Study Guide

Objective

Students will learn to understand the critical phases and techniques of product development, and will master managing and executing a product development project. They will gain the skills needed for designing, implementing, and managing customer-oriented product development, and will be able to apply creative and systematic methods in product development. After completing the course, students will understand how to transform a product idea into a commercial product, manage the theory of product lifecycle management, and know how to protect their inventions.

Content

- Strategic planning and management of product development
- Identification of customer needs and product specifications
- Combining creative work techniques and detailed design
- Managing a product development project: scheduling, resourcing, and budgeting
- Design, usability, and architecture of the product
- Cost efficiency in product development: production costs, lifecycle management
- Manufacturing prototypes, testing, and applying standards
- Inventions, patents, and IPR protecting the product

Materials

Current articles, online lecture materials, and resources Course Literature: The latest publications in product development and project management. A recommended reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student expertly and innovatively applies the methods and processes of product development. They can independently and creatively solve product development challenges and lead product development projects from start to finish, including commercialization.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student fluently applies the methods and processes of product development. They actively participate in product development projects and are capable of producing cost-effective and marketable products with the support of teamwork.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student understands the basics of the product development process and applies foundational knowledge in product development tasks. They can work in a team and contribute to projects but still require support in application.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has achieved the basic objectives of the course and understands the fundamental processes of product development. A pass requires active participation and at least 70% of the maximum points in the project work.

Further information

Course duration: 1 semester
The course includes 4 RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) credits, earned by actively participating in product development projects