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Innovation Management - the Root of the Problem

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 root of the problem

Problem identification is often considered the most boring aspect of creativity. But it is in fact the most crucial. If you're not working on the right problem, then you're working towards the wrong solution; all energy, time and resources are being wasted. Ideally, problem identification should occupy more time than idea generation.

Further, leaders often perceive that problem identification can and should be reduced to one sentence. Depending on the situation, that may be wise, but it is also likely that the problem is more complex than at first appears and requires the development of a structure to break it down into manageable pieces and a process to identify the steps required to create a good solution:

a) Structure. A representation of the whole. All problems, especially complex ones, can be reduced into constituent parts and the whole problem solved by creating smaller sets of manageable problem solving exercises.

b) Process. The methodology that will lead to good solutions. From A to Z.

From the above, it is easier to see that, if problem identification is performed well, then pathways for ideas begin to automatically sprout. And what you need to generate quantity and quality ideas are lots of pathways to explore.

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/

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Kal Bishop, MBA

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Kal Bishop is a

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management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and

"Management" (from Old French ménagement "the art of conducting, directing", from Latin manu agere "to lead by the hand") characterises the process of leading and directing all or part of an organisation, often a business, through the deployment and manipulation of resources (human, financial, material, intellectual or intangible). Early twentieth-century management writer Mary Parker Follett defined management as "the art of getting things done through people."
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software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Tran

Computer software (or simply software) is the programs and procedures that enable a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system (hardware). This includes application software such as a word processor, which enables a user to perform a task, and system software such as an operating system, which enables other software to run properly, by interfacing with hardware and with other software.
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sport 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/

A sport consists of a physical and mentally competitive activity carried out with a recreational purpose for competition, for self-enjoyment, to attain excellence, for the development of a skill, or some combination of these. A sport has physical activity, side by side competition, self-motivation and a scoring system. The difference of purpose is what characterises sport, combined with the notion of individual (or team) skill or prowess.
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Innovation Management - the Root of the Problem

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

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