Abstract:

Laurea University of Applied Sciences in the larger Helsinki metropolitan area with its 8000 students and 500 of faculty is a value-driven university with three main strategies: r&d-strategy, regional development strategy and pedagogical strategy. Laurea’s curriculum reform took place in 2004-2006 and the new competence-based curriculum was ready by August 2006 for all degree programmes. The basis for strategic leadersip and student learning is founded on the five core values which were decided in a collaborative process in the year 2000:

- student and customer focus
- reliability
- working as one community, openness and co-operation
- social responsibility
- innovativeness.

The purpose of this qualitative research paper is to analyse the key documents of our university in reflection with this value basis and find out especially how innovativeness as one of the core values is taken into account in the written documentation of our university and how it is implemented in the students' learning process.

Research methodology: qualitative research, case-study

Research material:
- strategic level: three main strategies, quality assurance system
- operational level: personnel program, communication program, adult education program, quality handbook
- learning and teaching level: curriculum 2007

Analysis method: qualitative content analysis

Concept of knowledge: relative, relational

Preliminary conclusions: The core values as a basis for strategic and operative leadership are a key element in large-scale reforms and change processes of the university. Therefore it is possible to enhance innovativeness in student learning and also assess the learning outcomes of these core values embedded in the students’ learning process.