carry out research to assess the “Innovation Fitness” of an organisation, at an organisational, departmental or Divisional/Business Unit level.

Innovation Fitness Report From the Handbook Assignment 2: (70%): Innovation Fitness Report

You will carry out research to assess the “Innovation Fitness” of an organisation, at aa organisational, departmental or Divisional/Business Unit level. The 2,000 word report (+/- 10%) will analyse how well the organisation manages innovation in rapidly changing digital environments, and will include prioritised recommendations to improve innovation performance. You will develop a report which covers key elements including: • Introduction setting the overall context for the study • Identifying and critically reviewing relevant literature • Methodology, embedding core theories and material presented during the course • Data analysis, developing your own critical analysis of the results • Discussion section, drawing together key themes identified in the report and recommendations for future actions to improve innovation management in the digital era Assignment 2: From the Handbook Innovation Fitness Report To inform the report, you will undertake a quantitative Innovation Fitness Test Audit at an organisational, departmental or Divisional/Business Unit level which will generate insights regarding: • How well does the organization manage innovation STRATEGY? • How well does it manage LEARNING? • How well it develops and exploits LINKAGES? • How well it manages INNOVATION PROCESSES? • Are the elements of an INNOVATIVE ORGANIZATION in place? Option 1 If you have access to an organization of over 10 staff Public Sector or Private Sector Any country: All material, data and appendices must be in English Assignment 2: Quantitative (Survey) Research Carrying out the Innovation Fitness Test • The Innovation Fitness Test / Audit (Including Explanation) – can be found at: https://www.johnbessant.org/toolsgi • Small adjustments to wording of questions can help – but do not fundamentally change the questions Assignment 2: Quantitative Analysis phase • Move beyond general comments on strategy, learning, linkages, processes and innovative organisation • Look at the “outlier” results – very low or high scores – and consider why this might be the case • Compare your findings with comparator organisations – if possible Assignment 2: Qualitative research (interviews) • Additional research beyond the Innovation Fitness Test Audit, including 3-4 qualitative interviews, is likely to strengthen the final report and presentation • Good practice when planning (e.g. emails) and undertaking interviews:  Explain what you are doing, that data will not be retained beyond the assignment by you, and that names and direct quotes WILL NOT be attributed to individuals (in emails, and at the start of the interview)  Aim for a 45 minute interview. Record if you can – but no need for full transcription. Video calls work well (Zoom, Teams etc.)  Design 8 – 12 OPEN questions – to help the interviewee to explore areas beyond the Innovation Fitness Test. A good approach is 6 – 8 “must ask” questions, with some additional questions if you need them