Higher Diploma in Business in Service Design and Innovation

Course details

The programme’s primary aim is to produce high calibre individuals, distinct in their abilities, understanding, skills and knowledge associated with service design and innovation. More specifically the objectives of the programme are:

• immerse students in service design thinking and its application in a wide range of business contexts.
• provide intensive training in the tools and techniques to design, deliver and evaluate service innovation projects.
• provide advanced competencies and skills training for the identification and implementation of innovation process and practices in an industry setting.
• provide critical insight into business process innovation across a range of service and industrial contexts.
• achieve a thorough understanding of business processes and their contribution to customer fulfilment.
• provide the knowledge of business innovation research methodologies that are required for effective decision making during the service innovation process.
• develop high-level group interaction skills and problem solving orientation in both the learning environment and the operational business environment.
• develop the required leadership, problem solving and communication skills needed for the implementation of a service innovation strategies.
• provide a mechanism for the professional development of employees in an organisational change context.

The course structure allows participants to pursue their desired goals, such as progression to an MBA or more specialised qualification, with opportunities in such fields as personnel, finance and marketing or general business management.

Modules

Semester 1

• Marketing
• Managing People
• Managing Change
• Service Design Competencies and Prototyping
• Customer Experience Innovation Management
• Place Branding

Semester 2

• Business Process Mapping and Improvement
• Service Strategy and Development
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• The Management of Innovation
• Applied Project (10 Credits)

Note: In the part-time mode, three of the modules listed above would be undertaken in the third semester.

The modules are delivered using blended and traditional delivery modes. The first semester leads graduate students through a series of tools and techniques to design, deliver and evaluate service innovation projects.

The second semester focuses on developing the competencies and skills of our participants in terms for the identification and implementation of service innovation process and practices in an industry setting.

A particular feature of this course is the service innovation capstone project where the skills and knowledge developed in the programme will be showcased

Entry Requirements

At a minimum for students to be accepted on the Higher Diploma in Business in Service Design and Innovation, the current standard entry criteria are as follows:

Applications must hold at least a Level 8 qualification or equivalent qualification.

Prior work or industrial experience may be considered when short listing applicants. The programme will conform to the standard WIT postgraduate recruitment policies with regard to accreditation of prior learning.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English.