Reading Assignment #2 – Creativity – The Key to Innovation
Assignment Instructions:
Because we are using a non-traditional means of sharing course content and no college textbook, you will periodically be assigned readings from an online source. Not always are these resources extensive but their content is still relevant and worth considering.
For this assignment I would like you to complete the following:
1. Read material shared at the following websites:
· What is Creativity? – https://www.creativityatwork.com/2014/02/17/what-is-creativity/ (Links to an external site.)
· Building a Creative Team – https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/evaluating-job-candidates/your-guide-to-building-the-best-creative-team (Links to an external site.)
· Ten Rules for Creative Teams – https://innovationmanagement.se/imtool-articles/10-rules-for-creative-teams/ (Links to an external site.)
· Seven Elements of a Creative Work Environment – https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/management-tips/7-elements-of-a-highly-creative-work-environment (Links to an external site.)
· Inc. Magazine – https://www.inc.com/christina-desmarais/16-ways-to-be-more-creative.html (Links to an external site.)
· Huffington Post – https://www.huffpost.com/entry/creativity-and-innovation_b_4149993 (Links to an external site.)
2. Prepare a short paper (no less than 2 single spaced pages – no more than 3 single spaced pages – cover page does not count – bibliography page does not count – proportional font no larger that 12 pt.) addressing the following questions:
· How are change, creativity and eventually innovation management connected to each other? (5 points)
· In your opinion, how should an organization go about nurturing creativity? (10 points)
· What are the implications of a mention of creativity missing from an organizations mission statement? Be specific and detailed. (5 points)
· Looking over the article on “16 Ways to be More Creative”, which five of those listed struck home with you and left you considering your personal challenge of being creative at work? Explain. (10 points)
4. Your work should be prepared with an appropriate word processing program and uploaded for assessment. As you can see, each section of this assignment has a point value.
Case Study #1 – Dimensions of Innovation – Tesla
To start this case study assignment posting read about the four dimensions of innovation that are covered and explained at this website – http://knowledge-innovation.purot.net/dimensions-of-innovation (Links to an external site.).
In completing this assignment, respond to the following:
Over the past 16 years, since it’s incorporation, Tesla Motors has innovated in each of the four dimension of innovation within, and now outside (look up their Solar City acquisition) of the automotive industry.
From each dimension, evaluate and explain how Tesla, as a company, has innovated. In addition, identify how their CEO and organizational culture embraces, change, creativity and innovation, resulting in Tesla affecting the automobile and energy industries worldwide.
Links for you to review could include the following:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Motors (Links to an external site.)
https://www.tesla.com/about (Links to an external site.)
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/061915/story-behind-teslas-success.asp (Links to an external site.)
https://www.tesla.com/blog/tesla-and-solarcity (Links to an external site.)
http://www.businessinsider.com/why-tesla-solarcity-merger-makes-sense-2016-11 (Links to an external site.)
Notes – Be specific – Add credibility to your response with references.
Instructions – This case study essentially requires the creation of a research response, supplemented with your personal feelings and opinions. That means you will need to spend time developing your thoughts before posting. Once you have finished the work in Microsoft Word or a similar text editor, cut/copy and paste your work into a reply to the case starter question that is linked below.
You are required to complete the following:
1. Post your case study analysis. Please note that even though your professor will be the only person grading your work, you will be posting for the entire class to review.
2. Post replies to the case study postings shared by others in the class. While there is no specific requirement, it is my hope that you will actively participate in the class through your case study postings, seeking clarification, challenging ideas, and extending your knowledge through interaction with your classmates. All this will hopefully lead to a rich exchange on the topic of the initial discussion question.
Final Note – Because case study/discussion has a 30 point value instead of just 15 points in normal discussion, much more original research and detail is expected in your posting. And once that is finished, much more interaction with your classmates is expected.
The grading rubric for this case assignment will look as follows. Please make sure to include each section in your work submission:
_____ 1. Introduction (3 points)
_____ 2. Process Dimension (3 points)
_____ 3. Product Dimension (3 points)
_____ 4. Position Dimension (3 points)
_____ 5. Paradigm Dimension (3 points)
_____ 6. Discussion of CEO and Innovation (5 points)
_____ 7. Discussion of Tesla organizational culture and innovation (5 points)
_____ 8. Summary Closing (5 points)
_____ Total Points Earned (30 possible)
Case Study #2 – Dynamics of Innovation – Zara
Zara (http://www.zara.com/ (Links to an external site.)) is a Spanish clothing conglomerate that has thrived as an innovator. Take some time to acquaint yourself with the history and business model that has helped this company evolve over the years.
Here are a few more links that might be helpful:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zara_(retailer) (Links to an external site.)
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/11/zaras-big-idea-what-the-worlds-top-fashion-retailer-tells-us-about-innovation/265126/ (Links to an external site.)
…many more resources are also available online, (even some on how Zara strategically and innovatively manages its operations) and from the University library.
Assignment Questions:
Why has this company succeeded in being different and innovative? What’s unique about their business model, and the innovations they have applied throughout their organizational processes and structure?
What lesson can we take away from the investment in innovation made by the leadership and employees at Zara?
Notes – Be specific – Justify your response with references. Much has been written about this company. Use Google, Bing, and even the library.
Instructions – This case study essentially requires the creation of a comprehensive research based response, supplemented with your personal feelings and opinions.
That means you will need to spend time developing your thoughts before posting. Once you have finished the work in Microsoft Word or a similar text editor, cut/copy and paste your work into a reply to the case starter question that is linked below.
You are required to complete the following:
1. Post your case study analysis. Please note that even though your professor will be the only person grading your work, you will be posting for the entire class to review.
2. Post replies to the case study postings shared by others in the class. While there is no specific requirement, it is my hope that you will actively participate in the class through your case study postings, seeking clarification, challenging ideas, and extending your knowledge through interaction with your classmates. All this will hopefully lead to a rich exchange on the topic of the initial discussion question.
I will score your case study posting against the following criteria:
1. Idea, Content, Thoughts Expressed
2. References (personal experiences, textbooks, readings, Internet)
3. Uniqueness (presenting an original thought not expressed by others)
