The purpose of the reflection is to allow the participant to demonstrate a thorough understanding of, not just the theory: Innovation and Technology Assignment, DCU, Ireland

The purpose of the reflection is to allow the participant to demonstrate a thorough understanding of, not just the theory of the innovation module, but also to develop some ideas about how it can guide their managerial action on return to their workplace following the completion of the program. When
doing their innovation project, they work in teams to apply the models and frameworks of innovation to a ‘notional’ client company. This exercise allows them to collaborate and co-create a roadmap of proposed innovation partnerships, outcomes, and activities for a third party. The reflection is an individual exercise that goes a little further; it invites the participants to imagine how such concepts could enhance the creative confidence, competence, and output of their own organization.

Participants are asked to use specific and appropriate examples from the curriculum and to make insightful and considered observations about how these might apply to their own industry and to their own company. We are seeking considered, applicable and insightful connections between the academic content and their own professional lives.

Participants are also asked to demonstrate a level of mastery of the conventions of academic writing. The essays are not merely blog posts, they need to contain some academic references that are appropriately used to frame their argument and appropriately cited. Ideally, they use a sophisticated tone of voice and language that is precise on topics that are engaging and relevant.

But, overall, we want the participants to progress from merely descriptive writing right through to metacognitive reflection where they can demonstrate an understanding of their own learning process, showing that learning occurred and how it occurred and how this newly acquired knowledge or learning altered existing knowledge.