Creativity and Innovation

Module Overview

This module develops creative thinking and innovation capabilities essential for manufacturing leaders to solve complex problems, improve processes, and drive product and business innovation. The module introduces structured creativity tools, design thinking, and innovation frameworks with strong application in manufacturing, engineering, and operations contexts.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, learners will:

• Understand creativity and innovation concepts and frameworks.
• Apply structured tools for problem-solving and ideation.
• Use design thinking for product, process, and business innovation.
• Foster innovation culture within teams.
• Translate creative ideas into practical, implementable solutions.

Module Structure

Duration: 4 weekends (16 contact hours) + 20 hours self-study, project work, and assessments
Total Workload: ~75–90 hours (3 ECTS)

Syllabus Breakdown

Week 1: Creativity Fundamentals & Mindset (4 hours)

• Creativity myths and models
• Divergent vs convergent thinking
• Barriers to creativity in manufacturing

Case Study:
Innovation failure due to rigid thinking in operations.

Practical:
Creativity self-assessment and problem framing exercise.

Week 2: Design Thinking & Ideation Tools (4 hours)

• Design thinking framework
• Empathy, ideation, and concept generation
• Brainstorming and creative tools

Case Study:
Design thinking applied to a manufacturing bottleneck.

Practical:
Generate multiple solutions to a real workplace problem.

Week 3: Innovation in Manufacturing Context (4 hours)

• Product, process, and business model innovation
• Incremental vs disruptive innovation
• Innovation governance and risk

Case Study:
Process innovation in a mid-sized manufacturing firm.

Practical:
Shortlist and evaluate innovation ideas for feasibility.

Week 4: Implementing Innovation & Capstone (4 hours)

• Prototyping and validation
• Change management for innovation
• Measuring innovation impact

Capstone Exercise:
Develop an innovation proposal for your organization.

Assessment Structure

• Participation & Discussions – 20%
• Case Study & Ideation Exercises – 30%
• Capstone Innovation Proposal – 50%

Pedagogy

• Case-based learning
• Design thinking workshops
• Group discussions and peer learning
• Mentor feedback on innovation proposals

Faculty

Delivered by:
Innovation leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry practitioners with experience in manufacturing transformation.

Certification

On completion, learners will receive:

“Creativity & Innovation for Manufacturing Professionals”
Certificate with 3 ECTS credits under Mentogram’s Global Techno-Commercial MBA.