Business Innovation ? the Value of Frameworks

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 Frameworks

One of the most valuable tools for maximising idea generation is the use of frameworks. Frameworks break a large task into smaller more manageable pieces but also include the sum of knowledge of previous research.

Exercise 1: For example, without reading further, write down a number of ideas that tell me about your business or endeavour.

Now count the number of ideas you have produced.

Exercise 2: Now we will use the very basic and standard PEST framework for analysing macro effects.

Write down a number of ideas that tell me of the political effects that influence your business or endeavour.

Now write down a number of ideas that tell me of the economic effects that influence your business or endeavour.

Now write down a number of ideas that tell me of the social effects that influence your business or endeavour.

Now write down a number of ideas that tell me of the technological effects that influence your business or endeavour.

Now count the number of ideas you have produced.

It is likely exercise 2 will have produced about four times the number of ideas of Exercise 1.

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/

The Subtle Secret Of Transformation

Great men and women succeed moment by moment, step by step, lifted up by one small victory after... Read More

Creativity Management and Good Ideas

Some ideas occur in the office and others occur away from the office.If you think of creativity as... Read More

Innovation Management ? Isolating Problems and Implementing Solutions

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection,... Read More

6 Steps to Super Mindpower

Ever hear "You can't teach an old dog a new trick?" Well that might be true for dogs,... Read More

A Time for Rebellion!

When is it right for you to rebel against the negative powers working against you? When are so... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management - Good Ideas Part 1

The constant search for Good Ideas has resulted in many techniques for generating them. Part 1 of Good... Read More

Intuition: Your Best Career Coach

Since I derive most of my life lessons from reading murder mysteries, I am reminded of a mystery... Read More

Business Innovation ? Eliciting Talent

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection,... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management ? Decision Makers

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection,... Read More

Can We Change People?

There was a class of "challenged" children and many teachers were brought in over time but each one... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management - Teach, Coach, Learn

Coaching, training or learning about creativity and innovation involves mastery of at least 12 domains.These include:a) Creativity and... Read More

Seeking Initiative and Innovation? Reward Failure!

Based on Proprietary Research"If you want to increase initiative and innovation, you have to encourage and embrace failure.... Read More