Assignment 2: Innovation and Knowledge Management

Date: 19 March 2014 Assignment: An innovation strategy is an essential tool for product development and continued growth even in difficult times. Such strategies must be supported by National and Regional governments as well as other organisations and this support is of even more importance in times of economic turmoil Consider this statement and provide suitable evidence for whether you agree with it or not. You should then go on to present a concise study of how government and other organisations support innovation and the development of new products. More specifically you should summarise the supports that are available for individuals and companies (both large and SMEs) to enable those involved to explore innovation, execute innovation and exploit innovation and review whether or not you feel that these support mechanisms are optimised. If not optimised (in terms of, for example content, delivery, etc) you should propose how you feel that they can be improved. Be critical in your review and ensure that you state your opinions clearly and then back them up with suitable evidence. You can focus your assignment on either the supports available for specific product(s)/industries and/or consider the more general case (for example are certain sectors supported more than others? If so, why do you think this might be?). Feel free to answer this question for the geographic area that you are most comfortable with (for example Ireland, EU, America, Asia, etc) or to compare the supports available in different locations. This assignment should be written in a format typically used for conference papers. A suitable template which you can use directly has been uploaded to webcourses. The maximum length is 4 pages and this will be strictly enforced. Deadline: Via webcourses before 20:00 on 9 April 2014. You should ensure that the filename is of the format shown (Surname_Initial_Assignment#_date). The date is the date of submission. Example: Delaney_k_Assignment2_9April2014.doc NOTE: If assignments are not submitted at the prescribed location and time a penalty (of 10% per week or part thereof of the total available marks for that assessment) may be imposed at the discretion of the assessor(s). Comments: Marks (~20% of the total marks) will be awarded for insightful comments, demonstrated understanding of course material to date and evidence of having read outside of the course material. Neatness is important; length does not automatically generate marks. Note that you must complete this assignment using the template provided and the overall length of your assignment must NOT exceed 4 pages. It is expected that you will consult a number of resources in developing this assignment (websites, books, journals, colleagues in work). List all sources of reference material you employ using an appropriate referencing style. Plagiarism/copying is not acceptable; expressing the concept in your own words is fine. Please ensure that you spell-check your assignment and carefully proof read it prior to submission. Any questions relating to this assignment should be addressed to Kevin D. Delaney. In person: Room 387, Bolton Street. By phone: 01-4023941 Email: Kevin.delaney@dit.ie
Assignment 2: Innovation and Knowledge Management, (Module: MECH 9002)