Innovation Theories and Their Application in Organizations

Theoretical Explanation. Describe, in detail and in your own words, one or two innovation theories covered in the module. Deep knowledge of one major innovation theory will be enough as a basis for a high mark, and you should not choose more than two innovation theories.

Theory Application. Apply your chosen theory (or theories) to explain one or more products and/or services for your selected organisation. You may also wish to use your chosen theory to explain how these product/services evolved.

Future Development. Apply your chosen theory (or theories) to recommend possible future development pathways of your products or services for your selected organisation.

Formative work in weekly seminars will guide you through the analytical techniques and processes required to complete the task.

What is an Innovation Theory

For the purposes of this report, you can consider an innovation theory to be any theory, or framework, covered in the coursework. As such, you could use - Theories: Blue Ocean Strategy and Disruptive Innovation Theory.

Frameworks Business Process Reengineering, Business Model Canvas, knowledge conversion (SECI), knowledge creation, any of the 55 business models. Do not use the strategy tools covered in week 2 as these were for revision.

How will your work be assessed?

The indicative marking scheme for your report is as follows.

1. Theoretical Explanation Section 1 as highlighted previously. Range and understanding of sources, synthesis and focus on relevant ideas.
2. Theory Application Section 2 as highlighted previously. Organisation/coherence of argument, support through examples, details, quotations, and references, critical approach.
3. Future Development Section 3 as highlighted previously. Organisation/coherence of argument, support through examples, details, quotations, and references, critical approach.
4. Imagination Evidence of creativity and foresight in reflecting on course materials and articulating a novel and interesting picture of the student’s innovation.
5. Presentation  Length, use of academic conventions, grammar, paragraphing, layout, proofreading. This marking scheme is merely indicative and will not be held to rigidly in assessing students’ reports.

In this report, high marks come from using innovation concepts and analysis from the module clearly applied to the organisation. Harvard referencing, a professional report style plus appropriate diagrams/tables are also required.

Marks will also be awarded for your imaginative use of concepts from within and beyond the innovation literature to explain and predict the development of your chosen innovative products, services, or processes.

You are required to re-work your original submission in line with the original assessment brief and criteria. Your re-submission must address the feedback comments provided by the marker on the original submission.

• Step 1 – The module and marking team meet to agree standards, expectations and how feedback will be provided.
• Step 2 – A subject expert will mark your work using the criteria provided in the assessment brief.
• Step 3 – A moderation meeting takes place where all members of the teaching and marking team will review the marking of others to confirm whether they agree with the mark and feedback.
• Step 4 – Work at Levels 5 and 6 then goes to an external examiner who will review a sample of work to confirm that the marking between different staff is consistent and fair.
• Step 5 – The Office process your mark & feedback & it is made available to you.