Unit 4 – Area of Study 2: Innovation
Outcome 2:
Discuss the extent to which innovation is occurring in a selected Australian Industry, evaluate the extent to which innovation is occurring in one or more workplaces within that industry and discuss the relationship between innovation and an enterprise culture.
Examples of learning activities
- Create definitions for innovation, enterprise and enterprising culture and explain how these relate to the workplace.
-
Write an expository essay on innovation in Australian industry. Include an analysis of the relationship between innovation and the development of an enterprise culture.
- Prepare a report on the introduction of an innovation, such as a new process or new technology within a selected Australian workplace. Evaluate the effects this innovation has had on the workplace.
- Research and write a report that explores the introduction and the effects of technology on the Australian agriculture industry. Articles such as'Agricultural output soars as technology takes over' (The Financial Review, 17 February 2016) will be useful.
- Interview employees about the innovative practices used in their workplace. Ascertain what type of innovation has occurred, how it has affected them personally and the workplace in general.
-
Investigate the role of Australian Government policy in supporting innovation.
- Watch the YouTube video,
'Joined Up Innovation: How Workplace Culture Drives Innovation In Australia' by Microsoft Australia. Conduct a class discussion about how the development of an enterprise culture contributes to innovation in the workplace.
- Construct a mind map demonstrating the relationship between innovation and an enterprise culture.
Detailed example 1
Innovation essay (expository format)
Students select one of the following themes and essay topics to write an 800–1000 word expository essay.
Theme 1: Textiles, clothing and footwear
‘The Australian Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) industry faces an uncertain future in the light of changing global trends. Manufacturing in Australia has diminished dramatically and management of the Supply Chain has been restructured. Very few large clothing factories remain, while small fashion designers and entrepreneurs are emerging and sometimes thriving. Additionally, an analysis of skills within the TCF Industry identifies that many “early” skills associated with the industry have been lost and the implications of new trends have yet to be fully appreciated’.
International Specialised Skills Institute Inc.
Essay Topic 1
Analyse the extent to which innovation is occurring in one or more workplaces within the textiles, clothing and footwear industry. Explain the importance of the innovation in technology, training and work-related skills in ensuring the future of this Australian industry.
Theme 2: Electric car innovation
‘Australia's high-cost economy and small-market potential provide a sobering reality to the Greens' policy to encourage the production of electric cars, according to economy and manufacturing experts. However they say the nation's high rate of education and pollution-conscious population offers an ideal platform to construct technological components for modern electric vehicles’.
The Canberra Times.
Essay Topic 2
Discuss the relationship between technology, training and innovation in the Australian automotive industry. In your discussion, explain the importance of work-related skills in the development of an innovative culture.
Detailed example 2
Use the website of the
National Innovation and Science Agenda to prepare responses to the following. (You may also use other sources).
The role of government in supporting innovation
Task
Investigate the role of the Australian Government in supporting innovation in industry. Write comprehensive responses to each of the following:
- Outline the Australian Government’s innovation policy (agenda).
- Explain how the Australian Government supports industry through innovation (four key pillars).
- Explain how entrepreneurs and startups are assisted by the Australian Government.
- Explain five ways in which businesses are encouraged to innovate.
- Outline five ways by which people are encouraged to invest in innovation.
- There are a number of significant innovations mentioned in the case studies from the NISA website. Include a brief history of the government’s role in the success of one innovation.
- Describe how the government is attempting to help young Australians acquire the skills to be innovative.
- Discuss the future role of government support for research and development (R&D) for Australian society.