The Process of Innovation the Process of Innovation

The Process of Innovation The Process of Innovation

MGMT-6960

Innovation in Services

Lally School of Management & Technology

John Maleyeff, Ph.D.

Innovation-2

Stages Stages*

Idea generation

Evaluation

Development

Implementation

* The material in this section is derived from Smart

Things to Know About Innovation & Creativity by

Dennis Sherwood, John Wiley & Sons, ©2001.

"Mind Map" of innovation stages

Innovation-4

Discussion Discussion

* How does innovation differ from other forms of improvement?

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Barriers Barriers

* Idea generation

- often not a major barrier unless organizational "group

think" exists

* Evaluation

- conservative guidelines may result in only "safe"

recommendations

* Development

- requires a formal or informal process with visibility and top

management support

* Implementation

- success/failures should be analyzed critically

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Stage 1 Stage 1- Idea Generation Idea Generation

* The necessary ability can be learned

- effectiveness does NOT require a "gift" for creativity

IDEA GENERATION PRACTICE

PRACTICE ENJOYMENT

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Exercise Exercise

Which is the odd word out?

NOLI TERIG GROMNLE NELFEI ACT

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Discussion Discussion

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Idea Generation Theory Idea Generation Theory

"The essence of creativity is the discovery of a

new pattern of elements that already exist."

Dennis Sherwood

"[The creative act] does not create something out of

nothing; it uncovers, selects, re-shuffles, combines,

synthesizes already existing facts, ideas, faculties, skills."

Arthur Koestler

The Act of Creation

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Idea Generation Process Idea Generation Process

* Koestler's ideas would led a business manager to

appreciate:

- the need for involvement/empowerment across the

organization

- the need to create a process to allow innovation to

happen

The idea generation process should be

deliberate, systematic, and safe

Innovation-11

Importance of Unlearning Importance of Unlearning

* A personal barrier that must be overcome is "hardwired"

ideas, constructs, and notions

* Several causes of this barrier exist

- existing or perceived rules

- personal stake in current situation

- fear (safety in maintaining status quo)

- pressure to keep situation as-is

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Exercise Exercise

* Create the simplest shape out of the puzzle pieces

provided

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Results Results

* Team 1 - iterative construction

* Team 2 - no iterative construction

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Discussion Discussion

* Give examples of how the need for unlearning can impede

innovation

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Idea Generation Steps Idea Generation Steps

State the Focus

of Attention

Create a List of

Characteristics

Have Individuals

Define What

They Know

Choose a

Characteristic

Ask "How Might This

Be Different"?

Allow Free Flow

of Discussion

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* Sets scope (not too narrow or broad)

- can relate to a "problem," or

- a case of "constructive restlessness*"

* Team should include variety of perspectives

- even those with little prior knowledge

State