TM600.88 Spring 1997
Module 4
Individual Assignment

You should read the instructional materials and assigned readings before beginning this assignment.

The primary grading criterion on this assignment will be the extent to which course concepts are correctly applied. Other criteria will include the completeness, organization and clarity of your writing.

You may discuss the assignment with your classmates; however, your written report should be original. You are encouraged to use the class list server to share ideas with and ask questions of each other. To do so, send a message (and subsequent replies) to tm600-l@mercer.edu.

Reading Analysis

Based on feedback and coursework I have received from the class, I am going to try a different approach for this last assignment. Up to this point, I have been using the cases for three reasons: 1) to test your understanding of the course material, 2) to provide interesting reading material to compliment the (occasionally turgid) textbook readings, and 3) to create opportunities for class "discussions" on the list server. However, my impression is that your comprehension of the instructional overview and reading materials is being undermined by the amount of time needed for the case analysis reports. Therefore, I am not assigning any new cases in this module. Instead, the following questions are intended to directly test your comprehension of the reading assignments and leverage the case readings done in Modules 1, 2, and 3.

1. Technologies become more attractive the more they are adopted. Increasing returns to adoption can arise from five sources, as described in the readings. Based on your experiences and the general business press, give an example of at least four of the five sources. (2 points)
2. One of the ways in which a new technology gains acceptance in the marketplace is through compatibility and standards. Sometimes technologies are subject to "excess inertia" or experience "excess momentum". Provide an example of each, and explain why these situations occurred. Again, you may use your experience or refer to the business press (1 point)
3. "The ability to exploit external knowledge is considered a critical component of innovative capabilities… Prior related knowledge confers an ability to recognize the value of new information, assimilate it, and apply it to commercial ends" (BMW, 542). Consider the case of Banc One. How was external knowledge exploited? Be specific. (2 points)
   How might the absorptive capacity of the organization be improved? Again, be specific and consider at least two approaches (e.g., learning incentives, cooperative ventures, and competitive alliances) and explain how they could help. (4 points)
4. The Generic Product Development Map in Reading IV-6 and the Development Project Map in Reading IV-5 are very similar, with slight differences. Synthesize the two to reconcile the differences and develop your own map depicting Advent's aggregate project plan. (1 point) How would Kloss use this "to shape and build development capabilities, both individual and organizational" (BMW, 848)? Be specific -- do not reiterate the readings. (3 points)

Internet Assignment (6 points)

In our first class session, we talked about different learning styles (e.g., auditory, visual, kinesthetic). One style is called "constructivist", whereby individuals acquire knowledge by building it from innate capabilities interacting with the learning environment.

1. Find an Internet site that offers interaction above and beyond browsing and searching. On one page, describe the site and the nature of the interaction. Does the interaction enhance your level of understanding? Why or why not? (3 points)
2. How would you modify our TM600 web site to provide a constructivist learning experience? Be specific, both in terms of describing the method of interaction and the content. In what ways would this enhance the class' learning experience? (3 points)