Innovation Management ? Rigorous data analysis

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.

Rigorous data analysis

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.

Ask a group of ten people what the problem is and you are likely to get eleven answers.

Each suggestion the above group of individuals give will be valid in it's own way, but how do we really distinguish between the best and the least best answers?

The answer is to apply a rigorous standard of information analysis.

It is from rigorous data analysis that you are able to discover which of your clients provide most revenue, how each demographic responded to a marketing campaign, why your top clients didn't buy the green latest Aston Martin or why 70% of respondents thought your advertising campaign too patronising.

The above analysis yields a whole new set of problem identification answers and a higher probability that your solutions will not be misdirected.

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/

---

Quick Tips On Bringing Out The Best In People

Want to bring out the best in people?Edward W. Smith,... Read More

Five Strategies for Profitable Services Growth

In today's era of Professional and IT Services competition and... Read More

The Role of the Machine Metaphor in Mixed-initiative Organizational Leadership

"Can This Marriage be Saved?" So reads the title of... Read More

Climb out of the Box - How to Hold Effective Meetings

Out of the box thinking is a popular fad today.... Read More

Spinning Gold from Straw: Low-Cost Employee Retention and Motivation Tools in a Changing Economy

New York, NY, February 25, 2005 ? Employee retention and... Read More

Preparation: Your Companys Best Defense in Case of Catastrophe

You've hung out your shingle and are ready for business.... Read More

Hiring and Retaining Good Employees

Hiring good employees is not only important to business, it's... Read More

Issue Management Methodology for Tracking Project Issues

1. What is an Issue?An issue is an incident, circumstance,... Read More

Problem-Solving Success Tip: Measure

Measure.The first key question to answer in starting a problem-solving... Read More

Presenteeism: The Hidden Costs of Business

(prez.un.TEE.iz.um) nPresenteeism, a relatively unknown concept, is the complement of... Read More

To Outsource or Not to Outsource

In these days of restricted head count and tight budgets,... Read More

Eliminate Performance Anxiety Forever

You've had many years of training in your craft as... Read More

Managing YOUR Expectations

I sit on the board of an organization and at... Read More

Guidelines For Conducting A Good Meeting

Okay, so you've figured out what kind of meeting is... Read More

Forget The Sandwich Technique

Do you remember being told to use the "sandwich" technique... Read More

The Importance of Business Goals

For you to get where you want to go, there... Read More

The Silent Assassin - What to Do When They Visit You?

IntroductionThere are a group of people in the community that... Read More

Is Your Employee Newsletter Management Propaganda?

It should not be. If it is an effective newsletter,... Read More

Five Tips for Analyzing an Income Statement

In today's article, we'll be looking at the income statement,... Read More

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: The Responsibility for Job Security

This article relates to the Job Security competency, commonly evaluated... Read More

Hire Winners: Avoid These 10 Interview No-No?s

Have you ever hired someone who did not live up... Read More

Quality Improvement is Free

The point of a quality improvement program should not only... Read More

30 Ways to be a Butt-Head Boss

1. Trust no one. Not your superiors and not your... Read More

Six Honest Business Friends - They Guide Me In All I Do

SIX "HONEST BUSINESS FRIENDS" - THEY GUIDE ME IN ALL... Read More

So, You Want to be in Management? Five Essential Factors that Will Determine Your Chances

The following information is based upon over 500 interviews with... Read More

Is Your Business Ethical?

Ethics - in a profession or trade - is that... Read More

Why Your Company Needs An E-Mail Policy

Everyone at the office thought that using the company e-mail... Read More

3 Tests To Hire The Best

Question: What's the easiest, cheapest and quickest way to have... Read More

Poly Bags and Pallet Shrouds - Just Get it Right

For many companies, procuring the right packaging, such as Poly... Read More

Hiring Your First Business Personal Assistant: Some Guidelines for Successful Hiring

Hiring the first personal business assistant is an exciting time... Read More

ISO 9001 and Total Quality Management

Total Quality ManagementTotal Quality Management, or TQM, has become one... Read More

Hiring for Success

Hiring someone new to work in your business is one... Read More

Rapid Culture Change is Possible

Purpose: Show how immersion leadership training makes strategic initiative success... Read More