Innovation and Project Management

In this course, participants will systematically explore the relationship of innovation (doing things in different ways) and project management (establishing and following standards to accomplish a goal). In this context, “innovation” represents a strategy that can add value to project deliverables, more easily satisfy the customer’s need, and increase the capabilities of the performing organization. Innovation, whether technology-based or process-based, is best defined as discovering a different way to address a problem or use a technology to enhance an existing solution. Effective project management techniques also benefit both the customer by meeting their need and the performing organization either through financial return or supporting their Strategic Objectives. Combining project management discipline with innovative insights can supply dramatic results to project outcomes. By the end of the session, participants will create a plan to apply the content to their current work.

Module 1: Introduction

Review project management approaches in the context of innovation

• Predictive or traditional
• Agile/adaptive
• Hybrid

Establish definition of “innovation” as different from “creativity” and “optimization”

“An original or novel approach to an existing problem providing a value-added solution”

Examine five types of innovation

Explore mental habits – structured or flexible

Examine the dynamic balance between standards and new ideas or processes

Identify “innovation” as change

Review of mental habits regarding “innovation”

Case Study 1

Module 2: Innovation Projects

Explore how innovation adds value

• Using a business model
• Using a technology model
• Using a culture model

Examine innovation as a project objective

Case Study 2

Module 3: Innovation Within Projects

Explore the role of the PM in project innovation

Examine project management processes and governance as candidates for innovation

Explore innovation related to deliverables

Case study 3

Module 4: Encouraging Innovation

Establish a project culture to support innovation

Use Team Charter to support innovation

Explore three traps to avoid and six solution strategies

Case Study 4

Module 5: Summary and Next Steps

Review strategies to respond to internal and external pressure for innovation

Create personal Application Plan (how participant will use content at work)

Final Questions

Course Evaluations

Learning Objectives

• To use innovation strategies to improve the project outcomes and deliverables.
• To explore innovative approaches to processes and methods to increase productivity (effective use of project time and money)
• Establishing and promoting a culture of innovation within the project team.