Build and sustain an innovative work environment Assessment Task - Innovation system pilot project

Performance objective - You must demonstrate your ability to analyse the innovation system needs of a business, develop a plan for an innovation system and pilot the implementation of innovation projects through this system to meet organisational needs.

Assessment description - You will be acting as a consultant to a business. This could be one that you already work in, or another that you have access to. You will modify the innovation system you developed in Assessment Task 1 and pilot it in the business.

Before you commit to a business, validate the readiness of the business for an innovation program. Survey existing workplace systems carefully and identify how you will integrate innovation processes with existing business systems and processes.

Procedure -

1. Choose a business to work with.

2. Review current business practices against the seven dimensions of strategic innovation.

3. Modify the innovation system you developed in Assessment Task 1 to address the business' specific needs.

4. Scope out an area or department to run a pilot program and identify the program participants and key stakeholders.

5. Seek approval from your assessor to ensure that your nominated business is suitable for the implementation of an innovation system pilot.

6. Develop an implementation plan for the innovation system pilot.

7. Develop a communication plan that covers both participants and key stakeholders.

8. Consult with key stakeholders to obtain approval for the implementation plan. Where necessary, modify the plan in response to the feedback received from the stakeholders.

9. Communicate the project to all participants and stakeholders and lead the pilot of the innovation system for at least one innovation of any type (product, process, marketing, organisational).

10. Review the outcomes of the implementation with key stakeholders.

11. Write a project report as per the attached report outline (Appendix 1).

12. Submit all documentation (original and amended versions) as per specifications below. Keep copies for your records.

Specifications -

You must submit:

• the outcomes of your review of current business practices against the seven dimensions of strategic innovation
• your modified innovation system
• an implementation plan for the innovation system
• a communication plan covering participants and key stakeholders
• a project report that conforms to the outline provided below.

Your assessor will be looking for:

• evidence of consistent monitoring throughout the project
• evidence of your involvement in all stages of the project
• interpretation and evaluation information that deals with complex ideas
• use of clear language appropriate to the audience to promote and share information, requirements and recommendations relating to the project
• communication skills to engage stakeholders, share information, mentor personnel and present the project to all participants
• consideration of how the innovation project will align with business vision and goals
• planning and sequencing complex tasks and workload, negotiating key aspects with others taking into account capabilities, efficiencies and effectiveness
• use of problem solving processes to identify, assess and respond to challenges and risks around innovation
• use of a range of digital technology and applications to access and filter data, extract, organise, integrate and share relevant information in effective ways
• consideration of the legislative framework that impacts on operations in the chosen workplace.

Project report outline -

Your project report should include the following information:

1. A profile of the organisation, including:

• description
• innovation goals
• key stakeholders
• legislation and/or codes of practice relevant to business operations.

2. Summaries of:

• consultation with key stakeholders, and any requested modifications to the implementation plan required in order to gain their approval
• the pilot including monitoring of outcomes.

3. A discussion of innovation leadership, including how you:

• were involved in leadership and management activities
• received ideas from others to encourage innovation
• established trusting relationships with participants
• encouraged considered risk taking with respect to the innovations
• complied with organisational approaches, policies, procedures and processes.

4. A discussion of work practice establishment, including how you:

• consulted on existing systems and innovation needs
• introduced new processes (idea generation and evaluation)
• encouraged participation in new processes
• introduced tools and disciplines for innovation (innovation principles).

5. A discussion of innovation promotion, including how you:

• acknowledged suggestions from participants
• promoted innovation ideas and outcomes
• evaluated the innovations within the wider organisational context (e.g. internal or external client feedback and involvement).

6. Provision of learning opportunities, including how you:

• stayed up to date with professional development options in order to provide relevant information to staff
• actively shared information, knowledge and skills
• coached participants
• established buddying and mentoring for innovation.

7. An appendix which includes documentary evidence of your involvement with and leadership of the innovation activities at your chosen business. This may include emails and other correspondence, meetings notes, business cards from key contacts, relevant organisational policies or procedures, photographs, etc.