Assignment Overview
As part of the formal assessment for the BUS4013 module, students are required to submit a Technology and Innovation Research Report. This assessment forms 100% of the module marks.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completing this module, students 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.
Demonstrate discipline expertise, knowledge, and understanding of the chosen field, with awareness of current developments and the ability to respond to change.
Assignment Requirements
- Title Page: Include student number, module name, submission deadline, and exact word count. Do not include your name (anonymous marking applies).
- Word Count: Maximum 2000 words ± 10%. Word count includes all text in the main body, including in-text citations and references. Exclusions: numerical data in tables, figures, diagrams, footnotes, reference list, and appendices.
- Submission Format: PDF or Word document (single or multiple files). If multiple files are submitted, name each file according to the section/question and include your student number (e.g., Q1 Section A STUXXXX).
- References: At least 10 references from secondary sources, including a minimum of one book and two academic journal articles, using AU Harvard referencing.
Assignment Tasks
Task 1: Critical Analysis of Current Digital Technologies
- Instructions:
Conduct a critical analysis of the digital technologies currently in use within your chosen company. Include strengths, weaknesses, and the role of these technologies in supporting business operations and innovation.
Task 2: Identify Digital Technology Gaps and Propose Innovations
- Instructions:
Identify gaps in your company’s current digital technology infrastructure. Propose one or more digital technologies to address these gaps, outlining the potential benefits of implementation. Provide evidence-based justification.
Task 3: Barriers to Implementation
- Instructions:
Describe potential barriers to implementing the proposed digital technologies, including organisational, financial, technical, and cultural challenges. Recommend strategies to overcome these barriers.
Formative Feedback
Students may submit a draft for formative feedback:
- Distance learning students: Submit via email to your tutor at least 2 weeks prior to the final submission.
- Blended learning students: Follow deadlines provided by your tutor.
Referencing and Academic Integrity
- All arguments and analysis must be supported by credible sources using AU Harvard referencing.
- Ensure that all sources are correctly cited to avoid academic misconduct.
- Submissions must be entirely your own work; penalties apply for evidence of academic unfair practice.
Refer to the Arden Library for detailed referencing guides.
Submission Guidance
- Submit before the deadline on iLearn. Late submissions will not be accepted and will receive a 0%.
- Ensure that multiple files are clearly named and, if overwritten, use the exact previous file name to replace it.
- Adhere to all instructions for formatting, word count, and referencing.
Assessment Overview:
The BUS4013 assignment requires students to produce a Technology and Innovation Research Report, which accounts for 100% of the module marks. The report evaluates a student’s ability to critically analyse digital technologies within a chosen company, identify gaps, propose innovative solutions, and address implementation barriers.
Key Pointers to be Covered:
- Critical Analysis of Current Digital Technologies (Task 1)
- Evaluate existing digital technologies in use.
- Highlight strengths and weaknesses.
- Assess how these technologies support business operations and innovation.
- Identification of Technology Gaps & Proposed Innovations (Task 2)
- Identify digital technology gaps in the organisation.
- Recommend one or more digital technologies to address these gaps.
- Justify recommendations using evidence and projected benefits.
- Barriers to Implementation (Task 3)
- Describe organisational, financial, technical, and cultural barriers.
- Suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.
- General Requirements
- Maximum 2000 words ±10%, excluding tables, figures, footnotes, appendices, and reference list.
- Include at least 10 secondary references (minimum one book and two academic journals) in AU Harvard style.
- Submit via PDF or Word format, adhering to file-naming conventions.
- Anonymous marking applies; do not include your name.
- Formative Feedback Opportunity
- Draft submission allowed for distance learning students (at least 2 weeks before the final deadline).
- Follow tutor-provided deadlines for blended learning students.