IDBM - Industry Project

Design as a competitive factor

The recent discussion and research have emphasized the role of design as a competitive factor. The success of Nokia has been attributed to a superior understanding and use of design. Furthermore Metso Paper, the world's largest paper making line supplier, sees that 1 to 2 out of ten offers from the Järvenpää factory are decided in Metso's favour because of design. The possibilities of design are also supported by a programme approved by the Finnish Government, Design 2005, which aims to make design an essential part of the national innovation system. To achieve this goal, TEKES (the National Technology Agency of Finland), has decided to launch an industrial design technology programme and the Academy of Finland is starting a similar research programme.

IDBM Program

International Design Business Management (IDBM) is a joint programme between three schools of Aalto University: the School of Economics (former HSE), the School of Art and Design (former TaiK) and the School of Science and Technology (former TKK). The objective of the programme is to train skilled professionals for key roles in international design business. Yearly 10 to 15 persons in the final stages of their studies are chosen to participate in the programme. Since 1995, around 110 projects have been completed within the IDBM for leading Finnish companies. In addition to the project and the teaching activities, the programme involves constant research of design and business on different academic levels (one research topic being design as a competitive factor).

IDBM Project

The students in the IDBM programme offer their knowledge in the form of industry projects. Each project is completed by a team of 3 to 5 students, representing the School of Economics, the School of Science and Technology and the School of Art and Design. A project manager and an expert are chosen from the universities to supervise the progress of the project. The projects are confidential; if necessary, the students and the supervisors will sign a non-disclosure agreement.

The project topics have dealt with new product concepts (design and user interface issues), the definition of customer needs and the future environment of a product, the analysis of markets and customer feedback, and the examination of corporate identity, communications and design management, among other things.

Usually the duration of the industry project is one academic year (September - May). A project can also be completed within a tighter schedule if necessary. The cost of a project is about €10.000 + VAT depending on the agreed content, the amount of work done is 6-12 ECTS credits per student.

The IDBM Programme as a recruiting channel

The IDBM project is an excellent way to meet key professionals of the future and to solve business problems inexpensively in terms of workload and knowledge. The feedback from companies has been very positive. Several companies have wanted to run projects year after year and have found employees through the programme. For more information about the programme and the industry projects, please visit our website (www.hse.fi/idbm) and contact us.

Tutoring IDBM Projects

A project manager and an expert are chosen from the universities to supervise the progress of the project. The cost of this expertise and supervision is 1700 € per tutor, which is included in the project budget. Tutors support the project planning, help in defining the goals, phases, schedules, division of tasks etc. Tutors are present in meetings with the companies and take responsibility in evaluating the project work and the report. The total hours per tutor in a project is estimated to be 20-30. This includes 6-8 meetings of 1-2 hours (once a month) and 10-15 hours of independent work.

Confidentiality

The persons participating in the project on the behalf of the IDBM programme commit themselves to non-disclosure of all confidential information and material they might receive during the project. They agree to not to passing it on to a third party and not to use it in a way that would harm the company. All information, that is not publicly available or generally known is defined as confidential. Confidentiality is required until the received information or material becomes public domain, or the company explicitly allows the use of the information or the material. The participants of the project are authorized to state the existence of the project and their participation in it, on the behalf of the IDBM programme.

A reference budget for a project (4 students):

(PLEASE CHECK THE AMOUNTS WITH PROGRAMME PERSONNEL!)

2500 € travelling (abroad)
2000 € reward for the student team
3400 € reward for two supervisors
1000 € other expenses
1100 € administration
10.000 €+ VAT

Students may decide to use part of their reward for travelling expenses, the minimum reward being 100 euros /student. A daily allowance will be paid for the travelling days (40 - 70 euros/day depending on the country in question, tax-free).

Students are employees of the Aalto School of Economics for insurance coverage (precondition: travelling proposal filled in advance).