Intercultural Approach to Design Thinking (10 cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- communicate in English in a professional way in his/her own field of study
- apply intercultural management into practice
- apply intercultural theories into practice
- plan and develop services by applying service design thinking

Location and time

Students are required to work every week efficiently during the study unit.
Contact sessions:
25 Feb at 9-16 hrs
3 Mar at 9-16 hrs
9 Mar at 9-16 hrs
(16 Mar at 9-16 hrs distant work in teams)
(24 Mar at 9-16 hrs distant work in teams)
30 Mar at 9-18 hrs
31 Mar at 9-18 hrs
1 Apr at 9-18 hrs
7 Apr 9-16 hrs
In addition, during all the weeks (9-15) students will work in teams outside of class.
Students need to attend the contact sessions because they include hands-on work.
In order to get a grade, students must also visit the client.

Materials

Design Thinking materials, you can consult also books in the library
Cultural theory books

Teaching methods

During the study unit, students will work in teams with a client to develop services.
The implementation of the study unit is partially intensive, which means that the study unit is carried out during a short period of time (weeks 9-15). Students need to be prepared to work efficiently and actively during the studies.
The studies include English studies that are integrated into the study unit, following Laurea's learning approach Learning by Developing. In addition to working in English, the study unit focuses on intercultural theories and Design Thinking.
Exchange students are welcome!

**This study unit is a finalist in the 2019 Quality Innovation Award in Higher Education in Finland**

Employer connections

You will work with a client to create new service ideas for them.

Exam schedules

Contact sessions:
25 Feb at 9-16 hrs
3 Mar at 9-16 hrs
9 Mar at 9-16 hrs
(16 Mar at 9-16 hrs distant work in teams)
(24 Mar at 9-16 hrs distant work in teams)
30 Mar at 9-18 hrs
31 Mar at 9-18 hrs
1 Apr at 9-18 hrs
7 Apr 9-16 hrs
In addition, during all the weeks (9-15) students will work in teams outside of class.
Students need to attend the contact sessions because they include hands-on work.
In order to get a grade, students must also visit the client.

International connections

International environment
International guest lecturers

Completion alternatives

Only for Laurea's own degree program students:
you can apply separately to join an intensive week by sending a written application in English by email to the teacher responsible (Kristina) by 1 December, where you should state why you should be chosen to participate in the intensive week. Applicants will be invited to short interviews in December and January.

Check out this video to see how our students have experienced intensive weeks:
https://video.laurea.fi/media/Intensive+Studies+2018-2019+Movie/0_0zyopg04

There are four different options, two of which you can apply for now:
1) Fehmarn, Germany: 3-9 May 2020
This week is part of the VISIT project where students and teachers from Sweden, Germany, Croatia and Scotland will join our students and teachers. Basic accommodation and meals, as well as travel organized by the project are free of charge for the students. In addition to the intensive week, the students will have pre- and post-assignments to carry out in order to receive a total of 10 ECTS.
2) Intensive week in Kiel, Germany during 26 April - 2 May 2020
You should apply the same way to this one as to the previous one. Students participating in this intensive week will get financial support from Laurea to help cover the costs in Germany. The support does not cover all costs, but it should cover at least the flights and maybe some more. Also this intensive week requires students to carry out pre- and post assignments in order to total 10 ECTS.

Teachers who interview will make the selections based on the written applications and interviews on who will be selected for which intensive week of those who are selected.

The other two intensive weeks take place as follows during 2020, which can be applied for in spring 2020:
3) intensive week on Vis island, Croatia during 20-27 September
This is also part of the VISIT project and travel, basic accommodation and meals are covered for the students participating. Other students and teachers come from Sweden, Scotland, Germany and Croatia. Students are required to carry out pre-and post-assignments in order to receive 10 ECTS for the course.
4) intensive week in Kiel, Germany during 8-14 November 2020
Students participating in this intensive week will get financial support from Laurea to help cover the costs in Germany. The support does not cover all costs, but it should cover at least the flights and maybe some more. Also this intensive week requires students to carry out pre- and post assignments in order to total 10 ECTS.

Student workload

10 ECTS= 270 hours of work/student

Evaluation scale

H-5