Enhancing Business and Economic Transformation of Rural Sector in New Zealand

Background to Hypothetical Study

• To complete the requirements within 10 pages of 1.5 or double space typing in a 12 point font; and

• To use text, figures, and possibly tables and equations to express their views. 

1. Four entities are interested in enhancing business and economic transformation of the rural sector in New Zealand:

a. The New Zealand Government (NZG);

b. A major agribusiness firm – Gallagher Group (GG) (who sell agricultural technologies);

c. A major bank – Rabobank (RB)  (who is interested in conservation to build customer loyalty); and

d. A regional development organisation “Te Waka” (TW).

2. They recently funded Dr Kumar to present to a group of stakeholders in January 2020. He presented a report on the impact of an innovation event relevant to rural NZ.

3. The four parties have raised one million dollars. They are calling for proposals of up to $200,000 each in cost that will be completed within a 12-month period. They plan to fund five of them.

4.They are interested in studies based on any management discipline (or disciplines) that will inform policy and practice to enhance business and economic transformation. Each study should focus on one entity – NZG, GG, RB and GP. Each study should focus on one question of importance. Each study should be completed in such a way that it will be credible and helpful for the client, and respected by the four key parties, other stakeholders, and the academy.

5. You are expected to complete the research but are able to contract specialist assistance to help you if you need to.

1. Define a research question relevant to one of the four key parties. Justify the question on the basis of the innovation challenge, the relevance to the organisation, the socio-political context, and the existing academic literature. Identify a relevant gap (or gaps) in the literature and the value of the question/s being answered for the sponsoring organisation(s) and anyone else who will benefit.

2. Explain the methods you will use to answer the question. Justify the methodology you have chosen and explain its limitations. Identify any challenges you will have in implementing the methods – and how you will overcome them.

3. Prepare an outline of the research report you will write and your timeline for completing the report. Identify the sections and subsections and provide at least one paragraph of description of what you will include in each subsection.

Each task is worth 30 marks. 10 Marks are allocated for the overall result.

Thirty (30) marks for each section will be allocated on the basis of:

• The credibility of the content;

• The clarity and logic of the content;

• The effective use of literature; and

• Evidence of persuasive original thought.