Group BEFG 2nd Semester Course Work Questions

8/2/2019 Group BEFG 2nd Semester Course Work Questions

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BITE MBA INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT _Assignments Page 1 of 23

MBA Innovative Management

Assignments

Semester 2

Groups B, E, F, G


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Change Management

Question

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 furnituremust 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 dobasic 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 withexisting 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 qualityissues 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 encouragedamong the whole workforce.

Arrowhead Ltd

Module Name Transformation Management

Topic Name Change Management

Due Date 1st April 2011

Coursework

MBA INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT


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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 learningenvironment;

How you would develop appropriate culture whereby the workforce would beself-motivating and innovative;

How you would address the resistances to change that may occur using a suitablemodel of change management.

(100 marks)

Title Page

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.

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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o 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

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 pertinentarguments, 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 arenot (see www.scholar.google.com). Wikipedia is not recognised as a suitable academicresource 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 5%Background 5%

Literature Review relating to HR and Change Management and culture change

25%

Analysis and application of Change Management models etc to situation 25%Complete analysis and discussion of all three elements of the question set 10%

Conclusions 10%Recommendations including Plan for Change Management 10%

Presentation (including grammar, Use of English, referencing) 10%

Total 100%

Marking scheme:

Mark Criteria Level of Achievement

80+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

Independence

Very well written, with clear and lucid discussion of even the mostcomplex 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

Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material,yielding novel insights supported by appropriate evidence and

pertinent theory

70+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

Independence

Very well writtenFree from grammar/spelling errors


Selective use of reference material, correctly referenced

Critical and comparative use of relevant concepts and theories

Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material

60+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Well writtenVery few grammar/spelling errors

Focus on the requirement, clear answer

Correctly referenced research material


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Analysis

Independence

Identification and grasp of appropriate concepts and theories

Where appropriate, the ability to apply theories to experience

50+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

Reasonably well written

Reasonable structure and coherence

Adequate referencing

Mixture of descriptive and analytical material,

Some substantiation of ideas and opinions

40-50 Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

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.

0-39 Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

Poorly written

Grammar/spelling errors make it difficult to comprehend the text

A demonstrable lack of structure, textual reference or analysis

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


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Topic Name Business Process Re-engineering


Business Process Re-engineering

Information Technology and Information Systems experts always talk about the

importance and effectiveness of integrating Business Process Reengineering (BPR) withInformation 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


80+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

Independence

Very well written, with clear and lucid discussion of even the most

complex conceptsFree from grammar/spelling errors



Critical and comparative use of relevant concepts and theories and thecontextualisation of theory where appropriate

Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material,yielding novel insights supported by appropriate evidence and

pertinent theory

70+ Presentation Very well written


Coursework



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Structure

Texts

Analysis

Independence




Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material

60+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

Independence

Well written

Very few grammar/spelling errors





50+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis




Mixture of descriptive and analytical material,Some substantiation of ideas and opinions

40-50 Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis





0-39 Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

Poorly written




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Topic Name Innovation Management

Submissions Date 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: Howto Manage It, Measure It, and Profit from It, Upper Saddle River, WhartonSchool 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

Coursework



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Marking Criteria


80+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

Independence

Very well written, with clear and lucid discussion of even the most

complex conceptsFree from grammar/spelling errors



Critical and comparative use of relevant concepts and theories and thecontextualisation of theory where appropriate

Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material,

yielding novel insights supported by appropriate evidence andpertinent theory

70+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

Independence

Very well written





Clear evidence of independent thinking based on analytical material60+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis

Independence

Well written

Very few grammar/spelling errors





50+ Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis




Mixture of descriptive and analytical material,


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Some substantiation of ideas and opinions

40-50 Presentation

Structure

Texts

Analysis





0-39 Presentation

StructureTexts

Analysis

Poorly written




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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 ManagementAnd / 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.

Module Name Organisation Management

Topic Name Organisation Learning and Information TechnologyManagement


Coursework



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Suggested Titles:

A critique and comparison of three items of literature in [. a chosen area ofIT 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 InformationSystems

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 andestablishing 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 critiqueshould be carried out. Controversies or disagreements among academics should bespotted 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 fromliterature 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 yourfindings.

Critiquing the Literature

The literature critique is very important as a means of establishing what is already knownabout 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 ofthe 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 aspossible, what is already known.

