Business Innovation ? the Value of Structure

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.

The Value of Structure

Structure is one of the most valuable tools for enhancing creativity. There are essentially two types of structure: Frameworks and Work Processes.

a) Frameworks. These include models such as PEST, Porter's Five Forces or The Hero's Journey in screenwriting. They break up the larger task into smaller more manageable pieces and each smaller pieces is the route to it's own pathway. For example, tell me about your business? This will lead to a number of answers. Now tell me about the Political, Economic, Social and Technological aspects of your business? This will lead to a set of answers for each, probably increasing the total number of ideas by a factor of four.

b) Work Processes. These include systems such as setting incremental goals or final goals within time limits. Incremental and final goals produce far more output than a "do your best" approach. And with increased output comes the higher chance of increased quality, especially as competencies are developed.

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.

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 MBA, 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/

---

Innovation Management: Radical Innovation

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

Behavioral Interview Questions You Can Use Monday Morning

If past behavior is the best way to determine future... Read More

Enhancing the Motivational Climate of Your Workplace

It has been well documented that employees' productivity and job... Read More

Results of Poor Cross Cultural Awareness

Results of Poor Cross Cultural Awareness. Having a poor understanding... Read More

7 Essential Elements To Every Organizational Change

[This article is based on excerpts from the special report... Read More

Never Hire Anyone Dumber Than You Are!

In a previous life I was a Navy Pilot. Great... Read More

How To Delegate for Fun and Profit

Ah, the wretched pain of delegation. It comes easy to... Read More

Stomp Out Leeches In Your Company

Recently, I felt appalled to see a political candidate running... Read More

Can What Someone Does Off-hours Affect Your Business?

Q: How much do I have to worry about what... Read More

The Retailers Calendar

The Julian calendar we use to pass the time every... Read More

Productivity Through Positive Reinforcement

Most people just want to be appreciated. If you're a... Read More

Bringing Ideas to Life: Seven Principles for Pulling Together

You're so excited you're practically bouncing off the walls. This... Read More

Focus On the Prize

People talk to me about making personal and professional changes... Read More

Hows Your HUB?

Marketing gurus are always coming up with new lingo but... Read More

Sexual Harassment Policy Guidelines Part I

Sexual Harassment Policy Guidelines ? Part IPermission is hereby granted... Read More

Lead to Succeed: The Seven Essential Steps to Work Leader Success

In my book "You're In Charge?What Now?" I use a... Read More

Human Resource Communication Pays Off

Human Resource Communications and Corporate Communications ? are they one... Read More

Finding Common Ground Through Consensus Decision-Making

It's clear to me that a workplace is a better... Read More

A Fast and Simple Way to Update Your Business

You open your computer, the flashing button says, "We have... Read More

Five Steps to Increase the People Power in Your Business

Take some bold steps and help your employees and business... Read More

Bar Charts Brought to Life: Index of Interactive Information for HTML and PDF

Bar Charts and the Information ChallengeWhether one is an unknown... Read More

Employee Retention: Five Leadership Fundamentals

Are your management practices on the right track? Retaining your... Read More

Rapport - How to Build it with Your Team

I've often heard managers say - "My door is always... Read More

How To Learn Great Management from Our Kids

Learning comes from many places. And one of the most... Read More

Looking through the Glass Ceiling - Women in Management

Women have made tremendous contributions to society at every level;... Read More

Riding the Waves to Success

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

Management - Mary Poppins Style!

Mary Poppins describes a style of management which has for... Read More

Do You Hear That?

I read a report in the Toronto Star stated that... Read More

Hold Your Applause!

It's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care... Read More

Want to Manage Your Time? Get Real!

You know the drill - the ridiculous deadlines, the relentless... Read More

Budgets that Damage - The Downsides of Making the Numbers

In my organisational career, I had budgets from the age... Read More

Five Steps to Successful Business Succession

The great majority of family businesses in North America are... Read More

Strategic Outsourcing: Testing the Outsourcing Waters and Staying Afloat

Before Gertrude Ederle began her historic swim off of Cape... Read More