Practice IB Design Technology (DT) Topic 5.4 Stakeholders in Invention and Innovation with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for 5.4 Stakeholders in Invention and Innovation and mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 style where relevant.
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The table below describes the contributions of four different people involved in the development and launch of an innovative carbon-capture device.
| Individual | Activity |
|---|---|
| Individual I | A senior board member who protected the project from budget cuts and convinced stakeholders of its long-term value. |
| Individual II | The lead scientist who designed the molecular structure of the carbon-binding filter. |
| Individual III | An investor who leveraged their personal assets to fund the startup and organized the international distribution of the device. |
| Individual IV | An industrial designer who improved the external casing to make the device more aesthetically pleasing for urban installation. |
Based on the table, which individual is acting as the entrepreneur?
The Gramovox® bluetooth speaker design is based on gramophones from the 1920s, see Figure 13. For the prototype, stereolithography (SLA) was used to 3D print the S-curve horn.
Pavan Bapu the founder of Gramovox®, is an entrepreneur and a product champion, see Figure 14. He crowdsourced funding for manufacture through Kickstarter and promoted the concept through live online broadcasts and newspaper interviews. He was inspired to develop the Gramovox® bluetooth speaker after seeing a 1920s gramophone in a shop window.
Figure 13: Gramovox, 2013. Gramovox Bluetooth Gramophone.
Available at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gramovox/gramovoxtm-bluetooth-gramophone
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Figure 14: Technori, 2015. Pavan Bapu Presents Gramovox. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Mp5m8klziA
. Source adapted.
Outline one physical property that makes hardwood a suitable choice for the base of the Gramovox® bluetooth speaker in Figure 13.
Explain the benefit of using freehand sketches, physical models and CAD solid models in the development of the horn of the Gramovox® bluetooth speaker.
Explain Pavan Bapu’s role as entrepreneur and product champion in the success of the Gramovox® bluetooth speaker.
Explain how retro-styling has been used in the design of the Gramovox® bluetooth speaker.
A senior manager at a consumer electronics firm recognizes the potential of a high-risk smart-home project that has faced significant internal opposition. By leveraging their professional standing and navigating company politics, the manager ensures the project receives the necessary resources and protection to reach the manufacturing stage.
In the context of innovation, which stakeholder role is this manager primarily performing?
Following the creation of a working prototype for a portable desalination unit, the inventor seeks a partner to provide the financial investment and business expertise needed for commercialization.
Which role is the partner primarily fulfilling?