Module:

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

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Module Title
Module Code	(ITS: CA115)
Faculty		School
NFQ level		Credit Rating

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to digital innovation and enterprise. Students will explore how digital innovations are identified, created/shaped, and communicated, with a focus on problem identification, value creation, users, and markets. Through a group-based project, students apply innovation concepts and design-thinking approaches to develop and communicate a digital innovation idea using a visual poster, written report, website, and interactive oral discussion. Students are expected to engage with lectures, in-class activities, and project work throughout the semester.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key concepts of digital innovation, including innovation types, value creation, and the distinction between innovation and invention.
2. Analyse real-world problems and user needs to inform the development of early-stage digital innovation ideas.
3. Apply design-thinking principles to generate and communicate digital innovation concepts
4. Apply different tools and techniques for digital marketing
5. Communicate a digital innovation idea effectively using visual, written, and digital examples as part of a group project.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Seminars	24	Delivered weekly by lecturer and guest speakers
Online activity	20	Project management tool (indicatively, MS Project)
Group work	10	Meetings – students are expected to meet up on a regular basis to work on their group project. This should be thoroughly documented on their weblog.
Group work	45	Blog writing and website design and development
Independent Study	26	Students will be expected to carry out independent research in the design and development of their website and report. This could include learning JavaScript as part of this process.
Total Workload: 125

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Poster presentation	Group-based digital innovation poster presenting a proposed digital innovation, which includes information about the problem it addresses, value creation, target users, and market context.	10%	Week 5
In Class Test	In-class activities will involve completion-based group activities (short question and answers) designed to reinforce lecture concepts and encourage engagement.	8%	Every Week
Loop Exam	In-lab Loop based quizzes assessing understanding of digital innovation concepts covered in lectures.	42%	Other
Report(s)	Group report analysing the digital innovation in detail, including problem definition, value proposition, users, markets, and early-stage business considerations.	18%	Week 9
Digital Project	Group website communicating the digital innovation concept and value proposition to audience.	12%	Week 12
Oral Examination	Group-based interactive oral discussion to verify understanding and decision-making of the project.	10%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Digital Innovation
Innovation vs invention and digitalisation. Types of innovation (product, process, business model). Incremental, radical, and disruptive innovation. Value creation in digital products and services

Human-Centred Design and Ideation
Understanding users, problems, and unmet needs. Introduction to design thinking, Problem definition and idea generation, Early-stage concept development

Communicating Digital Innovation
Visual communication of innovation ideas, Digital innovation posters and storytelling, Communicating ideas through reports and websites, Accessibility and clarity in digital communication

Collaborative Innovation Project Work
Group-based innovation development, Team collaboration and contribution, Iterative developments, Design choices and decisions

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Stephen J. Andriole,: 0, The 2nd Digital Revolution, 9781591408017
Tom Cannon: 0, Enterprise, 978-0750600149
Doug Hall,: 0, Jump Start Your Business Brain, 9781558706071
Michael Michalko: 0, Cracking Creativity: The Secrets of Creative Genius, 1-58008-311-0
Justin Zobel,: 0, Writing for Computer Science, 9789813083226

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Website, J. Shewechuk, 1997, Three Sins of Authors in Computer Science and Math,