(a)   Using appropriate strategy and innovation frameworks, evaluate the key drivers of innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities contributing to the ongoing success of Cirque du Soleil. (60%)

Provide a brief introduction that may include, but not limited to:

·         Key aspects to be covered in assignment, including the relevant theories and frameworks that will be applied to support your analysis and evaluation in both part (a 60%) and part (b 40%) 3000 words.

·         An overview of Cirque du Soleil highlighting, for example, their background and key successes, (15 marks)

The main task in first part (a) is to evaluate the key drivers of innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities contributing to the ongoing success of Cirque du Soleil.

Answer to this first part (a) should demonstrate that:

Ø  Key drivers of innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities for Cirque du Soleil have been identified critically analysed. Market? Technology? Capabilities? Growing demand? What is driving their success? (15 marks)

·         Appropriate strategy frameworks have been carefully selected and applied in the analysis. By the application of PESTEL and Porter’s five forces identify strategies. In one sentence define the identified strategies and relate it to Ansoff Matrix (Product development, Market development) and to Porter’s Generic strategies (Differentiation) (15 marks)

·         Appropriate innovation frameworks (4P – product – process – position – paradigm) have also been identified and applied in the analysis. Is the spectrum of the innovation radical? Is it incremental or both and why? Innovation dilemma is it pull or push? Why?   (15 marks)

In this part (b) of the task, students are required to ‘critically analyse the view that Cirque du Soleil’s success can be attributed to the successful application of Blue Ocean strategy.’

·         Provide a clear definition and explanation of Blue Ocean strategy. (5 marks)

·         Do you agree with the view that success of Cirque du Soleil is a result of their effective application of Blue Ocean strategy? Provide critical analysis and use specific examples to back up your argument. If yes, how did they create uncontested market place? By reducing, eliminating products or creating new ones? (15 marks).

·         Appropriate Blue Ocean tools and frameworks have been carefully selected and applied in the analysis. See the attached PP file. (10 marks)

Answers for both part (a) and part (b) should also demonstrate that:

Ø  An appropriate report structure has been followed in producing the required work (5 marks)

Ø  Harvard format has been correctly and consistently used in both citations and the reference list. This also includes correct use of citations where illustrations of relevant frameworks are presented in the submitted work. (5 marks)