BUS4013 Technology and Innovation
Research Report
Date for Submission: Please refer to the timetable on ilearn
(The submission portal on ilearn will close at 14:00 UK time on the date of submission)
Assignment Brief
As part of the formal assessment for the programme you are required to submit a Technology and Innovation assignment. Please refer to your Student Handbook for full details of the programme assessment scheme and general information on preparing and submitting assignments.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing the module, you should be able to:
- Explain the process of technological and skills gap analysis in relation to emerging digital trends.
- Identify current trends in digital technology development and innovation
- Assess existing gaps and make appropriate recommendations on technological and development innovations and opportunities
- Describe barriers to innovation and successful implementation of technology
- Discipline Expertise: knowledge and understanding of chosen field. Possess a range of skills to operate within this sector, have a keen awareness of current developments in working practice being well positioned to respond to change
All learning outcomes must be met to pass the module.
Guidance
Your assignment should include: a title page containing your student number, the module name, the submission deadline and the exact word count of your submitted document; the appendices if relevant; and a reference list in AU Harvard system(s). You should address all the elements of the assignment task listed below. Please note that tutors will use the assessment criteria set out below in assessing your work.
You must not include your name in your submission because Arden University operates anonymous marking, which means that markers should not be aware of the identity of the student. However, please do not forget to include your STU number.
Maximum word count: 3000 words
Please refer to the full word count policy which can be found in the Student Policies section here: Arden University | Regulatory Framework
Please note the following:
Students are required to indicate the exact word count on the title page of the assessment.
The word count includes everything in the main body of the assessment (including in text citations and references). The word count excludes numerical data in tables, figures, diagrams, footnotes, reference list and appendices. ALL other printed words ARE included in the word count.
Please note that exceeding the word count by over 10% will result in a 10-percentage point deduction
Assignment Task
Technology has the power to do many things, and changing the world is one of them. For some of us living in the western world, we are privileged to be living in a time where science and technology can assist us, make our lives easier and rethink the ways we go about our daily lives.
This assessment is weighted 100% of the total marks for the Module.
Case Study Organisation: Successful Innovation – How IKEA Innovates
The assignment task is to write a 3000-word report based on IKEA case study;
Task 1
An explanation of methods of undertaking technological and skills gap analysis carrying this out on IKEA to identify development areas. (1500 Words) (50 Marks) (LO 1,3,5)
Task 2
Assess an Innovative solution relevant to the identified technological and skills gap and the potential benefit of implementation on IKEA.(750 Words) (25 Marks) (LO 2,5)
Task 3
Describe the barriers to implementation of innovation, technological and or behavioural that may impact the proposed solution. (750 Words) (25 Marks) (LO 4,5)
You must include at least 10 references from secondary sources on your chosen theme and your argument must be supported by statistical evidences. Your references should include at least one book and at least two academic journal articles.
End of questions
You have the opportunity to submit a draft report to receive formative feedback.
The feedback is designed to help you develop areas of your work and it helps you develop your skills as an independent learner.
If you are a distance learning student, you should submit your work, by email, to your tutor, no later than 2 weeks before the actual submission deadline. If you are a blended learning student, your tutor will give you a deadline for formative feedback and further details.
Formative feedback will not be given to work submitted after the above date or the date specified by your tutor – if a blended learning student.
Referencing Guidance
You MUST underpin your analysis and evaluation of the key issues with appropriate and wide ranging academic research and ensure this is referenced using the AU Harvard system(s).
Follow this link to find the referencing guides for your subject: Arden Library
Submission Guidance
Assignments submitted late will not be accepted and will be marked as a 0% fail.
Your assessment can be submitted as a single Word (MS Word) or PDF file, or, as multiple files.
If you chose to submit multiple files, you must name each document as the question/part you are answering along with your student number ie Q1 Section A STUXXXX. If you wish to overwrite your submission or one of your submissions, you must ensure that your new submission is named exactly the same as the previous in order for the system to overwrite it.
You must ensure that the submitted assignment is all your own work and that all sources used are correctly attributed. Penalties apply to assignments which show evidence of academic unfair practice. (See the Student Handbook which is available on the A-Z key information on iLearn.
Assessment Criteria (Learning objectives covered – all.
