MBA Innovative Management Assignments

Semester 2
Groups B, E, F, G

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MBA INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT Coursework

Module Name Topic Name Due Date

Transformation Management Change Management 1st April 2011 Change Management

Question Arrowhead Ltd Arrowhead Ltd mass-produce furniture aimed at the lower end of the market particularly first-time home buyers who are short of money due to high mortgage repayments. The furniture is sold to various retailers. Arrowhead Ltd has also recently started retailing a range of self-assembly furniture via the internet. However, recent trading conditions have worsened, and Arrowhead Ltd will be in financial trouble if nothing is done. The Board have decided that higher quality furniture must be produced, to be sold to wealthier clients, for higher prices and hence profits. Accordingly, designers have been working with the marketing department, and an additional range of suitable furniture is now ready to enter production. The workforce includes some skilled craftsmen, who have the necessary skills to produce the high-quality work required, but the majority are semi-skilled, and have been given little formal training beyond what is necessary to operate a range of machine tools and do basic assembly work. They will need extensive training in traditional woodworking, as these skills will be essential to produce the new furniture to the standards required. Fortunately, the craftsmen are able to provide this training, which can be done with existing facilities. There is a problem in relation to culture. Because the current product range has been aimed at the lower end of the market, there has been a tendency to disregard quality issues in order to meet production schedules. Also, it fails to inspire the staff to take much pride in their work, and this is inevitably reflected in its quality. In short, there needs to be a major change in attitude towards quality, and this must be encouraged among the whole workforce.

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Identify the issues involved and explain how you, as Human Resources Director, would address them and achieve the required changes. In particular you must explain, using suitable theory and literature: How you would create and encourage a suitable organisational learning environment; How you would develop appropriate culture whereby the workforce would be self-motivating and innovative; How you would address the resistances to change that may occur using a suitable model of change management. (100 marks)

Structure of the Paper: There is no one right way to structure a paper. However your assignment should cover the following areas. And the structure below is also an appropriate, and relatively straightforward, one for the type of paper you are to produce. Title Page o Title and author o Abstract or summary of the paper [in less than one side of A4] Outline the purpose of the paper Summarise the key findings/conclusions Introduction o State the general question (or subject) your paper will address (the assignment requirement) o State the significance/importance of the question o State any assumptions you are making or specific definitions you are applying o Outline the structure of the paper

Background o Outline the organisation very briefly - do not repeat the case o Outline issues that a change in working practices might be expected to have as an impact on staff and their morale etc. o Discuss any constraints you will face Literature Review o Review the pertinent literature/theory/studies/cases o Frameworks (structured guidelines) and conceptual models (tools of analysis) related to the topic of the paper can be particularly useful

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Assess the relevance and applicability of the frameworks/concepts reviewed to the case Analysis o Apply the relevant framework or model to the case and describe the resulting plan for a change in culture and attitudes o Answer the 3 parts of the question set through applying suitable theory in an analytical manner o Interpret the findings and any constraints or assumptions
o

Recommendation o Provide a plan and recommendation for the organisation to carry forward Conclusions o Summarise your main arguments o State your conclusions o Discuss any implications of your conclusions (eg their impact on the organisation, staff and structure) o The conclusions should be the result of your discussion of the pertinent arguments, theories, etc. You should not first arrive at your conclusions and then try to make the arguments fit. Ensure that you do not add new literature or theory etc here. References o The Harvard Referencing System is required Appendices o Only if absolutely necessary

Format to be used: The paper should be presented in Tahoma or Verdana font, 12 pitch, and double spaced. The first line of every paragraph should be indented by 1.25cms. The paper should be stapled together at the top left hand corner only. Footnotes should be avoided and should NOT be used for referencing. Your report should be no more than 2500-2750 words in length.

Online journals are acceptable for your literature review but consultancy white papers are not (see www.scholar.google.com). Wikipedia is not recognised as a suitable academic resource and should not (generally) be referenced in your work. We expect a minimum of 10 academic journal papers to be referred to, plus suitable books and so on.

