Davies, R and Harty, C (2014) Initial use of an idea capture app in a UK construction organisation. In: Raiden, A and Aboagye-Nimo, E (eds.) Proceedings of 30th Annual ARCOM Conference, 1-3 September 2014, Portsmouth, UK.
Abstract
We report some results from an ongoing action research project to improve creativity, innovation diffusion and knowledge transfer in a large UK construction organisation and its supply-chain. Our focus is on the use of an interactive mobile and desktop app that enabled employees to submit, share, discuss and develop innovative ideas. We use longitudinal system data to determine: how many users register on the system, how many ideas are submitted, how many users actively contribute ideas, and where in the organisation ideators are based. The paper describes the background and organisational context of a company-wide initiative to promote an Ôinnovation cultureÕ and to implement innovation management systems and processes. We describe the development and specifications of the app, associated innovation portfolio management processes, and the communication and change management activities that accompanied its launch and rollout. We discuss this analysis in terms of existing models of employee creativity and voice and previous research on suggestion schemes, ideas capture and innovation competitions in construction and other industries.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | innovation |
| Index terms: | knowledge transfer, competition, innovation management, construction organization, innovation diffusion, portfolio management, action research, creativity, specification, change management |
| Subjects: | economic analysis, organization, research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, innovation studies, sociology, market analysis, innovation and creative processes, management, contractual condition |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Contract Administration, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here