Question:
Prepare a 10-minute presentation synthesising seminal/major work on a given
topic [25% of overall grade]
General Guidance
The purpose of the presentations is to explore ideas that form part of the
discipline of management strategy. Some of these ideas might supplement the prescribed syllabus of the module; others might complement the content of the module and the discussions of cases. In all instances, however, they will deal with issues of theoretical and/or practical importance to strategic decision-making in organisations.
Beginning in Week 5 (as outlined on the module Teaching & Learning
Programme), each session will include up to four student presentations.
You will select one article from the list provided on a first-come first-served basis.
An article can only be selected once. You may “return” an article to the list if you change your mind but you may then only select from articles that are still available.
The general aim of the presentation is to summarise the key learning (or key lessons) from the article for the benefit of the class. Each presentation should, therefore, define relevant terminology used in the article, summarise the main arguments, and critically evaluate them in relations to other theoretical work in the area or analyse their application to practice.
You can take one of three approaches to this assignment:
1. Compare and contrast the arguments in your article with two other related articles from similar sources;
2. Discuss how the main concepts in the article have evolved since publication;
3. Analyse the practical application of the theory/concepts in the article using an illustrative case.
General grading criteria
The presentations will be assessed on the basis of clarity, degree of analysis and synthesis, and the credibility of the conclusions or “lessons” (as applicable).
Solution:
Slide 1: Introduction
•The selected article is Cohen, W.M. and Levinthal, D.A. (1990) ‘Absorptive Capacity: A New Perspective on Learning and Innovation,’ Administrative Science Quarterly
•The study aim is to demonstrate how organisations can gather knowledge to leverage from absorptive capacity
•The knowledge can be external (research and development) on internal (capacity development and training)
•Since the absorptive capacity is a fresh concept in most organization, the critique followed is comparing and contrasting main arguments of the article with other articles of similar sources
•The approach would assist building confidence on the need to invest in absorptive capacity
SLIDE 2: Key Terminologies
•Absorptive capacity- This can be identified as a firm ability of identifying, assimilating, transforming and applying external knowledge. It is hence a limit to the rate of quantity of scientific or technology information that can ably be absorbed by a firm.
•Innovation- This is a practice that involves creating of value from existing ideals through a roadmap for value creation and a strategy
•Strategic alignment- This is a process and the result of linking an organization structure and the resources with its strategy and external business environment
•Research and Development: This is work directed towards innovation, introduction, and improvement of products and processes
•New product development- This involve bringing a new product to the marketplace. It is achieved through engaging in this process to achieve consumer preferences, increasing competition and technology advancement
•Dynamic capability- This is the ability of an entity to integrate, build and reconfigure their internal and external competences for addressing the rapidly changing environments
SLIDE 3: Summary of Arguments
Please contact our team to receive this assessment in full based on the article selected and your overall expectations
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