and discussions, reading learning materials, and individual assignments.

Completion alternatives

-

Student workload

Learning assignments:
1) writing a mini essay on innovations (based on readings) (8 h)
2) creating a digital career story (18 h)
3) keeping regular reflective diary on given themes and sharing a monthly insight on a Padlet wall for the group and teachers (34 h)
4) creating a visual presentation on leadership (20 h)
5) creating a shortened business plan (20 h)
6) writing a reflective report based on the reflective diary (8 h)

The course is worth 5 credits = ca. 155 hours of workby students. 1 credits (27 hours) of the workload consists of participating in and preparing for the online sessions. 4 credits (108 hours) consists of doing assignments independently.

Content scheduling

Part I: Innovation (Autumn term 2023)
- Types of innovation
- Methods of innovating
- Managing and leading innovations
- Online lecture & instructions for the assignment 1.9., readings and written assignment by 30.9.

Part II: Digital Career Story & Reflective Diary (Autum term 2023 & spring term 2024)
- Different career paths leading to management and leadership positions
- Skills and qualities required in leadership postitions
- Personal professional goals and values; strengths and competences useful in management and leadership position
- Online workshop meetings 1.9., 6.9., 7.9. and 20.9.
- Creating the digital story by 18.9.
- Keeping the diary regularly 21.9.-30.4.
- Reflective discussions based on the reflective diary: 18.10., 15.11. & 13.12. (and 2 - 3 meetings in Jan-April 2024, dates to be announced by December 2023)

Part III: Leadership (Spring term 2024)
- skills and qualities needed to lead and manage customer-oriented media and communication projects
- different leadership paradigms, theories and styles
- role of values, ethics, empathy and emotions in leadership
- creating customer-inspired innovations and business plans 
- the role of collaboration and networks in leadership 
- different career paths to leadership and management position
- Lectures, readings and assignments in January-March 2024 (dates to be announced by December 2023)

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment is based on assignments. All the assignments (1-6) need to be approved for the course to be approved ("pass").

Objective

After completing this course, the students will be able to
• choose and define a relevant topic and a specific development task and research question for their Master's thesis
• find and evaluate sources and information relevant for their Master's thesis
• construct a relevant theoretical framework for their Master's thesis
• choose appropriate methods for the reseach and development activities of their thesis project
• consider ethical aspects and GDPR in their research and development work
• write a research and development plan for their thesis, following the practices and rules of academic research writing

Content

• Professional, theoretical and research contexts for the Master's thesis
• Information seeking and evaluation for the needs of the Master's thesis
• The role of methodological and theoretical frameworks in a Master's thesis
• The role of research methods in supporting development work for a thesis
• Ethical considerations and GDPR in research and development work
• Academich research writing and communication at various phases of the thesis process

Materials

Info Skills Online Course:
- Information and Research Guides and subject guide Arts and Culture
https://libguides.turkuamk.fi/informationandresearchguides

Other relevant learning materials will be instructed on itslearning course platforms.

Teaching methods

- Reading materials
- Individual and group assignments
- Group discussions and presentations in online sessions
- Info skills online course

Student workload

1) Reading 3 Master’s thesis works of Turku UAS students and writing a short summary on them
2) Group presentation of a chosen methodological/theoretical approach & an individual text on one approach
3) Mindmap of the theoretical concepts, research methods and materials, academic and professional contexts etc. of one’s thesis project.
4) Concept note for the thesis project
5) Mini essay on ethical considerations and GDPR in one's own thesis project

Content scheduling

Info Skills online course, 1 ECTS, introductory meeting on Tue 29.8. at 15:00-16:00, deadline for all assignments 30.11.2023 (a separate itslearning course)
***

Thu 31.8. at 16–18 Introduction to the Development work methods and design course & the Master’s thesis requirements & process in Turku UAS (Vesa & Pirita)

Wed 13.9. at 16–18 Role of theory in research and in the thesis (Vesa)

Wed 4.10. at 16–18 18 Role of research methods in RDI projects and in the thesis (Pirita)

Wed 25.10. at 16–18 Presentations on theoretical/methodological frameworks

Wed 1.11./8.11. at 16–18 Seminar (half of the group on one day) – discussing preliminary plans (concept notes) for the thesis project

Wed 22.11. at 16–18 Research ethics and integrity and GDPR in research (Vesa)

Wed 29.11. at 16–18 Thesis as a text – academic writing; Instructions for writing the researh & development plan (Pirita)

Further information

Development work methods and design consists of preparatory work for the development work and/or research conducted in the thesis project.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment is based on the learning assignments.

