In that time were innovation seems to be one of the key solution to overcome the crisis, I face several disappointment regarding my innovation portfolio, especially about the way my PM manage their project. [Nota: Not talking here about digital or IT based indusctries ;-) ]
Be clear, it is mainly due to corporate policy but I lack argument...
Stage gate process, 6 sigma (I have to read the article "6 sigma and Innovation"), rationalization of portfolio meaning more big projects less experiements... leads to a very unsatisfactory portfolio result with few product on-the-shelf and an augmented Time-To-Market.
As PMI is the rule in our company I have set the rolling wave as mandatory for that kind of R&D / Innovation / New product development projects while usual and more standard process is used for enhancement.
In parrallele we have experimental projects that uses a AGILE-like process inspired both from Agile, Lean Start-ups and the Juggaad Innovation mindset.
What would be your recommandations to enhance our "hi uncertainties" projects management?
How do you do yourself to ensure a high effiency meaning lots of results (new products/services, new features, with a shrot TtM) with minimized risks?
How would you handle the change from stage gate to Agile like process?
Regards,
Baptiste Saving Changes...
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John MarraProgram Director, Strategic Development| 8 Rivers CapitalDurham, North Carolina, United States
Dear Baptiste,
I see this all the time here. In a conservative company innovation translates into risk, which is to be avoided. Management can not schedule the "ah ha" moment of innovation and then has difficulty fitting it into existing product development process, which are focused on standard production, when it happens. Saving Changes...
Beng Peng YapProject Manager (Product Creation)| SITARichmond, British Columbia, Canada
In my company, we enforces strict adherence to the stage-gate process for product development projects. However, there is one exception. Our lab (innovation) business unit are taken outside the governance of the stage-gate process and they have much lesser governance. This has worked well in bringing cutting edge products to market faster. Innovation/R&D projects are, but its very nature, high risk projects ... and that is to be expected. Saving Changes...
Greg GithensAuthor, "How to Think Strategically." Executive & Leadership Coach| Catalyst & Cadre LLCLakewood Ranch, Fl, United States
Too many times people confuse stage gate with design review. In good stage gate systems, only the best projects pass through the initial gates. The gates are not places for design reviews and signoffs.
Don't confuse "phase gate" which is a project management review approach, with stage gate, which is to make sure that the firm is investing in higher risk and higher reward projects. Saving Changes...
