(171a) Tools and Techniques for Managing Innovation From Beginning to End

Innovation and its management is the hot topic of the last decade in many industries, including the chemical industry. We have come to realize that Six Sigma and DFSS can eliminate variation in what we know how to do, or plan to do, but cannot by themselves produce innovation.

Innovation needs to start with an idea coupled to a need. Its flesh and bones need to be provided by people and their supporting organizations. Finally, the business and manufacturing concepts behind the innovation must be implemented by smart project management.

This session will review the necessary skills to make this journey successful, including proper idea identification, putting together innovation and project teams, and successful project management.