In partnership with the Innovatrium community and the MBA program at the Ross School of Business, ‘Leading Creativity and Innovation’ (MO 563) is a course designed to introduce students to the practices necessary for stimulating and managing innovation in a business. Throughout the duration of the course, students are introduced to frameworks and methods for designing, developing, and implementing innovation in real work situations. The aim of the course is to provide students with the perspective and skill base necessary to manage innovation-focused projects, people, and ventures.

The Fall 2009 course was taught by Ross School professors Jeff DeGraff and Michael Tschirhart, with the assistance of Pete Bacevice (doctoral candidate, UM School of Education). The course is scheduled to be offered again in the Fall 2010 semester. Click here for registration information.

Objective of the Fall 2009 course project

During the duration of the six-week course, students divided into teams and worked with The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan in order to provide solutions for helping this world renowned museum and cultural institution achieve their vision – “to be a nationally recognized catalyst for advancing America’s culture of innovation.”

Videos from the Fall 2009 course

On October 19, 2009, the four student groups presented their findings to a panel individuals from The Henry Ford executive team and board. Additionally feedback was offered to the students from a panel of innovation leaders at various companies including NBC Universal, Eaton, Pfizer, SPX, Haworth, and Whirlpool.

Click here to view the Group 1 presentation.

Click here to view the Group 2 presentation.

Click here to view the Group 3 presentation.

Click here to view the Group 4 presentation.

Click here to view the course’s final lectures from professors Jeff DeGraff and Michael Tschirhart.

Course slides and handouts

Click here to download the class syllabus.

Click here to download the class Power Point slides.