Unit 1 Assignment: White Paper: Analyzing Innovation in Action
Purpose:
This assignment deepens your understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship concepts introduced in Chapters 1–3 of Managing Innovation by connecting theory to real-world examples.
A white paper is a persuasive, authoritative, and in-depth report on a specific topic. In the business world, white papers are widely used to present research, analyze problems, and propose solutions. Writing a white paper allows you to explore critical challenges, showcase your ability to synthesize information, and communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
Crafting a white paper mirrors the responsibilities of business professionals who are often required to create high-level reports for decision-makers. This assignment prepares you to apply innovation principles while honing your professional writing and strategic thinking skills—both of which are essential for leadership roles.
Task:
With a focus on current trends, this white paper explores innovation as a process and the challenges organizations face in sustaining it. Write a 2-3 page white paper that addresses the following:
- Define innovation and entrepreneurship in modern business contexts, using insights from the readings.
- Explain why managing innovation as a structured process is essential for business success.
- Identify common challenges organizations face in fostering and sustaining innovation.
- Highlight a specific example from the textbook (e.g., Virgin, Adidas, Siemens) and connect it to recent developments in the company
- Analyze the problem faced by the company and provide a solution based on innovation principles.
- Incorporate supplemental research from the company’s website (e.g., investor pages, annual reports, sustainability, or impact reports) and at least two external business sources.
Resources
- Chapters 1–3 from Managing Innovation.
- Company Websites: Explore "About Us," investor pages, and sustainability reports.
- Annual Reports: Use 10K filings for publicly traded companies.
- Business News and Databases: Examples include Bloomberg, HBR, and McKinsey Insights.
Criteria for Success:
- Your white paper should be original work consisting of 2-3 pages in Microsoft Word.
- The document should adhere to the following formatting requirements: 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Arial, 1-inch margins, and double-spacing.
Submission:
- Submit your assignment by midnight Tuesday ET.
- This assignment is worth 100 points and will be graded according to the White Paper Rubric
