Assignment Task
Overview
You are assigned the task of identifying a specific customer need, problem, or business opportunity related to the retail clothing industry within the local area that addresses specific Environmental, Social & Governance issues or a combination of these. By applying appropriate tools and methodologies taught throughout the module, you will explore creative and innovative solutions. Your task includes selecting the most viable solution, outlining its implementation plan for the next 12 months, and conducting an innovation audit to identify and address potential implementation issues.
- Choose a specific customer need, problem, or business opportunity related to the local retail clothing industry. This could involve issues like promoting sustainable consumption, reducing waste in retail operations, enhancing access to ethically sourced products, or supporting local businesses.
- Analyse how the chosen opportunity or problem relates to Environmental, Social & Governance considerations. Consider how the solution could impact the environment, contribute to community well-being, and align with ethical governance practices.
- Utilise creative and innovation tools to generate a range of possible solutions for the identified opportunity or problem in the retail industry. These solutions could include implementing zero-waste packaging, developing a sustainable supply chain, introducing eco-friendly product lines, implementing in store experiences, creating digital platform for local artisans, and more.
- Choose the most suitable solution based on its potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with the identified opportunity or problem. Provide reasoning for your selection, citing relevant data and factors.
- Develop a comprehensive outline plan for implementing the chosen solution over the next 12 months. Detail key steps, resources required, stakeholder engagement strategies, and a timeline.
- Apply an innovation audit methodology to proactively identify potential challenges and obstacles that the solution may encounter during implementation. Consider factors like market readiness, regulatory compliance, resource availability, and community engagement.
- Offer well-informed recommendations for overcoming the potential challenges identified in the innovation audit. Provide strategies to mitigate risks, align with local regulations, secure necessary resources, and foster community acceptance
Key independent learning activities, employability skills and stretch activities:
- Comprehend how to construct an innovation led activity/event.
- Apply creative problem-solving techniques and methodologies.
- Identify key information needs using core textbook and other reputable sources to develop innovation, change and commercial acumen.
- Search using commercial databases and research reports and other reputable sources to build an evidence-based argument for the innovation need and proposed solution.
- Conduct primary research using appropriate business research methodologies such as, but not limited to field observation, surveys, archival research and interviews (stretch.).
- Demonstrate independent leadership of self and where appropriate others.
- Use technology to plan, produce and edit video content.
- Show your junior executive presentation skills.