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Marks will be awarded for: Introduction Background Literature Review relating to HR and Change Management and culture change Analysis and application of Change Management models etc to situation Complete analysis and discussion of all three elements of the question set Conclusions Recommendations including Plan for Change Management Presentation (including grammar, Use of English, referencing)

5% 5% 25% 25% 10% 10% 10% 10%

Total 100% Marking scheme: Mark Criteria 80+ Presentation Level of Achievement Very well written, with clear and lucid discussion of even the most complex concepts Free from grammar/spelling errors Overall clarity, focus on the requirement, and coherence Extensive use of pertinent reference material, correctly referenced Critical and comparative use of relevant concepts and theories and the contextualisation of theory where appropriate

Structure Texts Analysis

70+

Independence Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material, yielding novel insights supported by appropriate evidence and pertinent theory Presentation Very well written Free from grammar/spelling errors Structure Texts Analysis Overall clarity, focus on the requirement, and coherence Selective use of reference material, correctly referenced Critical and comparative use of relevant concepts and theories

60+

Independence Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material Presentation Well written Very few grammar/spelling errors Structure Texts Focus on the requirement, clear answer Correctly referenced research material

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Analysis

Identification and grasp of appropriate concepts and theories

50+

Independence Where appropriate, the ability to apply theories to experience Presentation Reasonably well written Structure Reasonable structure and coherence

Texts Analysis 40-50 Presentation Structure Texts Analysis Presentation Structure Texts Analysis

Adequate referencing Mixture of descriptive and analytical material, Some substantiation of ideas and opinions Grammar/spelling errors do not significantly impede readability. Mostly focused on the requirement Some use of reference material. Evidence of identification of some of the issues. Poorly written Grammar/spelling errors make it difficult to comprehend the text A demonstrable lack of structure, textual reference or analysis

0-39

This assessment addresses Learning Outcomes: 4, 5 and 6.

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MBA INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT Coursework Module Name Topic Name Due Date Transformation Management Business Process Re-engineering 1st April 2011 Business Process Re-engineering

Information Technology and Information Systems experts always talk about the importance and effectiveness of integrating Business Process Reengineering (BPR) with Information Systems Development. Seventy Five per cent of the top most successful BPR programmes viewed Information Technology and Information Systems as critical for enabling radical process redesign and to support redesigned processes. In view of the above statement, critically evaluate the importance of Information Systems and Information Technology in Business Process Reengineering, clearly analysing the implementation of IS/IT during each step of the reengineering process. [100 marks]

Marking Criteria Mark Criteria 80+ Presentation Level of Achievement Very well written, with clear and lucid discussion of even the most complex concepts Free from grammar/spelling errors Overall clarity, focus on the requirement, and coherence Extensive use of pertinent reference material, correctly referenced Critical and comparative use of relevant concepts and theories and the contextualisation of theory where appropriate

Structure Texts Analysis

70+

Independence Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material, yielding novel insights supported by appropriate evidence and pertinent theory Presentation Very well written Free from grammar/spelling errors

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Structure Texts Analysis

Overall clarity, focus on the requirement, and coherence Selective use of reference material, correctly referenced Critical and comparative use of relevant concepts and theories

60+

Independence Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material Presentation Well written Very few grammar/spelling errors Structure Texts Analysis Focus on the requirement, clear answer Correctly referenced research material Identification and grasp of appropriate concepts and theories

50+

Independence Where appropriate, the ability to apply theories to experience Presentation Reasonably well written Structure Reasonable structure and coherence

Texts Analysis 40-50 Presentation Structure Texts Analysis Presentation Structure Texts Analysis

Adequate referencing Mixture of descriptive and analytical material, Some substantiation of ideas and opinions Grammar/spelling errors do not significantly impede readability. Mostly focused on the requirement Some use of reference material. Evidence of identification of some of the issues. Poorly written Grammar/spelling errors make it difficult to comprehend the text A demonstrable lack of structure, textual reference or analysis

0-39

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MBA INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT Coursework Module Name Topic Name Submissions Date Transformation Management Innovation Management 1st April 2011 Innovation Management Often, in common parlance, the words creativity and innovation are used interchangeably. They shouldn't be, because while creativity implies coming up with ideas, it's the "bringing ideas to life" . . . that makes innovation the distinct undertaking it is. Davila et al (2006) Critically evaluate the above statement. Justify your answer with real life examples. Word limit: 2500 Also, sources of creativity and innovation (internally and externally) References List: Davila, T., Epstein, M. J., and Shelton, R. (2006), Making Innovation Work: How to Manage It, Measure It, and Profit from It, Upper Saddle River, Wharton School Publishing Amabile, T. et al, (1996), "Assessing the work environment for creativity, Academy of Management Journal 39 (5): 1154-1184. Fagerberg, J. (2004), "Innovation: A Guide to the Literature", in Fagerberg, J., Mowery, D.C., and Nelson, R.R. The Oxford Handbook of Innovations, Oxford University Press, 1-26. Johnson, G., Scholes, K. and Whittington, R. (2005), Exploring Corporate Strategy, Prentice Hall. Koen et al. (2001), Providing clarity and a common language to the fuzzy front end, Research Technology Management, 44 (2), pp.46-55 Luecke, R. and Katz, R. (2003), Managing Creativity and Innovation, Boston, Harvard Business School Press Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.), Free Press, New York

