Elspeth McFadzean

Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation Part 1: The Missing Link

Purpose – To examine the literature on corporate entrepreneurship and innovation and to develop a combined definition of these two terms. Moreover, the literature is used to construct a holistic model that seeks to explain the links between corporate entrepreneurial activity and the innovation process.Design/methodology/approach – A number of published works on entrepreneurship and innovation are critiqued. The findings from this literature review are used to develop a framework illustrating the relationships between the corporate entrepreneur and the innovation process.Findings – The paper presents a combined definition of corporate entrepreneurship and innovation and, from the literature review, concludes that previous models on entrepreneurship and innovation are fragmented because there is little exploration on the relationships and dynamics between these two factors. A framework of corporate entrepreneurship and innovation is constructed by synthesising the information gathered from previous literatu...

Facilitating virtual learning groups: A practical approach

Today, universities are using technological advances that have enabled them to change their traditional delivery methods. Computer supported collaborative learning permits students to undertake courses via the Internet. This allows students from all over the world to take part in a course where they can gather information not only from the instructor but also from their fellow students. Consequently, the traditional forms of teaching must be adapted to better serve the needs of virtual learning students. The virtual instructor must do more than just communicate information to the students. He or she must learn to support the collaborative process between the learners and to encourage them to work as a team. This article describes a model for facilitating virtual learning groups and presents a case study to illustrate the concepts of running such a group. In addition, a number of implications for planning and supporting virtual groups are presented.

Enhancing creative thinking within organisations

Creative problem solving (CPS) and innovation are very important to companies who want to gain flexibility and competitive advantage. This article describes how an organisation can enhance its creativity by developing a creative culture within the company. In addition, the paper discusses group creative problem solving. A creativity continuum is presented which describes three different types of techniques ‐ paradigm preserving, paradigm stretching and paradigm breaking. It is important to know which type of technique should be chosen for a particular type of situation. Paradigm preserving techniques are deemed to be more comfortable but less innovative whereas paradigm breaking techniques encourage participants to develop highly novel ideas. They can, however, be uncomfortable to use and should therefore not be utilised by the unwary. This article describes six different CPS techniques ‐ two paradigm preserving, two paradigm stretching and two paradigm breaking techniques.

The Creativity Continuum: Towards a Classification of Creative Problem Solving Techniques

It can be argued that companies may innovate on a more regular basis if groups and individuals can be encouraged to think more creatively. One method of encouraging novel ideas is to undertake creative problem solving (CPS). There are a number of different techniques that can enhance creative thinking. Some of these techniques require less imagination and produce less novel results than others. Individuals and group facilitators must choose which creative problem solving technique(s) to use for their specific situation. Some techniques, for example, may leave an inexperienced group feeling uncomfortable (e.g. if they are asked to draw pictures or develop fantasies) although they are often more effective than the more analytical methods. It may be helpful, therefore, to classify creative problem solving techniques so that individuals can easily choose an appropriate technique for their specific situation. This paper offers such a classification, which categorises the creative problem solving techniques into paradigm preserving, paradigm stretching and paradigm breaking. Some implications and future research are also presented.

Corporate entrepreneurship and innovation part 2: a role‐ and process‐based approach

Purpose – To extend the discussion held in part 1, and develop a two‐tier fifth‐generation model of corporate entrepreneurship and innovation.Design/methodology/approach – The components that have been synthesized from a review of the literature in Part 1 are extended using evidence from the literature. These components are used to construct a two‐tier model of corporate entrepreneurship and innovation; a macro model which presents the high‐level environmental drivers of innovation and a micro model that discusses the contextual factors that underpin the corporate entrepreneurship and innovation process.Findings – From the analysis conducted in part 1 it is evident that there is a strong relationship between the role of the corporate entrepreneur and the innovation process. It is suggested that by separating the corporate entrepreneur from the innovation process previous models have been overly reductionist in their construction, and their utility has, as a consequence, been severely constrained. The stud...

Perception of risk and the strategic impact of existing IT on information security strategy at board level

Purpose – Information security is becoming increasingly more important as organisations are endangered by a variety of threats from both its internal and external environments. Many theorists now advocate that effective security policies should be created at senior management level. This is because executives are able to evaluate the organisation using a holistic approach as well as having the power to ensure that new systems and procedures are implemented in a timely manner. There is, however, a continuing lack of understanding regarding the strategic importance of managing information security. In addition, there is a gap in the literature on the relationship between directors and information security strategy. This paper attempts to close this gap by exploring how directors perceive their organisations security and what factors influence their decisions on the development and implementation of information security strategy.Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on constructivist grounded ...

Techniques to enhance creative thinking

In order to develop more innovative products, process and services, organisations must encourage their employees to think more creatively. One method of achieving this is to encourage teams to utilise creative problem‐solving (CPS) techniques. There is a variety of different CPS techniques. Perhaps the most common technique utilised is that of brainstorming. This, however, does not necessarily produce novel and innovative solutions. The purpose of this article is to explore creative problem solving and to present a model that can help facilitators and team members choose an appropriate technique for their situation. The model has divided creative problem solving into three categories, namely paradigm preserving techniques, paradigm stretching techniques and paradigm breaking techniques. The article discusses these three categories and presents some examples of their use.

Facilitating problem‐solving groups: facilitator competences

Group and team meetings are important organisational processes. These teams, therefore, should be managed and supported appropriately in order to produce effective outcomes. One method of undertaking this is to use skilled and competent facilitators. Facilitators not only support the meeting process but they should also be actively involved before and after the meeting has taken place in order to help develop objectives, timescales, agendas and so on. It is important, therefore, that organisations either train their own facilitators or employ external facilitators with the necessary and appropriate competences. This paper describes what competences may be required by a facilitator and how these can be used effectively.

Facilitating problem‐solving groups: a conceptual model

Groups are an integral part of organisational life. It is important, therefore, that these teams are managed both efficiently and effectively. One method of undertaking this process is to employ skilled facilitators who can support and direct the group’s processes. This paper discusses a method of facilitation that not only will help a problem‐solving group to remain structured and focused but will also help to encourage creative thought and output. A conceptual model has been developed which managers can use as a handy checklist or reference while undertaking the process of facilitation.

Developing and supporting creative problem‐solving teams: part 1 – a conceptual model

Effective team development, facilitation and creative problem solving are three components that can help improve group problem solving and decision making. Group meetings can be notoriously ineffective and inefficient. They can be significantly improved if the facilitator and problem champion are aware of, and can influence, the variables that affect the group’s processes. This paper explores the elements involved in developing teams, enhancing facilitation skills and utilising creative problem‐solving techniques. These three areas are discussed in turn before presenting a model that shows the relationships that exist between them. This model is a useful framework for facilitators, problem champions and group participants because it can help in the preparation and support of group meetings. In addition, the model can also help managers to develop training courses for team development and facilitation.