Assessment Item 3: Individual Essay
The Brief
Students are to write a critical essay on “Assessing innovation”. Students are expected to draw upon a wide range of relevant literature and industry sources, with a minimum of 10 references
(minimum 5 peer reviewed sources, e.g. academic journal articles). Images, photos, graphs, charts and other supporting materials can be used. The essay is to be 3000 words (excluding references).

The Task Ahead
The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate your capacity to critically reflect on business and organizational innovation, applying the conceptual lenses that have been discussed in the subject.
You have to select two cases of exemplary innovation. Do not focus exclusively on technical product innovation (e.g. the latest technological gizmo) but try to identify interesting examples of
transformation in the meaning of the offering, in the design of the supply chain, in the organizational form, in the way in which value is delivered and captured, etc.

After describing each innovation, your essay must discuss the following:
 What makes this case “innovative”?
 What are the positive contributions of this innovation? Who is receiving value from it?
 What are the (actual and potential) costs of this innovation? Who might be losing from it? Consider also the positive and negative environmental and social impact of this innovation.
 What are the possible future developments of this innovation?
 Are there any entrepreneurial opportunities deriving from this innovation (either in the form of economic or social entrepreneurship opportunities)?
 How is Australia positioned in relation to this innovation: is this country on the forefront or is it a follower?
 What needs to be done to facilitate the spreading of this innovation (and/or to limit its negative impacts)?

Analyze both cases of innovation by covering the abovementioned points. In your conclusion, make a comparison between the two cases, explaining the rationale of your choice (why you picked these
two particular examples) and the main insights that you have obtained by the discussion and analysis of these two cases.