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Marking Criteria

Mark Criteria 80+ Presentation

Level of Achievement Very well written, with clear and lucid discussion of even the most complex concepts Free from grammar/spelling errors Overall clarity, focus on the requirement, and coherence Extensive use of pertinent reference material, correctly referenced Critical and comparative use of relevant concepts and theories and the contextualisation of theory where appropriate

Structure Texts Analysis

70+

Independence Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material, yielding novel insights supported by appropriate evidence and pertinent theory Presentation Very well written Free from grammar/spelling errors Structure Texts Analysis Overall clarity, focus on the requirement, and coherence Selective use of reference material, correctly referenced Critical and comparative use of relevant concepts and theories

60+

Independence Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material Presentation Well written Very few grammar/spelling errors Structure Texts Analysis Focus on the requirement, clear answer Correctly referenced research material Identification and grasp of appropriate concepts and theories

50+

Independence Where appropriate, the ability to apply theories to experience Presentation Reasonably well written Structure Reasonable structure and coherence

Texts Analysis

Adequate referencing Mixture of descriptive and analytical material,

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40-50 Presentation Structure Texts Analysis Presentation Structure Texts Analysis

Some substantiation of ideas and opinions Grammar/spelling errors do not significantly impede readability. Mostly focused on the requirement Some use of reference material. Evidence of identification of some of the issues. Poorly written Grammar/spelling errors make it difficult to comprehend the text A demonstrable lack of structure, textual reference or analysis

0-39

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MBA INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT Coursework Module Name Topic Name Due Date Organisation Management Organisation Learning and Information Technology Management 1st April 2011

Organisation Learning and Information Technology Management Task: The assignment is to develop a literature critique. (1500 words) Note that this is not just a review of literature - you have to argue the strengths and weaknesses of the literature that you find. Topic area In order to do this you are required to research 3-4 articles in peer reviewed texts (journals and books) that consider both: Information Technology Management And / or Organisational Learning But NOT strategy

While you are strongly encouraged to research an aspect of more than one of these areas, you still need to find a specific narrow research area so that you can compare articles. One option is to select articles on one organisation or sector of business. You may not use Intel as your research subject, or any other area where significant peer reviewed literature has already been given out.

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Suggested Titles: A critique and comparison of three items of literature in [. a chosen area of IT management and organisation learning]. A critique and comparison of three items of literature in Information Searching A critique and comparison of three items of literature in Management Information Systems A critique and comparison of three items of literature in Technology Acceptance A critique and comparison of three items of literature in Organisational Learning Information technology has a prominent role in facilitating Organisational Learning and establishing better communication between the people and the leadership. Discuss. Discuss organisational memory loss Note: Any theoretical work should be fully referenced in the correct academic manner and all web-sites should also be fully referenced in Harvard format. A Critical Literature Appraisal The literature critique should not merely state what has been published but a critique should be carried out. Controversies or disagreements among academics should be spotted and the student should endeavour to take a stand that is logically argued out. Gaps in knowledge, ideas not fully tested and areas for further research can also be spotted from study of existing literature. Used in this way, academic underpinning from literature critique can provide a research question, hypothesis or problem to be investigated. Academic underpinning can also enlighten your investigation, support your methods (including measuring instruments) and provide criteria for evaluating your findings. Critiquing the Literature The literature critique is very important as a means of establishing what is already known about the topic you are researching, what gaps there are, and what sorts of theoretical concepts are currently being used by researchers in the area. Your search and critique of the literature should also enable you to refine, and maybe reformulate, the questions that you posed at the outset, and perhaps to identify new ones that can be incorporated. While it is important not to be overawed by the literature, it is also essential to ensure, as far as possible, what is already known. The process of searching the relevant literature is a means to an end. That end product is more than a comprehensive and extensive listing of published relevant work. These sources need to be related to one another and analysed and evaluated in a critical way (note that 'critical' does not imply only negativity but rather an evaluation of both strengths and limitations). On any issue of significance you will find different views, seemingly conflicting evidence being cited and different theoretical views being presented. It is just these existing contrasts, conflicts and differences which prompt the questions which researchers seek to answer.

