Scientific Management On the Rise?

BusinessWeek has an interesting article by Roger Martin, where he questions some of the trends proposed by the consulting firm McKinsey. More specifically the article criticizes McKinsey’s views about Scientific Management. Quoting Mckinsey: “Management will go from art to science. Bigger, more complex companies demand new tools to run and manage them. Indeed, improved technology … Continue reading Scientific Management On the Rise?

Deeper Thoughts on Leadership and Innovation

I just stumbled across a list of white papers and research papers that might be of interest: The Ten Faces of Innovation, by Tom Kelley. The Power of Ordinary Practices, chat with Teresa M. Amabile The Way of the Innovation Leader, from New and Improved Building Innovative Teams, from New and Improved Good to Great … Continue reading Deeper Thoughts on Leadership and Innovation

Process Theories of Motivation

Innovation oftentimes happens through teams both in the workplace and in projects. Therefore, I wanted to take a minute and discuss different motivation theories that might be helpful in examining exactly what it will take for your team to succeed. Process Theories of Motivation: Needs-Goal Theory – Motivation begins with an individual feeling a need. … Continue reading Process Theories of Motivation

Innovation Quotes: Invention and Innovation

Invention is the creation of new products and processes throughout the development of new knowledge or from new combinations of existing knowledge. Most inventions are the result of novel applications of existing knowledge. Somuel Morse’s telegraph ,patented in 1840, was based on several decades of research into electromagnetism, from Ben Franklin to Orsted, Ampere and … Continue reading Innovation Quotes: Invention and Innovation

IdeaConnection – A Trading Ground For Ideas

Inventions, Innovations, Patents, and Ideas – meet Web 2.0. IdeaConnection.com is hoping to become a trading ground for ideas, new products, and innovation teams. No matter the industry, the age, or the experience, there is something for you to participate in. IdeaConnection facilitates individual and corporate innovation, ideas, and solutions by offering access to an … Continue reading IdeaConnection – A Trading Ground For Ideas

Contingency Planning

A basic premise of good strategic management is that firms plan ways to deal with unfavorable and favorable events before they occur.  The key is developing contingency plans for the positive and negative effects of business, not just the negative ones. Some contingency plans that a firm could establish are as follows: If a major … Continue reading Contingency Planning