Epic Challenge - Orientation to Innovation (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

Product development methods and techniques learned on this course:

- creative concept generation using morfological table
- Pugh method, i.e. use of decision making matrix as complex problem solving method
- use of requirements in ideation, testing and decision making
- problem abstraction as a creativity technique
- experiment design
- IFF - intelligent fast failure - experimentation philosophy
- BBA - building block approach - product development philosophy
- uncertainty-guided knowledge capture
- R&D teamwork: reporting and meetings
- R&D teamwork: multidisciplinary, international

Content

On this course, you will focus on one of the available challenges related to future technologies and human habitation of Mars.

This course has been developed together with NASA astronaut Dr. Charles Camarda.You will learn to solve complex real-life problems.You will learn to work in a multidisciplinary team in a professional manner. You will get to interact with experts and company representatives.

More information about the program here: www.epicchallengejoensuu.com and epicchallenge@karelia.fi. Also, check out www.facebook.com/epicchallengejoensuu/ for regular updates. Participation to this course does not require any prior experience or skills in technology or sciences. All who register can join the course.

Location and time

The first workshop and the final exam of the course are organized as face-to-face teaching at the Wärtsilä campus of the Karelia University of Applied Sciences (Karjalankatu 3, Joensuu). Other workshop happen via online video meetings.

Schedule:

Workshops
Tue 12.9.2023 16:15 – 17:45 Course kick-off lecture, exam and final presentation introductions, challenge introductions, team formations
Thu 14.9.2023 16:15 – 17:45 online workshop
Tue 19.9.2023 16:15 – 17:45 online workshop
Thu 21.9.2023 16:15 – 17:45 online workshop
Tue 26.9.2023 16:15 – 17:45 online workshop
Thu 28.9.2023 16:15 – 17:45 online workshop
Tue 3.10.2023 16:15 – 17:45 online workshop
Thu 5.10.2023 16:15 – 17:45 online workshop

Preparing for the final exam
Tue 10.10.2023 16:15 – 17:45 Final exam review

Final exam
Thu 12.10.2023 16:15 – 17:45 Final exam

Teaching methods

The first workshop and the final exam are carried out in face-to-face teaching. Other workshops are carried out remotely. The language of instruction is English.

The evaluation of the course via a personal final exam and a problem solving challenge that can be completed personally or in a small group.

All study materials are published in advance as video recordings and digital files. Through the study materials, you get to know different early stage problem solving and innovation methods. The methods are taught using examples related to the development of the technologies needed to inhabit the planet Mars, as well as everyday challenges on Earth.

Each student, alone or in a small group, chooses a problem-solving challenge related to their own daily life or the activities of an organization. During the study period, each person or team applies the skills learned during the study period to their own challenge.

In online workshops, teams present the progress of their problem-solving process for their own challenge and receive development feedback from the teacher and other students.

For more information about the course, please contact epicchallenge@karelia.fi