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One key feature of a literature critique is to attempt to impose an order on these differences. This is done: to identify the main viewpoints and how they relate to one another, and to show which research evidence contributes to which arguments, and why. A further important part of the critique process is the examination of the research methodology used and the form of analysis of the data collected. Do different positions on an issue come from the evidence and its method of collection? Are the conclusions justified on the basis of the evidence available? In summary, your literature critique should be: relevant: to one or more of the research topics being considered; each text discussed can be seen to bear in some significant way upon these questions/ hypotheses; coherent: the discussion of the different texts makes clear their relationships to each other; forward looking: indicating any gaps in the literature and/or potential areas for further exploration; analytical and critically reflective: not just a listing and description.

Guidance - what to cover in this assignment; headings

In the answer: Write a report, with appropriate headings, e.g. those below. Do not write an essay. 1. Introduction. A very short section, including the scope of your research and

the key questions that you address. (Do not put a lot of general background in
here you may summarise the background and use a reference to guide the reader to a published work). 2. The literature search, including the keywords used (including any modifications during the search period); which sources were searched; and a description of the research design, methods and purpose (including any missing evidence) and an assessment of its likely reliability. 3. Brief review of each article, including a summary of the research findings. 4. Critical appraisal of articles. E.g. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What gaps remain? Which questions have not been answered or have only been partially answered? Where should future research be looking? 5. Comparison of articles. E.g. In those areas where articles cover similar areas, where are different arguments made and why?

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6. Conclusions. Summarising the above, identifying where the research questions have been answered. (Dont bring new evidence in here.) 7. References. If it makes your report flow better, then you may combine sections 3, 4 and 5. But you will need subheadings to guide the reader through your arguments here. Marking Scheme: Choice of suitable articles Critique (e.g. of strengths, weaknesses, and / or validity of articles) Comparison of articles (e.g. of research approaches, styles, and / or findings, as appropriate) Referencing, conclusions, and layout (including use of English) 10% 40% 40% 10%

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Report Structure

For 40 to 49% Write an understandable report Identify and explain the basics of some key issues covered by the articles

Report Content

Explain your research

For 50 to 59% Write a coherent report Demonstrate in writing a basic understanding of the issues that relate to your research; this will be done through comparison of articles and discussion in your text. Include in your report appropriately selected and arranged reference material, and produce an appropriate reference section Explain your research and discuss the issues. Relate your final conclusions to your findings

For 60 to 69% Write a structured, clear, comprehensive report Demonstrate a depth of understanding of the information management issues that relate to your research articles Critically analyse, evaluate, and select current, relevant source material Quote sources to an accepted standard

For 70% + Bring the elements of the report together into a coherent and critical whole.

Clearly explain your research, and critically review the practical issues against the theory and literature

Show clear relationships between: your chosen area of research your findings your conclusions

Show clear evidence of how your own ideas and critical thinking contribute to understanding of the topic, built on appropriate research. Develop a flow of arguments that progress logically from the introduction, through the discussion and analysis, into the conclusions.

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MBA INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT Group Presentation Module Name Topic Name Due Date Organisation Management Strategic Management Group B 4th April 2011 Group E 4th April 2011 Group F 2nd April 2011 Group G 2nd April 2011 Strategic Management The MBA cohort will be divided into groups of no more than 6 students. Each group will present an organisational analysis of the current strategic position of a UK supermarket of their choice. The organisation chosen should be of sufficient size to have published information available. The group presentation will focus on Strategic Management only (not Organisational Learning or IT) Question: UK Airline Industry: You are required to: (a) Undertake a detailed examination of the UK Airline external environment. (b) Undertake a detailed examination of the internal business environment of ONE UK airline of your choice Marks will be allocated according to the following outcomes: 1. Presentation of the external environment of the airline industry with the help of relevant data and tools of analysis [40 marks] 2. A critical analysis of the internal business environment of a UK airline of your choice [40 marks] 3. Delivery and communication [20 marks]

Each groups presentation will last for a maximum of 20 minutes. At least two of the tutors from module MBA 111 will be present to observe and assess the presentations. Each group should dress professionally and preferably use PowerPoint in their delivery. BITE equipment will be available on the day. Every member of the group should be

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involved in giving the presentation. Each group should provide THREE printed copies of the visual aids to the tutors prior to the start of the presentation. Each individual member of the group should also provide a half page outline of the role he/she played within the preparation and delivery of the presentation. It is essential that each member of a group should be able to demonstrate that they have played a unique and significant contribution to the research, preparation and delivery of the presentation. Any group member who cannot demonstrate their own significant contribution may be penalised with a lower mark than the rest of the group. Any group that feels a group member has not played a fair part in the workload should discuss the matter with the coordinating tutor Jon Salkeld. The tutor team will investigate the matter.

