Innovation Management ? Flexibility

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

Flexibility

The Economist (2003b) states that 3000 bright ideas are needed for 100 worthwhile projects, which in turn will be winnowed down to four development programmes for new products. And four such development programmes are the minimum needed to stand any chance of getting one winner.

From the above it follows that there are an enormous number of ideas that require analysis and that many ideas will require different strategies, competencies and resources to implement successfully. Thus, for a firm to innovate a number of projects, the solution is either to:

a) Restrict projects within certain boundaries. Many firms do this, for example, Disney operates within distinct boundaries of creativity.

b) Be very, very flexible. The arguments between specialisation and diversification apply.

c) Buy in the competencies through the merging or purchase of other firms.

These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

Kal Bishop, MBA

**********************************

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com/

---

One Crazy Cookie

In order to survive, you have to be happier than... Read More

The Power of Positive Communication

Communication is the key to your success at work, at... Read More

Innovation Management ? Eliciting Dominant Ideas

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Cold Water Comments - What They Are and How to Manage Them!

Cold Water Comments - What They Are and How to... Read More

How To Conduct Effective Meetings

Before you call your next meeting, the FIRST step is... Read More

The Boss Didn?t Understand Why His Staff Wasn?t Reading His Mind

Many people believe that everyone sees the world exactly the... Read More

Treat Employees Fairly, Car Wash Entrepreneur sets Industry Standards

I believe that whether corporations expense their stock options is... Read More

Stop Going to Meetings - 10 Questions to Ask Before Attending a Meeting - Get More Productive

We get invited to attend so many "meetings" but do... Read More

Riding the Waves to Success

Last week I was confused and frustrated about a few... Read More

Making Your Workers Your Partners

There is an inherent conflict between owners and managers of... Read More

Integrity... Should It Matter?

In our fast paced work culture, manned by technology savvy... Read More

Employee Performance - If You Want the Best, Get Personal!

This is a story about a man and three dogs.I... Read More

Business Innovation ? Organizational Structure

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

The Power in Praising People

One of the keys to success is to have successful... Read More

The Seven Cs: Partnership Danger Signs - Communication Breakdown

An ongoing series of articles exploring the seven critical areas... Read More

The Three-category Approach to Performance Management: Effort, Ability, or Environment

Performance Management is the act of managing personal or organizational... Read More

Is Your Business Healthy?

Most business owners I work with want to grow their... Read More

How To Jump Start Your Profits and Keep Your Profits Rolling

There are so many ways to jump start your prifits... Read More

Focus on Outcomes to Keep Your Business On-Course

Did you know that an airplane in flight is off... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management ? Personality Testing

Whilst tests measuring the creative or innovative personality exist, there... Read More

A Corporate Facelift With Sound Bytes

If Baby Boomers can get botox and tummy tucks, then... Read More

Outsourcing Problem Analysis

As an HR professional, you have responsibilities in several broad... Read More

Innovation Management ? Producing Great Products, Motivation

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Implementation the Catalyst of Change for Management to Reach that Next Level of Success

From the personal and professional experiences of other colleagues and... Read More

Humor in Business

With the advancement of computer simulators, anybody can repeat all... Read More