MSE Master of Science in Engineering

The Swiss engineering master's degree

Each module contains 3 ECTS. You choose a total of 10 modules/30 ECTS in the following module categories: 

  • 12-15 ECTS in technical scientific modules (TSM)
    TSM modules teach profile-specific specialist skills and supplement the decentralised specialisation modules.
  • 9-12 ECTS in fundamental theoretical principles modules (FTP)
    FTP modules deal with theoretical fundamentals such as higher mathematics, physics, information theory, chemistry, etc. They will teach more detailed, abstract scientific knowledge and help you to bridge the gap between abstraction and application that is so important for innovation.
  • 6-9 ECTS in context modules (CM)
    CM modules will impart additional skills in areas such as technology management, business administration, communication, project management, patent law, contract law, etc.

In the module description (download pdf) you find the entire language information per module divided into the following categories:

  • instruction
  • documentation
  • examination 
Managing complexity and innovation in aviation (TSM_CompAvi)

This course is designed for students of

the MSE in Aviation, though students of other engineering disciplines are

welcome to attend as well.

 

At the end of this course, you will be

able to articulate the importance and impact of innovation - at both a micro

(individual or firm) and macro (societal/national) level. Why is innovation

given such importance? How can it be measured, accelerated and when can it go

awfully wrong? In a nutshell: understanding the impact of innovation in

aviation.

 

Students will learn to think critically

when something is presented as "new" or "innovative".

Equipped with methods, tools, techniques and a standard vocabulary, students

can challenge claims made outside the academic setting as to the relevance and

expected impact of innovation. The focus will be given on examples from the

aviation industry (civil, general, military, manned and unmanned), though examples

may also occasionally be drawn from outside aviation.

 

Through weekly group assignments,

students will prepare a short presentation based on the past lecture and

assigned readings. This will help apply the methods learned in the course on

real-world scenarios.

 

A final term

assignment will permit each student to individually apply all the material

learned on addressing a clearly defined problem and applying the methods taught

to implement methods of innovation. Depending on the selected problem, students

will be able to conclude whether the innovation applied is truly impactful (and

for whom).

 

The weekly and

term assignments will also permit students to strengthen their presentation

skills. 

Prerequisites

No prerequisites.

Learning Objectives

  • Understanding the imapact of innovation in aviation.
  • Macro: Role of innovation within aviation industry, growth-driven economy, National Innovation Systems, mission oriented policies, the entrepreneurial state, importance of Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), competitive forces
  • Micro: Role of innovation at product and firm level, as well as the role of the entrepreneur (Unternehmer)
  • Appreciation and understanding of complexity and complex systems, particularly from an innovation perspective, identifying and understanding problems and identifying solutions through entrepreneurial methods.
  • Measuring, visualising and modelling complex systems.
  • Methods for protecting and exploiting ideas, incl. patents, trade secrets, standards and lobbying.
  • Methods and principles of innovation incl. open innovation, technology readiness assessments (TRA), technology roadmaps, biomimicry, technological determinism and momentum, serendipity, uncertainty, risks vs. rewards, business model innovation and application of the business model canvas.
  • Failures, frauds and fiascos – a closer look and where innovation can go wrong and methods of mitigation (e.g. whistleblowing, better planning).
  • Importance and relevance of maintenance (incl. MRO) in ensuring sustanable innovation practices.
  • Based on availability, experts from industry will be invited to share their experiences on related topics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents of Module

- Principles of Innovation

 

- Principles of Complexity

 

- Standards and Regulations

 

- Business Model Innovation

& Design

 

- National Innovation Systems

& Innovation Relevant Aviation Policies

 

- Frauds, Failures &

Fiascos

Teaching and Learning Methods

  • Classroom lectures (in exceptional cases, access via video/remote can be organized)
  • Student presentations as part of tutorials (group exercises)

Literature

- Assigned readings (papers, case studies, patent filings etc.) will be distributed via Moodle.

- Some readings will be optional (not required for exam or completing assignments) but can help enrich the course experience and gain deeper understanding of course objectives.

Download full module description

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