Calendar

LEC # Topics
1

Introduction and Overview

2-3

Origin of the Process

This week we will examine innovation from a historical perspective, with particular focus on the hard disk drive industry.

4-5

Individual Contributions

This week we will look at the role of individuals in the innovation process, with an emphasis on factors that stimulate innovators within organizations such as Procter & Gamble.

6-7

Technical Communication

This week we will consider the importance of technical communication for innovation, including the consequences of insufficient communication in a medical instrument corporation.

8-9

Cross-Functionality

This week we will explore the integration of different departments (e.g., engineering, marketing, manufacturing) to enhance innovation within organizations such as Rubbermaid.

10-11

Geographic Dispersion

This week we will expose innovation barriers for organizations separated by space and time, including cultural challenges faced by companies like Unilever.

12-13

Intra-Organizational Networks

This week we will investigate how social networks among individuals within organizations, for example high-tech firms, can positively impact information transfer and innovation.

14-15

Inter-Organizational Networks

This week we will analyze how alliances, partnerships, and coalitions between organizations, such as NYPRO and Vistakon, can impact the innovation process.

16-17

Organizational Features

This week we will examine how traditionally innovative organizations, such as Sun Microsystems, effectively manage the innovation process.

18-19

Organizational Learning

This week we will explore how firms can learn to innovate by implementing effective management strategies, including ones used by 3M Corporation.

20-21

Market Changes

This week we will look at how firms respond to major innovations in their industry, such as those experienced in biotechnology.

22

Industry Variability

Speaker - Michael Meyer, Product Strategy Practice Leader, IDEO Boston

23-24

Standards, Patents, & Open Source

This week we will consider how standards, patents, and the open source movement affect innovation for companies like CompuServe.

25

Course Wrap-up

Final paper due