The process of searching the relevant literature is a means to an end. That end product ismore 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 beingpresented. 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 thesedifferences. 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 textdiscussed can be seen to bear in some significant way upon these questions/

hypotheses;

coherent: the discussion of the different texts makes clear their relationships toeach other;

forward looking: indicating any gaps in the literature and/or potential areas forfurther 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 inhere 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 wherearticles cover similar areas,

where are different arguments made and why?


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6. Conclusions. Summarising the above, identifying where the research questionshave 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 10%

Critique (e.g. of strengths, weaknesses, and / or validity of

articles)

40%

Comparison of articles (e.g. of research approaches, styles,

and / or findings, as appropriate)

40%

Referencing, conclusions, and layout (including use ofEnglish)

10%


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For 40 to 49% For 50 to 59% For 60 to 69% For 70% +

Report

Structure

Write anunderstandable

report

Identify andexplain the basics

of some key

issues covered by

the articles

Write a coherentreport

Demonstrate inwriting 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 yourreport

appropriately

selected and

arrangedreference

material, and

produce an

appropriate

reference section

Write a structured,clear, comprehensive

report

Demonstrate a depthof understanding of

the information

management issues

that relate to your

research articles

Critically analyse,evaluate, and select

current, relevant

source material

Quote sources to anaccepted standard

Bring the elements ofthe report together

into a coherent and

critical whole.

Report

Content

Explain yourresearch

Explain yourresearch and

discuss the

issues.

Relate your finalconclusions to

your findings

Clearly explain yourresearch, and

critically review the

practical issues

against the theory and

literature

Show clear relationshipsbetween:

your chosen area ofresearch

your findings

your conclusions

Show clear evidenceof how your own

ideas and critical

thinking contribute to

understanding of the

topic, built on

appropriate research.

Develop a flow ofarguments that

progress logically

from the introduction,

through the

discussion and

analysis, into the

conclusions.


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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 oftheir choice. The organisation chosen should be of sufficient size to have publishedinformation 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 ofrelevant data and tools of analysis [40 marks]

2. A critical analysis of the internal business environment of a UK airline of yourchoice [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

Module Name Organisation Management

Topic Name Strategic Management

Due Date Group B 4th

April 2011

Group E 4th

April 2011Group F 2nd April 2011

Group G 2nd

April 2011

Group Presentation



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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 uniqueand significant contribution to the research, preparation and delivery of the presentation.

Any group member who cannot demonstrate their own significant contribution may bepenalised 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 10

Introduction, summary and background discussion - clarity, rigour and coherence 25Critique of arguments, debate and literature - relevance and original thinking 25

Choice of additional literature and research to review - evidence of initiative 25

Flow of discussion and general presentational skills including standard of English,

organisation of work, timing of presentation etc.

15


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Individual Presentation


Topic Name Business Process Re-engineering

Due Date Group B 2nd April 2011

Group E 2nd

April 2011

Group F 4th

April 2011Group 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 Control3. 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:

%


Introduction, summary and background discussion - clarity, rigour and coherence 25

Critique of arguments, debate and literature - relevance and original thinking 25


Flow of discussion and general presentational skills including standard of English,organisation of work, timing of presentation etc.

15

Notes:A hard copy of the presentation should be submitted to the examiners before


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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 changeApproaches 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


Topic Name Change Management

Date Group B 4th April 2011

Group E 4th

April 2011

Group F 3rd

April 2011Group G 3rd April 2011


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Marking Scheme:

Presentations will be marked as follows:

%

Use of technology 10Introduction, summary and background discussion - clarity, rigour and coherence 25



Flow of discussion and general presentational skills including standard of English,


15

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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Please choose one of the following discussion topics:

1) Innovation dynamics and the problem of optimal solutions in the new world of e-

business (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 theirown research in order to present.

understand the need for effective presentations;

Learning outcomes:

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

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.


Topic Name Innovation Management

Date Group B 3rd

April 2011Group E 3rd April 2011

Group F 4th

April 2011

Group G 4th

April 2011


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Marking Scheme - Presentations will be marked as follows:

%


Introduction, summary and background discussion - clarity, rigour and coherence 25


Choice of additional literature and research to review - evidence of initiative 25Flow of discussion and general presentational skills including standard of English,


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Group BEFG 2nd Semester Course Work Questions

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