Reference no: EM133920317
Managing & Developing Innovation & Creativity
Learning outcome 1: Apply an evaluative approach to a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies in identifying drivers of innovation within a business and its environments.
Learning outcome 2: Analyse and illustrate how organisations can successfully plan, prepare and manage innovation and creative activities.
Learning outcome 3: Critically discuss the importance of organisational knowledge, knowledge transfer and cross functional co-operation in order to analyse and assess innovation capability and blockages.
Learning outcome 4: Actively engage in the identification of an innovative and/or creative solution for an identified business or organizational need.
Learning outcome 5: Conduct an innovation development audit appropriate for the introduction of the new product/service.
Assignment task
Produce a filmed presentation and supporting portfolio to evaluate a business innovation challenge faced by a smart home technology company (Vive), and propose a creative ESG-aligned solution supported by an implementation plan and innovation audit.
You have been hired as a Junior Innovation Strategist at Vive, a London-based company specialising in AI-integrated smart home technology. Vive's mission is to "democratise sustainable smart living" by delivering intelligent, energy-efficient systems, such as smart thermostats, lighting, and security, to a broad and diverse consumer base. Get expert-level assignment help in any subject.
Despite offering cutting-edge products, Vive is experiencing key innovation challenges, including:
Low adoption among older adults and digitally excluded communities
Public uncertainty regarding AI-driven decision-making and privacy
A weak ESG reputation caused by poor stakeholder engagement and lack of transparency
Your task is to analyse and evaluate one of these issues and propose a research-informed, ESG-focused innovation. You must justify your chosen issue, use innovation and ESG frameworks, and apply creative thinking tools (e.g., mind maps, empathy maps, stakeholder maps) to generate and critically assess multiple solutions. Select the most feasible option and present a 12-month implementation plan with key milestones, resource needs, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Finally, conduct an innovation audit to identify risks such as operational barriers or ESG-related concerns, and provide practical recommendations for mitigation.
You will demonstrate your insights through a professional video presentation (8-10 minutes) and an individual portfolio of supporting evidence.
General guidance
You are required to:
Identify a specific customer challenge or business opportunity at Vive, related to innovation and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Support your choice with credible primary and/or secondary research. Potential themes may include:
Accessibility barriers for marginalised or digitally excluded groups
Concerns about AI transparency, ethical data use, or digital trust
Lifecycle sustainability and circular design challenges
Analyse the chosen issue using relevant innovation theories and ESG frameworks, considering:
Environmental impacts (e.g., recyclability, energy efficiency)
Social aspects (e.g., inclusion, wellbeing, user accessibility)
Governance concerns (e.g., regulation, ethical AI, transparency)
Use creativity and innovation tools to generate multiple possible solutions. Recommended tools include:
Rich picture diagrams
Mind maps
SCAMPER, stakeholder maps, or empathy maps
Critically evaluate your proposed options. Select the most feasible and impactful solution and justify your decision using logical argument, supporting evidence, and theoretical insight.
Develop a 12-month implementation plan, including:
Clear milestones and timelines
Key resources (people, budget, technologies)
Stakeholder engagement and communication strategies
Conduct an innovation audit to identify internal and external risks. Evaluate:
Operational and regulatory challenges
Cultural or consumer resistance
ESG-related risks and resource constraints
Propose practical recommendations to mitigate identified risks and ensure successful execution.
If you are registered with the Disability and Inclusion Services or have a disability, please contact your module leader to discuss how your reasonable adjustments will be applied to this assignment.