• To introduce learners to the fundamental principles of industrial and academic Research &
Development (R&D).
• To develop the ability to design, implement, and manage R&D projects effectively.
• To equip learners with skills in data collection, analysis, and hypothesis testing.
• To provide an understanding of Intellectual Property (IP) and the commercialization of
innovation.
• To prepare learners for roles in product development and innovation management.

Upon completion, learners will be able to:
• Apply scientific and systematic methods to conduct organizational research.
• Prepare and process research proposals, feasibility studies, and technical reports.
• Post experimental results into structured datasets and produce analytical summaries.
• Account for patent laws and reconcile research activities with commercial goals.
• Identify and correct flaws in research design and experimental execution.

Module 1: Introduction to the R&D Landscape

• The innovation cycle: Ideation, Research, Development, and Launch.
• Types of research: Basic, applied, and experimental development.
• Principles of the scientific method: Observations and theories.
• R&D organizational structures and lab management.
• Source documentation: Lab notebooks, white papers, and technical specs.

Module 2: Project Design and Methodology

• Qualitative vs. quantitative research methods.
• Sampling techniques and experimental design.
• Resource planning: Budgeting and timeline management.
• Risk assessment in R&D and the “fail fast” philosophy.
• The research journal and its documentation are used.

Module 3: Data Analysis and Prototyping

• Transferring raw data from experiments to analytical tools.
• Prototyping phases: Alpha, Beta, and Pilot testing.
• Balancing technical feasibility with market viability.
• Preparing a technical trial balance of results.
• Identifying errors in data sets and statistical significance.

Module 4: IP, Patents, and Ethics

• Principles of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
• Patent registration, trademarks, and copyright law.
• Recording R&D tax credits and government grants.
• Preparing and submitting a patent application.
• Research ethics, sustainability, and social impact.

Module 5: Commercialization and Innovation Control

• Types of innovation errors: Market timing and technical failure.
• Scaling from lab to mass production.
• Technology transfer and licensing statements.
• Innovation control and performance reconciliation.
• Introduction to R&D management software (e.g., Jira, Trello).

Project