Marking Scheme - Presentations will be marked as follows: Use of technology Introduction, summary and background discussion - clarity, rigour and coherence Critique of arguments, debate and literature - relevance and original thinking Choice of additional literature and research to review - evidence of initiative Flow of discussion and general presentational skills including standard of English, organisation of work, timing of presentation etc. % 10 25 25 25 15

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MBA INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT Individual Presentation

Module Name Topic Name Due Date

Transformation Management Business Process Re-engineering Group B 2nd April 2011 Group E 2nd April 2011 Group F 4th April 2011 Group G 4th April 2011

Students could make a presentation on any of the following topics: 1. Michael Porters Value Chain 2. The Planning Challenge, Organisation and Control 3. The three Levels of Planning: Strategic, Tactical and Operational 4. Michael Porters five External Forces 5. How BPR differs from other Business Initiatives and why. 6. Why Organisations use BPR. 7. Problems facing BPR 8. The importance of Information Technology (I/T) and Information Systems (I/S) in Business process Reengineering. Learning outcomes: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of business process management, its techniques, continuous process improvement and business process reengineering 2. Design, deploy and evaluate concepts in process re-engineering Marking Scheme - Presentations will be marked as follows: Use of technology Introduction, summary and background discussion - clarity, rigour and coherence Critique of arguments, debate and literature - relevance and original thinking Choice of additional literature and research to review - evidence of initiative Flow of discussion and general presentational skills including standard of English, organisation of work, timing of presentation etc. Notes: A hard copy of the presentation should be submitted to the examiners before % 10 25 25 25 15

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MBA INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT Individual Presentation

Module Name Topic Name Date

Transformation Management Change Management Group B 4th April 2011 Group E 4th April 2011 Group F 3rd April 2011 Group G 3rd April 2011

Each presentation will last 10 minutes and should summarise the topic area and present an update on the current research thinking. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions at the end of each presentation. You must provide a hard copy of all slides to the marker before you present. Marks will be moderated. Choose one of these topics: The role of the external environment and why organisations need to change The Learning Organisation and its implications for innovation and change Approaches to change: a comparison of methods Change methodologies: application to different scenarios Managing change and resistance in the organisation: using a case example Organisational Culture and change management: using a case example and how theory helps us understand Power and politics in the organisation: the importance of understanding where power is found and how politics can resist change programmes The role of Leadership and Champions in managing innovation, human, social and intellectual capital. Sustaining change and the value-added organisation - the role of CoPs in innovation and innovation clusters/centres

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Marking Scheme: Presentations will be marked as follows: % 10 25 25 25 15

Use of technology Introduction, summary and background discussion - clarity, rigour and coherence Critique of arguments, debate and literature - relevance and original thinking Choice of additional literature and research to review - evidence of initiative Flow of discussion and general presentational skills including standard of English, organisation of work, timing of presentation etc. NB: Presentations that repeat the lectures will not pass - you are required to add to the sum of knowledge and understanding by researching new literature and new theory.

Learning Outcomes: 4 and 5

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MBA INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT Individual Presentation

Module Name Topic Name Date

Transformation Management Innovation Management Group B 3rd April 2011 Group E 3rd April 2011 Group F 4th April 2011 Group G 4th April 2011

Please choose one of the following discussion topics: 1) Innovation dynamics and the problem of optimal solutions in the new world of ebusiness (lecture 2) 2) Managing innovation in e-business market relationships: Customer Based Intangibles and Market Based Assets (lecture 5) 3) Profiting from technological innovation: Patent management in the electronic era (lecture 7) Presentation should last 15 minutes. Students should be prepared for questions after the presentation takes place Discussion topics are based on lecture notes but students are expected to do their own research in order to present.

Learning outcomes: The broad aim of this unit is to provide a framework for learning-based activities and reflective exercises. More specifically, it is designed to offer you the opportunity to:

understand the need for effective presentations; assess your own strengths and weaknesses in meeting this need; develop some of the specific skills and practices required; create a series of practical checklists and strategies in the area of Innovation Management use reflection and feedback to develop further your abilities as a presenter. Notes: A hard copy of the presentation should be submitted to the examiners before.

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Marking Scheme - Presentations will be marked as follows: Use of technology Introduction, summary and background discussion - clarity, rigour and coherence Critique of arguments, debate and literature - relevance and original thinking Choice of additional literature and research to review - evidence of initiative Flow of discussion and general presentational skills including standard of English, organisation of work, timing of presentation etc. % 10 25 25 25 15

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