Assessment Options for Managing Innovation and Technology Transfer Module

Research-based Assessment Option

The assessment has been specifically designed to accommodate the students varying commercial knowledge and understanding of module content. Hence:

Students will be required to conduct either a :-

Option 1. Research a business related theme from the module scheme of work and produce an individual academic report.

Option 2. Secure a live organisation, to manage an innovation project and produce a  reflective log

Students are asked to reflect on their personal network of tutors, family members, relatives and professional / social networks to thoroughly consider if it is possible to source a live organisation and to manage an innovation project and produce a reflective log.

However the assessment structure is clearly designed not to disadvantage those students who have limited commercial experience and access to a suitable organisation. Hence:-

Option 1. Research a business related theme from the module scheme of work and produce an individual academic report.

Option 1 is a research based assessment in which students must familiarise themselves (i.e. reading and reflecting on current journal articles) with a current theme from the module scheme of work. Student will then be required to write an academic report in the form of a journal paper.

a)An introduction in which you introduce the theme that you are investigating, clearly emphasising its importance.

b)A detailed methodology of the analytical approach you are taking, demonstrating a critical understanding of managing innovation and technology transfer theme.

c)A section on your findings includes a critical evaluation, detailing the theme selected its implications and company examples.

d)Conclusions and commercially viable solutions.

e)Throughout the report, you must integrate theory with practice, critically evaluating your findings.

f)All sources must be cited correctly in accordance with the Harvard system of referencing.

Option 1 is intended to give you an opportunity to show that you are capable of applying your knowledge of managing innovation and technology transfer, not only in describing the issue faced by the commercial sector, but also in explaining it and justifying your proposed actions for improvement.

Option 2. Secure a live organisation, to manage an innovation project and produce a  reflective log.

Option 2 is directed at students with commercial experience and those who have access to a suitable organisation.

Whilst the questions states ‘to manage an innovation project’ we appreciate that due to time constraints and organisational access, it would be quite acceptable if students assumed the role of a consultant, team play, or observer. If student are unsure then they are encouraged to liaise with their tutor.

This task requires students to document a key challenge an organisation is experiencing whilst implementing an innovation project. It is recognised that whilst a student will identify a core issue there will no doubt be a series of symptomatic issues which will also need to be addressed.

a)An introduction in which you introduce the theme that you are investigating, clearly emphasising its importance both academically and commercially.

b)A detailed methodology of the analytical approach you are taking.

c)A reflective commentary documenting the challenge identified within the project and clearly evidenced with academic underpinning throughout.

d)Personal reflections and commercially viable solutions to overcome the identified challenge.

e)All sources must be cited correctly in accordance with the Harvard system of referencing.

Option 2 is intended to give you an opportunity to show that you are capable of applying your knowledge of managing innovation and technology transfer, not only in describing the issue faced by the commercial sector, but also in explaining it and justifying your proposed actions for improvement.