MscMM Assessment Questions

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MscMM Assessment Questions

MSCMM - Innovation in Multimedia Markets 2001/02 CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT QUESTION

DO THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

Taking any media technology (i.e. hardware or software) developed since 1800, (whether successful or not) give an account of that product's development. Single out the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to the success or failure of that technology in the market.

Discuss the implications the factors you identify have for a general understanding of innovation as a process. Your answer should make reference to at least one of the theorists (Winston, Rogers, Freeman, Bjiker, Schumpeter, The Frankfurt School, Baudrillard etc.) discussed during the course and to the their theories on innovation.

Notes:

Each paper should be 4,000 - 5,000 words in length. Any paper longer than 5,000 words will not be marked.

Please use the Harvard Referencing System.

Papers should be placed in the "wheely bin" outside the School Secretary’s Office (C179) by midday on Monday April 29 2002. Late essays will not marked (except in extreme circumstances – illness, bereavement etc.)

I am willing to consider alternative essay titles (i.e. of your own choosing). Anyone wishing to pursue this should submit to me in writing:

- a title,

- topic description,

- rationale for the topic

- relevance of the topic for the course

- brief description of how you intend researching the topic

In writing your essays, bear in mind that I’m looking for:

1. At a minimum - evidence of reading on the core topic.

2. I’m likely to be impressed by an ability to bring in material that hasn’t been directly covered in this course - but only if it's relevant to the material we have covered.

3. Finally – the ultimate aim of the course is that you are able to use the concepts examined on an ongoing basis – hence evidence that you understand the relevance of those concepts and can apply them to products/software/ corporations etc. not directly referred to in lectures is also likely to impress me. Since this is partially theoretical course I am taking it for granted that your essays will grapple with the theoretical issues raised in class.

Essays should avoid the extremes of assertions based solely on personal opinion and of stringing together a series of quotes. I’m looking for your opinions, but those opinions should be based on reasoned argument. Finally please bear in mind that single most important factor in recent years contributing to poor marks has not been unfamiliarity with the subject but rather poorly written/presented work: if in doubt about the clarity of your writing get someone else to read it over first. Anyone seeking to discuss any aspect of the essays can contact me at C128 in the Grattan Building or during work hours at 700 8355 (if I’m not there, leave a message and number – I will return your call).