Breaking down Silos through Authentic Assessment: a Live Case Analysis

One of the aims of Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is to create graduates who problem solve as socially responsible global citizens. We wanted to provide an opportunity for our students to address relevant, marketing and consumption challenges in new and innovative ways, and to develop analytical competences and professional skills and comportment in a real-life context. This paper describes the design, implementation and outcome of an inter-disciplinary and cross-programme ‘authentic assessment’ method which we have termed a ‘live case analysis’. The assessment comprised fieldwork, wider industry engagement, formative assessment components and a summative presentation. The method is discussed against the backdrop of a Curriculum Framework project which is underpinned by four design principles which centre around innovation, application, collaboration and flexibility. The performance of real-world tasks such as live case analysis strongly reflects the central pedagogical values of what, where and how people will learn at TU Dublin in the future.