In this unit we investigate the tools that organisations need to introduce to allow them to implement a structured but dynamic Innovation management process.

We examine :

Element 1  :  Product Development

1. Effective product and service design and its strategic impact on organisations.
2. The key stages in the product development process.
3. The importance of Cross Functional Concurrent Product Design.
4. Techniques for customer delight by reducing product and service variability:
   • Kano Model (The 3 levels of customer expectations)
     
   • Taguchi Methods (Robustness through design)
   • Poka-yoke (Fail-proofing)
   • Quality Function Deployment : (House of Quality)
5. Different types of Innovation.
6. Open innovation of new ideas by applying :
   • Outside-in processes
   • Inside-out processes
   • Coupled processes
7. An introduction to Disruptive Innovation (click for short presentation).
8. Protecting intellectual property.
9. Implementing a structured but dynamic innovation management process.
10. Using break-even analysis as a tool in selecting between alternative products.
11. Ecodesign, green design and environmental design : embracing the circular economy.
12. Industry 4.0 and the opportunities for Remanufacturing.

Click on the link below to reveal the differing approaches to innovation.

Element 2 :  Process Development

1. Identifying  different types of processes and explaining their characteristics.
2. The 4V’s model of process characterisation and their impact on final product cost.
3. Understanding the issues which impact upon the design of product and service processes.
4. Linking Product Design & Process Selection to the product life cycle.
5. Design for Manufacturing (see details in Lean Tools section).
6. Designing Processes to match customer demand profiles:
   • Make-to-stock strategy
   • Assemble-to-order strategy
   • Make-to-order strategy
   • Implications of a hybrid approach
7. Operational Layout considerations:
   • Fixed position (Project)
     
   • Process Orientated (Batch)
     
   • Cell layout (Flexible Batch)
   • Product line (Continuous)
   • Process design for the circular economy.
8. Types of plant configurations and their complexities : “A,” “V,” “T,” and “I” configurations.

We have found that delivering these modules in a series of 2 hour slots is the most effective mode of delivery.

After each module, the attendees are required to undertake exercises relevant to the techniques they have been taught.

These modules are therefore particularly suitable for presentation in webinar or online tutorial formats.