You are have decided that by the end of the year you wish to create your own start up. However, you are uncertain whether you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur. You have therefore started attending a series of

Level 4 – Entrepreneurship

Unit ENT1.10: Innovation and Creativity

Unit code: T/617/4970

Assignment Brief

You are have decided that by the end of the year you wish to create your own start up. However, you are uncertain whether you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur. You have therefore started attending a series of seminars and courses, while interacting with entrepreneurs in your field. You have also decided to get some training in creative thinking, while conducting research in technological innovation. Your goal is to create a reflective portfolio based on the knowledge you acquire. The scope of this exercise is to reflect and make a more informed decision whether to create your start up or not. Your mentor provided you with a framework for your reflective portfolio that consists of four components.

You have been given the following tasks:

Task 1

Your first task requires demonstrating that you understand the core theories of creativity and that you can apply them to certain contexts.

You should include:

a) A list of personality types and an explanation on how each type affects the ability of an individual to engage in creative thinking. (Assignment Criteria 1.1)

b) A detailed discussion on the various steps involved in the development of individual creativity. (Assignment Criteria 1.2)

Task 2 

Your second task is to describe the systematic creative process with respect to a number of clear stages.

You should include:

a) A number of models describing the creative process with sufficient critique on how useful they are. (Assignment Criteria 2.1)

b) A list of key components necessary for developing creativity as an individual’s skill with specific examples to justify the need of each component. (Assignment Criteria 2.2)

c) A reflection on a number of key barriers to creativity, with use of examples from your own experience. (Assignment Criteria 2.3)

Task 3

Your next task is to demonstrate a good understanding of those factors that drive innovation.

You should include:

a) A list of factors that act as drivers to innovation with sufficient description of how this is achieved. (Assignment Criteria 3.1)

b) A list of stages that are part of the innovation process with detailed explanation on the importance of each stage. (Assignment Criteria 3.2)

c) A comparison of a number of practical models that are widely used to describe the innovation process, with adequate justification of your views. (Assignment Criteria 3.3)

Task 4

Your final task is to provide evidence of your awareness of how organisations can encourage and facilitate innovation.

You should include:

a) An explanation of how innovation is integrated to organisations with the use of different scenarios describing different organisation types. (Assignment Criteria 4.1)

b) A description of a number of methods followed by organisations to promote innovative thinking. (Assignment Criteria 4.2)

Guidelines for assessors

The assignments submitted by students must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by the assessment criteria for the unit.  The suggested evidence listed below is how students can demonstrate that they have met the required standards.

Example Answer (Plagiarised)

1.1 Consider relationships between personality types and creative thinking.

Personality Types and Their Impact on Creative Thinking

Creative thinking is influenced by various factors, including personality traits. Understanding these traits can provide valuable insights into how individuals approach creativity and innovation. Here, I will explore several key personality types and their relationships with creative thinking.

1. Openness to Experience

Openness to Experience is one of the Big Five personality traits and is most strongly associated with creativity. Individuals high in openness are characterised by curiosity, imagination, and a preference for novelty and variety. They are more likely to engage in divergent thinking, which involves generating multiple ideas or solutions to a problem. Their ability to think outside the box and embrace new perspectives makes them highly creative.

• Impact on Creativity: High openness enhances creative potential by fostering curiosity and a willingness to explore uncharted territories. These individuals are more likely to come up with original ideas and innovative solutions.

2. Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness is another trait from the Big Five personality model, characterised by organisation, discipline, and a strong sense of duty. While conscientious individuals are typically reliable and goal-oriented, they may be less inclined towards spontaneous or unconventional thinking, as they prefer structured and methodical approaches.

• Impact on Creativity: High conscientiousness may hinder creative thinking, especially in tasks requiring flexibility and adaptability. However, in certain contexts, such as the execution phase of creative projects, conscientious individuals can provide the necessary structure and perseverance to bring ideas to fruition