Mobilising Creativity and Innovation
Dawson P. and Andriopoulous C. (2014) Managing Change, Creativity and Organisation. London: Sage
Journal papers (essential readings on Breo)
Focused contributions of influential experts
Proctor T (2013) Creative Problem Solving for Managers: Developing skills for decision making and innovation 4e. Abingdon: Routledge (3e ebook)
Task:
In this unit we consider many alternative approaches and perspectives on how organisational creativity and innovation might be promoted or blocked in practice across multiple levels: individual, group and organisation. Assignment 1 is specifically concerned with promoting individual creativity as it contributes to the innovation process.
1. You are required to critically evaluate individual creativity in the context of your workplace, firstly through the identification of individual blocks that inhibit the process, and secondly you will need to consider which of the alternative approaches is most relevant in this context as an intervention designed to promote individual creativity and innovation.
2. You will then need to demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical appreciation of the process of creativity and innovation drawing on contemporary theories to support your evaluation and synthesis.
3. You will develop a plan to promote individual creative thinking in your work organisation with a view to enhancing innovation. You will need to include an in-depth literature review critically evaluating alternative contemporary perspectives in order to draw meaningful conclusions and develop feasible recommendations.
4. You will present your analysis and plan in report format of approximately 1500 words excluding references and appendices.
5. In the unlikely event that your work organisation prevents adequate analysis the UK Tutor can agree an alternative. You are not permitted to use a case study of your own choice unless approved in advance by the UK tutor. Use of an unapproved alternative case study will result in failure of the assignment.
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In order to pass the assessment you will need to:
Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of challenges and opportunities in promoting organisational creativity and innovation.
Synthesise alternative perspectives of influential contemporary theorists, contributors and models
Title page
Title of your report. Address (to/from) and date the report.
Executive Summary 150-word maximum summary of your report, including key recommendations.
Contents Page Include page numbers.
Introduction Short (approximately 150 words) introduction to the report setting out what the aims and objectives of the report are, what the report will cover and why. The importance of organisational creativity and innovation. Why is creative thinking difficult for many people?
Analysis Using third party sources (e.g. academic literature or practitioner-orientated material) for support, analyse the theoretical concept underpinning individual blocks to creative thinking and a critical evaluation of how structured techniques, or alternative approaches, might be used to enhance creative thinking. You should make reference to any relevant models, and frameworks and provide evidence. (Approximately 700 words)
Conclusions This section should initially answer the report aim and objectives and draw together the main points from your analysis of literature. It summarises what has been learned from undertaking this analysis. No new information should be presented in the conclusions. (Approximately 250 words)
Recommendations The recommendations for action should be linked to promoting and sustaining organisational creativity and innovation, or to enhancing the existing levels. In other words, your recommendations should cover conceivable contingencies for promoting individual creativity and innovation at work. (Approximately 250 words)
Reference List A list of all sources cited directly in the text. Harvard style
Bibliography List The sources you consulted but which you do not cite.
Application of theory Draws on major theoretical contributors introduced in the unit and with substantial evidence of independent reading. Reviews the role of creativity in organisational development and demonstrate a capacity to balance innovation with other essential requirements
Analysis Thorough and indepth analysis and critical evaluation of individual perspectives on creativity in management, identifying blocks to creative idea generation. Critical evaluation of how creativity might be improved.
Conclusions Conclusions are valid and clearly derived from in-depth analysis through application of major theoretical contributors and experiential learning. Entirely convincing.
Recommendations Evaluates existing practices and explores the implications for promoting individual creativity. Clear and appropriate recommendations for improvement. Professional applicability.
Presentation and Referencing Clearly and concisely structured in report format, sourced throughout and with a comprehensive bibliography.
