innovation management | process improvement | design thinking | triz | problem solving | knowledge management | okr
What You Will Learn:
- Frame an open-ended problem with 5W1H, SCQA and MECE trees before generating solutions
- Find and confirm a root cause rather than fixing the most visible symptom
- Generate options systematically with SCAMPER, Six Thinking Hats and morphological analysis
- Apply TRIZ to contradictions that appear to have no compromise available
- Map a process five different ways and find the waste each map reveals
- Use 5S, Five Whys, 8D, SIPOC, DRIVE and prioritisation matrices on real problems
- Design game mechanics that get voluntary participation instead of compliance
- Build a knowledge system so the next team does not repeat the last team’s experiments
- Learn alongside Mike’s 1.6 million students from 185 countries
- Get the author’s experience from Preply, Wargaming, iDeals and Alfa-Bank
Overview
Alright, let’s talk about “Innovation Management: Build, Test and Scale New Ideas.” I’ve been deep in the tech trenches for a while now, and navigating the innovation lifecycle is something I’ve had to get my head around more than once. This course promises a structured approach to turning those “aha!” moments into tangible, scalable solutions, and I was keen to see if it delivered beyond just buzzwords.
The core strength of this course, in my opinion, lies in its pragmatic breakdown of complex problem-solving and ideation frameworks. It doesn’t just throw a bunch of acronyms at you; it actually walks you through how to *apply* them. The emphasis on framing problems using the 5W1H, SCQA, and MECE trees is a solid foundation. Honestly, before diving into solutions, really understanding the *why* and *what* of a problem, and ensuring you’re looking at it from all angles without overlap or gaps, is half the battle.
What I particularly appreciated was the explicit focus on **root cause analysis** over symptom fixing. Weβve all been in meetings where we chase the shiny object, only to have the underlying issue resurface. This course hammers home the importance of digging deep with techniques like the Five Whys β a simple but powerful tool when used diligently.
The systematic generation of options is another highlight. The integration of **SCAMPER**, **Six Thinking Hats**, and **morphological analysis** provides a toolkit that can genuinely help break through creative blocks and ensure you’re exploring a broad spectrum of possibilities before settling. And when you hit those seemingly intractable contradictions, the introduction to **TRIZ** is a welcome addition, offering a more advanced, almost scientific, approach to finding non-obvious solutions.
For anyone involved in process improvement, this course offers a fantastic array of mapping techniques and waste identification tools. Tools like **SIPOC** and the broader focus on process analysis can really shine a light on inefficiencies that are often hidden in plain sight.
Finally, the inclusion of game mechanics for voluntary participation and the concept of building a knowledge system to avoid repeating past mistakes are forward-thinking elements that are crucial for sustainable innovation within any organization. Itβs about embedding innovation into the culture, not just treating it as a project.
Prerequisites
While the course is structured to be accessible, having a basic understanding of business processes and a willingness to engage with analytical thinking would be beneficial. It’s not strictly required, but if you’ve ever been involved in project management or product development, you’ll find it easier to grasp the real-world applications.
Skills & Tools
This course equips you with a robust set of skills and introduces you to industry-standard tools essential for innovation management. You’ll gain proficiency in:
- Problem Framing (5W1H, SCQA, MECE)
- Root Cause Analysis (Five Whys, 8D)
- Ideation & Option Generation (SCAMPER, Six Thinking Hats, Morphological Analysis)
- Contradiction Resolution (TRIZ)
- Process Mapping & Analysis (5S, SIPOC, DRIVE)
- Prioritisation Techniques
- Knowledge Management System Design
- Gamification for Engagement
This blend of theoretical frameworks and practical application makes the learning highly **job-ready**.
Career Benefits & Job Roles
For any professional looking to drive impactful change and add significant value, this course is a game-changer. It directly supports **career growth** by equipping you with the skills demanded in today’s competitive market. Potential job roles that would benefit immensely include:
- Innovation Manager
- Product Manager
- Process Improvement Specialist
- Business Analyst
- Project Manager
- R&D Specialist
- Strategy Consultant
The **hands-on labs** and real-world project focus are excellent for building a portfolio that showcases these **job-ready skills**.
Pros
- Comprehensive Frameworks: The course covers a wide array of proven methodologies for problem-solving, ideation, and process improvement, moving from foundational to advanced concepts like TRIZ.
- Actionable Application: It’s not just theoretical; the emphasis on applying these tools to real problems makes the learning highly practical and immediately useful.
- Author’s Experience: Learning from someone with direct experience at companies like Preply and Wargaming provides invaluable real-world insights and context.
Cons
- Pace for Beginners: While accessible, some of the advanced topics, particularly TRIZ and intricate process mapping, might require a bit more focused effort for absolute beginners to fully absorb without prior exposure to similar concepts.