This simple self-assessment tool focuses attention on some of the important areas of innovation management. Below you will find statements which describe ‘the way we do things around here’ – the pattern of behavior which describes how the organization handles the question of innovation. For each statement simply put a score between 1 (= not true at all) to 7 (=very true).
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Statement
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Statement Score 1=Not true at all to
7=Very true
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1 People have a clear idea of how innovation can help us compete
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2 We have processes in place to help us manage new product development effectively from idea to launch
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3 Our organization structure does not stifle innovation but helps it to happen
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4 There is a strong commitment to training and development of people
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5 We have good ‘win-win’ relationships with our suppliers
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6 Our innovation strategy is clearly communicated so everyone knows the targets for improvement
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7 Our innovation projects are usually completed on time and within budget
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8 People work well together across departmental boundaries
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9 We take time to review our projects to improve our projects to improve our performance next time
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10 We are good at understanding the needs of our customers/end-users
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11 People know what our distinctive competence is – what gives us a competitive edge
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12 We have effective mechanisms to make sure everyone (not just marketing) understands customer needs
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13 People are involved in suggesting ideas for
improvements to products or processes
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14 We work well with universities and other research centers to help us develop our knowledge
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15 We learn from our mistakes
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16 We look ahead in a structured way (using forecasting tools and techniques) to try and imagine future threats and opportunities
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17 We have effective mechanisms for managing process change from idea through to successful implementation
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18 Our structure helps us to take decisions rapidly
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19 We work closely with our customers in exploring and developing new concepts
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20 We systematically compare our products and processes with other firms
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21 Our top team have a shared vision of how the company will develop through innovation
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22 We systematically search for new product ideas
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23 Communication is effective and works top-down, bottom-up and across the organization
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24 We collaborate with other firms to develop new products or processes
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25 We meet and share experiences with other firms to help us learn
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26 There is top management commitment and support for innovation
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27 We have mechanisms in place to ensure early involvement of all departments in developing new products/processes
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28 Our reward and recognition system supports innovation
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29 We try to develop external networks of people who can help us – for example, with specialist knowledge
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30 We are good at capturing what we have learned so that others in the organization can make use of it
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31 We have processes in place to review new
technological or market developments and what they mean for our firm’s strategy
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32 We have a clear system for choosing innovation projects
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33 We have a supportive climate for new ideas – people don’t have to leave the organization to make them happen
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34 We work closely with the local and national education system to communicate our needs for skills
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35 We are good at learning from other organizations
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36 There is a clear link between the innovation projects we carry out and the overall strategy of the business
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37 There is sufficient flexibility in our system for product development to allow small ‘fast-track’ projects to happen
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38 We work well in teams
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39 We work closely with ‘lead users’ develop innovative new products and services
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40 We use measurements to help identify where and when we can improve our innovation management
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When you have finished, add the totals for the questions in the following way:
Based on your results, what can you conclude about your organization’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth?
Jermaine Byrant
Nicole Johnson
OVER
RATING
YEARS