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Level 4 is the first stage on the student journey into undergraduate study. At Level 4 students will be developing their knowledge and understanding of the discipline and will be expected to demonstrate some of those skills and competences. Student are expected to express their ideas clearly and to structure and develop academic arguments in their work. Students will begin to apply the theory which underpins the subject and will start to explore how this relates to other areas of their learning and any ethical considerations as appropriate. Students will begin to develop self-awareness of their own academic and professional development. |
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Grade |
Mark Bands |
Generic Assessment Criteria |
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First (1) |
80%+ |
Outstanding performance which demonstrates the ability to analyse the subject area and to confidently apply theory whilst showing awareness of any relevant ethical considerations. The work shows an outstanding level of competence and confidence in managing appropriate sources and materials, initiative and excellent academic writing skills and professional skills (where appropriate). The work shows originality of thought. |
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70-79% |
Excellent performance which demonstrates the ability to analyse the subject and apply theory whilst showing some awareness of any relevant ethical considerations. The work shows a high level of competence in managing sources and materials, initiative and excellent academic writing skills and professional skills (where appropriate). The work shows originality of thought. |
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Upper second (2:1) |
60-69% |
Very good performance which demonstrates the ability to analyse the subject and apply some theory. The work shows a very good level of competence in managing sources and materials and some initiative. Academic writing skills are very good, and expression remains accurate overall. Very good professional skills (where appropriate). The work shows some original thought. |
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Lower second (2:2) |
50-59% |
A good performance which begins to analyse the subject and apply some underpinning theory. The work shows a sound level of competence in managing basic sources and materials. Academic writing skills are good, and expression remains accurate overall although the piece may lack structure. Good professional skills (where appropriate). The work lacks some original thought. |
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Third (3) |
40-49% |
Satisfactory level of performance in which there are some omissions in understanding the subject, its underpinning theory, and ethical considerations. The work shows a satisfactory use of sources and materials. Academic writing skills are limited and there are some errors in expression and the work may lack structure overall. There are some difficulties in developing professional skills (where appropriate). The work lacks original thought and is largely imitative. |
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Marginal Fail |
30-39% |
Limited performance in which there are omissions in understanding the subject, its underpinning theory, and ethical considerations. The work shows a limited use of sources and materials. Academic writing skills are weak and there are errors in expression and the work may lack structure overall. There are difficulties in developing professional skills (where appropriate). The work lacks original thought and is largely imitative. |
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Clear fail |
29% and Below |
A poor performance in which there are substantial gaps in knowledge and understanding, underpinning theory and ethical considerations. The work shows little evidence in the use of appropriate sources and materials. Academic writing skills are very weak and there are numerous errors in expression. The work lacks structure overall. Professional skills (where appropriate) are not developed. The work is imitative. |
Explain the process of technological and skills gap analysis in relation to emerging digital trends.
An explanation of methods of undertaking technological and skills gap analysis carrying this out on IKEA to identify development areas.
Technological and Skills Gap Analysis in Relation to Emerging Digital Trends
Understanding Technological and Skills Gap Analysis
Technological and skills gap analysis is a strategic process that organisations use to identify the discrepancies between their current capabilities and the demands posed by emerging digital trends. This analysis is essential in ensuring that the organisation can remain competitive and adapt to the fast-paced changes in technology and skills requirements.
Technological Gap Analysis:
- Current Technology Assessment: This involves evaluating the existing technologies within the organisation, including software, hardware, and digital platforms. It assesses the efficiency, scalability, and relevance of these technologies in meeting current and future business needs.
- Emerging Digital Trends: Identifying and understanding the latest digital trends that are relevant to the industry, such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, data analytics, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This step involves researching market trends, competitor strategies, and technological advancements.
- Gap Identification: Comparing the current technology infrastructure with the emerging trends to identify gaps. This could include outdated systems, lack of integration between digital platforms, or insufficient data analytics capabilities.
- Prioritisation of Needs: Once gaps are identified, they are prioritised based on the organisation’s strategic goals, customer demands, and the potential return on investment.
Skills Gap Analysis:
- Current Workforce Assessment: This involves mapping out the existing skills and competencies of employees, focusing on their digital literacy, technical expertise, and ability to adapt to new technologies. This can be done through surveys, interviews, and performance assessment