Objective

After completing the course, the student is able to:

- analyse changes in the operating environments and anticipate future developments applying the concepts and methods of futures studies
- evaluate impacts of the changing operating environments on her/his work, work community and organization, as well on the industry/field at large
- develop one’s competences and expertise in a focused and goal-oriented way in anticipation of the future competence requirements in the work life
- improve and innovate operations and work processes in the organization using multidisciplinary and multiprofessional futures knowledge.

Content

- Future of work and income
- Future competence needs
- Changing career paths and professional identities
- Future technologies, human–technology interaction
- Circular economy and sustainable future
- Theories and methods of future studies and foresight
- Importance of foresight for innovations and strategic planning and decision-making

Materials

In the itslearning course platform.

Teaching methods

Studying instructed learning materials, individual written assignments, group work in multidisciplinary groups, reading and discussing in reading groups in your own study programme.

Student workload

Contact days and lectures: 15 h
Online and virtual working individually and in groups: 120 h

Group work and assignments:
• Starting day 28.8.2023: multidisciplinary groups working with SITRA’s megatrend cards.
• Reading groups within each study programme: reading and discussing research articles/papers/reports, creating a visual presentation of the key ideas and publishing it in a discussion forum in the itslearning course platform (tutor teacher evaluates, pass/fail).
• Hackathon 27.11.2023 (a pre-meeting of the hackathon 15.11.2023): multidisciplinary groups work to solve real working-life problems.

Individual work and assignments:
• Orientation assignment: Futures consciousness and attitudes towards future (in the itslearning course platform; tutor teacher evaluates, pass/fail).
• Scenario assignment: imagining alternative professional futures (in the itslearning course platform; tutor teacher evaluates, pass/fail).
• Reflective report on utilizing futures thinking and anticipation methods in one’s own work (in the itslearning course platform; tutor teacher evaluates, pass/fail).

Content scheduling

The course is compulsory for all Turku UAS Master Students. It will be implemented partly in groups comprised of students across the various study programmes, and partly as team and individual work within each study programme.

There are three contact days (Zoom-meetings: 28.8.2023, 15.11.2023 and 27.11.2023).) common to all students of the various study programmes, and further, there are common study materials and assignments in the itslearning course platform. In addition, the study programmes may add and cover discipline specific topics. This will be guided by the tutor teacher during the programme’s contact days.

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THEME 1: CHANGING WORLD AND WORKING LIFE (calendar weeks 35-37)
• Common starting day 28.8. for all students of the various study programmes: orientation to the course, a keynote talk on the future working life and competence requirements, and group work with SITRA’s megatrend cards (tutor teachers will guide working of the groups).
• Students familiarize themselves independently with the materials in the itslearning course platform.
• Orientation assignment: Futures consciousness and attitudes towards future (DL 17.9.)
• (Each study programme may arrange lectures by TUAS specialists on themes such as new technologies, circular economy etc. during the programme’s contact days.)

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THEME 2: FUTURES STUDIES AND ANTICIPATION (calendar weeks 38-41)
• Students familiarize themselves independently with the materials in the itslearning course platform.
• Scenario assignment: imagining alternative professional futures (DL 15.10.)

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THEME 3: CHANGING WORKING LIFE IN MY FIELD (calendar weeks 42-45)
• Reading groups: reading and discussing research articles in groups that meet virtually or face to face, and creating a visual presentation based on the key ideas of the discussion. Readings are related to the changing work, working environment and competence requirements in the field of the study programme. The visual presentation will be shared in the itslearning course platform (DL 12.11.).

• Tutor teacher organizes the reading groups and compiles the list of readings (or guides students to find relevant research articles and reports).

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THEME 4: SHAPING MY OWN FUTURE (calendar weeks (viikot 46-49)
• Students familiarize themselves independently with the materials in the itslearning course platform.
• Common Hackathon day 27.11. (a pre-meeting of the hackathon 16.11.) for all students of the various study programmes: group working to solve real working-life problems related to sustainable future. Students will familiarize themselves with the Hackathon instructions and assignments before the Hackathon day in the itslearning platform and submit their team reports there after the Hackathon (DL 3.12.).

There are two possible ways to participate in the hackathon: 1) as a commissioner or 2) as a student solving working life problems in a multidisciplinary small group.

• Final assignment: a reflective report on utilizing futures thinking and anticipation methods in one’s own work (DL 10.12.).

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment will be based on the individual and group assignments submitted in the itslearning course platform and on the demonstrated contribution to the group work in contact days.

Tutor teacher evaluates the assignments (assignments 1–4). To pass the course, students are expected to participate in the contact days and to contribute to group work in them, as well as to complete and turn in all the assignments. Missing contact day participation will be compensated by an extra assignment. Tutor teachers will keep records of participation in group work in contact days and evaluate the compensatory assignments.

Qualifications

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