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Design strategies, Course work

Course developer

Replaced course

VadZB007 [GVADB007] Design Strategies

Course abstract

During the study course, practical knowledge and skills for the application of theoretical knowledge in the development of a design product are acquired throug researching customer needs, market trends, customer expectations and the development of value chains. Students will work in groups, creating a marketing mix for the chosen design product / service, selecting market segments / niches, justifying the principles of pricing policy and choosing a business model. Students will develop their uniquie competences and competitive advantages development skills, train the ability to think creatively, they will acquire research and practical business, as well as teamwork and presentation skills.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge – About innovative product development tools, about team work dynamics, about types of strategies and business models, about the place and role of marketing strategy in design product development, about customer / consumer characteristics and related strategic decisions, as well as strategies for developing specific skills and competitive advantages . Knowledge will be assessed by evaluating the submitted group work and the final presentation;
Skills – To create an innovative design product / service by analyzing the customer's needs and wishes, to choose the appropriate business model and marketing strategic plan for the created product, as well as to communicate with the involved parties (stakeholders). Skills will be assessed by evaluating the submitted group work and the final presentation;

Competence – to use innovative product development tools, appropriate for the chosen design product development strategy. Students will be able to determin the validity of strategic activities and decisions, development and implementation of strategic plans. Competences will be assessed by evaluating the submitted group work and the final presentation

Course Content(Calendar)

Full time intramural studies:
1. Design product - definition of requirements. Group interaction test in group formation
2. Formation of a product development working group, strategic management. Defining tasks.
3. Customer / consumer needs, wishes, benefits. Product concept.
4. Application of innovative product development tools for product development
5. Product / service concept development
6. Value chain. Competitive advantages.
7. Product planning and strategic decisions
8. Marketing strategy plan for the chosen design product
9. Financial plan for the chosen design product
10. Design product presentation

Part time extramural studies:

All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished, but the number of contact hours is one half of the number specified in the calendar

Requirements for awarding credit points

Positive grade if:
1. Practical work transferred to lecturer (sent, uploaded to e-learning environment)

2. Group/team work – presentation/defense of the marketing strategy provided

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Practical works:
1. Chosen design product marketing strategy plan
Group/team (home assignment) works:

1. Presentation/defence of chosen design product marketing strategy plan – whole group participation

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Both practical and Group/tema assignment handed in (no positive final grade if any of them is missed).
Share of each activity in the final grade:
• Chosen design product marketing strategy plan - 40%
• Presentation/defence of chosen design product marketing strategy plan – whole group participation - 60%

Positive grade if at least 50% obtained.

Compulsory reading

1. Caune J. Stratēģiskā vadīšana. Rīga: Lidojošā zivs, 2008. 384 lpp.
2. Inovācijas. Tulkojums no angļu valodas, tulkojusi A. Orupe. Rīga: Lietišķās informācijas dienests, 2009. 112 lpp.
3. Praude V. Mārketings: teorija un prakse. 1. grāmata. 3. izd. Rīga: Burtene, 2011. 522 lpp. ISBN 9789984833033

Further reading

1. Ābeltiņa A. Inovācija - XXI gadsimta fenomens. Rīga: Biznesa augstskola "Turība", 2008. 151 lpp.
2. Forands I. Biznesa vadības tehnoloģijas. 2. papild. izdev. Rīga: Latvijas Izglītības fonds, 2009. 308 lpp.
3. Ulrih K.T., Eppinger S.D. Product Design and Development. 5-th ed. New York etc.: Mc Graw Hill, 2008.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Latvijas Investīciju un Attīstības aģentūra. Pieejams: www.liaa.gov.lv
2. Kopfinansēšanas saites, piemēŗam: https://www.kickstarter.com/

Notes

Compulsory course for TF professional higher education bachelor study program “Design and Crafts”, full-time studies - 5th semester and part-time studies – 8th semester.