APQC’s 10 Best Practices for Innovation – Part II

Look to the future and the past When developing measures and improvement plans, it can be easy to focus solely on results. However, the organizations studied by APQC emphasize predictive factors as well as outcomes when developing measures. The organizations look both at leading indicators that provide a foundation for performance (such as employee training…

APQC’s 10 Best Practices for Innovation – Part II

by Becky Partida of APQC In Part 1 of this series, we looked at five best practices that contribute to new product and service innovation. These practices included expanding idea sources beyond areas traditionally associated with innovation (including looking outside the enterprise for innovative ideas) and acknowledging that different types of innovation require different terminologies…

APQC’s 10 Best Practices for Innovation – Part 1

Distinguish among different types of innovation The three best-practice organizations recognize that not all innovations are the same. These organizations consider the reach and potential gains associated with each innovation to develop tailored strategies. Unique processes, resources, and vocabularies may be applied to specific innovations and innovation types. For example, Kennametal groups its innovations into…

APQC’s 10 Best Practices for Innovation – Part 1

by Becky Partida of APQC Organizations are facing mounting pressure to innovate in order to spur growth and increase the bottom line. Despite belief to the contrary, the invention of new products and services does not occur spontaneously. There is a process involved, and organizations can take practical steps to ensure that their innovation processes…