MALKA221 Complex Systems and Risk Management Course description

The course introduces various methods for assessing and managing risk in complex systems, presenting current research and practices. There is a strong emphasis on evolving a safety culture in the workplace. Literature on decision theory and cognitive biases is presented, along with the behavior analytic perspective. Students learn to use practical tools for carrying out risk analysis.

Admission to the study program

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On successful completion of the course, the student has the following learning outcomes classified as knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student can

• describe theoretical perspectives and practical interventions designed to improve safety culture and optimize interaction between man, technology and organization
• describe and discuss the concept of risk, and risk in relation to complexity
• describe different methods in risk analysis
• describe methods for investigation of accidents
• describe and discuss the application of concepts from risk management on examples from different social and technological systems

Skills

The student can

• apply knowledge of general behavioral principles in the analysis of, and as a means, in risk management and Control
• perform simple risk analyses, including using different methods of data collection and processing

Competence

The student can

• contribute to safety decision processes

In the BSCA specialisation, campus-based lectures and seminars with group exercises carried out in class are the main teaching methods. Students read selected texts in advance for each day of class, and everyone is expected to participate in class through questions and through joining in discussion. Between the seminars, students are required to work on one individual assignment based on material from the seminars. In the BSII specialisation, the main teaching method is digital course sequences, and feedback on details of course content, and supervised discussion groups will be available during pre-determined time periods. Feedback on written assignments is used in both specialisations.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• 1 review article submitted digitally, maximum 20.000 keystrokes

Individual home examination, 7 days, with a maximum of 20.000 keystrokes. Exam questions are in English. Students may submit their exams in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Language of instruction: English (Norwegian if no English-speaking students have registered for the course)

This course is an introduction to innovation that intends to inspire innovative thinking and provide the students with an overview of the tools they can use in innovation processes. The students will acquire an understanding of what is required to succeed with an innovation project.

The students will learn to develop and test a value proposition, and they will learn how to solve a problem in the field of health using new solutions. The course covers both commercial and non-commercial innovation, and aims to contribute to a strengthened understanding of innovation and innovation culture.

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Pharmacy / Master’s Programme in Health Sciences.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: 

Knowledge

The student  

• can explain theories and methodologies related to innovation processes and innovation strategy 
• can evaluate the significance of and approaches to user participation
• can explain intellectual property rights (patents/trademarks/secrecy etc.), including how this relates to publishing and academic research
• can explain the commercialisation processes for commercial innovation, including the development of a business plan, and the processes for the realisation and dissemination of non-commercial innovation
• can describe funding strategies and sources
• can identify and describe suitable professional tools and processes for different innovation projects

Skills 

The student 

• can use basic skills to carry out needs analyses, to understand the issues at hand and develop a value proposition
• can apply thought processes for product and service innovation
• can validate innovation ideas through contact with customers/users/payers and others
• can apply knowledge of intellectual property rights to different innovation projects and select a suitable strategy
• can present innovation projects to different target groups (an effective pitch)
• can plan an innovation project under supervision

General competence  

The student 

• can identify innovation potential in their own academic field/area of application
• can contribute to interdisciplinary teamwork and can give and receive feedback
• can explain innovation processes in the field of health 
• can communicate independent work and masters the terminology used in the field 
• can contribute with new ideas and innovation relevant to health