C208 - Assessment - Module 5

___________ is revolutionary, ___________ is evolutionary. a) Radical innovation, incremental innovation b) Radical innovation, semi-radical c) Incremental innovation, radical innovation d) Semi-radical innovation, radical innovation

Feedback: The correct answer is A. Radical innovation is revolutionary, incremental innovation is evolutionary.

This group tool would be a good choice for those who are more visually creative. a) Brainstorming b) Braindrawing c) NGT d) SCAMPER

Feedback: The correct answer is B. Braindrawing would be a good choice for those who are more visually creative.

Suppose you were a CEO standing in front of a large group of your employees (more than 50), and wanted to start a brainstorming session. You know that with such a large group brainstorming would be ineffective. What would be an effective alternative method of sparking creativity in this large group? a) braindrawing b) Discussion 66 c) anonymous idea generation d) SCAMPER

Feedback: The correct answer is B. In this case, breaking up into small groups and imposing time limits as is the approach of Discussion 66 would be an effective technique for a large group.

Success can be a threat to innovation because of _________________. a) the diversion of investment from innovation b) the risks of complacency and dogma c) the resulting focus on short-term profitability d) the resulting focus on performance management

Feedback: The correct answer is B. Success can be a threat to innovation because of the risks of complacency and dogma.

The final stage of innovation in Teresa Amabile's framework is _________________. a) preparation b) incubation c) execution d) illumination

Feedback: The correct answer is C. Execution is the final stage of innovation in Teresa Amabile's framework.

The first skunk works was developed by: a) Boeing b) Intel c) Lockheed d) Google

Feedback: The correct answer is C. Lockheed developed the first skunk works.

Corporate culture, team dynamics, and analytical thinking can sometimes impede which of the following? a) creativity b) discussion c) progress d) all of the above

Feedback: The correct answer is D. A culture and team that do not promote creativity, and an analytical way of thinking can impede creativity, discussion, and progress.

According to Clay Shirky, ___________ organizations fix the problem and then fix the thing that caused the problem. a) closed innovation b) open innovation c) single loop d) double loop

Feedback: The correct answer is D. Double loop organizations fix the problem and then fix the thing that caused the problem.

This innovation tool offers companies looking for radical innovation or long-range thinking a solution shielded from bureaucratic interference. a) Idea incubator b) Skunk works c) New venture team d) All of the above

Feedback: The correct answer is A. The idea incubator is a tool that can shield companies from bureaucratic interference. New venture teams and skunk works usually focus on more specific and timely projects.

Which of the following statements is false? a) A "Command-and-Control" leadership style kills innovation b) No one leadership style stands out as dramatically more successful than another in promoting innovation c) A McKinsey study concluded that people and organizational culture are the most important drivers of innovation d) Academic research shows that connections are more important than individual intelligence for promoting innovation

Feedback: The correct answer is A. This is a false statement. A "Command-and-Control" leadership style doesn't necessarily kill innovation, witness the success of Steve Jobs.

An _______________ recognizes the value of a new idea and lends authority and resources to develop and execute innovation in the organization. a) idea generator b) idea champion c) idea entrepreneur d) idea orchestrator

Feedback: The correct answer is B. An idea champion recognizes value of a new idea and lends authority and resources to develop and execute innovation in the organization.

Gathering ideas and inventions from outside the organization is considered: a) incremental innovation b) open innovation c) closed innovation d) S-curve innovation

Feedback: The correct answer is B. Gathering ideas and inventions from outside the organization is considered open innovation.

Which of the following best describes the process of introducing new products or services to the marketplace? a) Invention b) Implementation c) Inspiration d) Insight

Feedback: The correct answer is B. Implementation describes the process of introducing new products or services to the marketplace.

Which of the following types of innovation represent the majority of innovation? a) radical b) incremental c) semi-radical d) open

Feedback: The correct answer is B. Incremental innovation represents the majority of innovation.

When a group arrives at a decision that is exactly the opposite of the outcome that each individual in the group would have chosen, it is called: a) groupthink b) the Abilene Paradox c) divergent thinking d) convergent thinking

Feedback: The correct answer is B. The Abilene Paradox is when a group arrives at a decision that is exactly the opposite of the outcome that each individual in the group would have chosen.

This group tool would be a good choice for generating a concise image or idea of an optimal outcome. a) Braindrawing b) Visioning c) SCAMPER d) NGT

Feedback: The correct answer is B. Visioning would be a good choice for generating a concise image or idea of an optimal outcome.

Edward de Bono's "po" statements are meant to provoke _________________. a) linear thinking b) vertical thinking c) lateral thinking d) constructive criticism

Feedback: The correct answer is C. Edward de Bono's "po" statements are meant to provoke lateral thinking.

Which of the following is not a healthy behavior for a creative team to have? a) team members remain objective b) team seeks consensus around a common goal c) team members compete for idea acceptance d) team discussion focuses on the facts

Feedback: The correct answer is C. Group creativity is not a competition.

One advantage of a diversity of viewpoints on a creative team is that it is less likely to encourage _____________. a) conflict b) compromise c) groupthink d) none of the above

Feedback: The correct answer is C. One advantage of a diversity of viewpoints on a creative team is that it is less likely to encourage groupthink.

This type of innovation involves a substantial change to either the business model or technology of an organization. a) radical b) incremental c) semi-radical d) open

Feedback: The correct answer is C. Semi-radical innovation involves a substantial change to either the business model or technology of an organization.

Technology and industries generally have a rate of inception, adoption, and decline that looks like a(n)___________. a) Phillips curve b) bell curve c) S-curve d) Alpha wave

Feedback: The correct answer is C. Technology and industries generally have a rate of inception, adoption, and decline that looks like an S-curve.

The explicit attempt to put dominant ideas or conventional wisdom to the side and focus on generating alternatives without immediate evaluation is: a) vertical thinking b) convergent thinking c) divergent thinking d) groupthink

Feedback: The correct answer is C. The explicit attempt to put dominant ideas or conventional wisdom to the side and focus on generating alternatives without immediate evaluation is divergent thinking.

Which of the following statements is false? a) Leaders need to act as role models for innovation b) Rewarding short-term performance can inhibit innovation c) Bureaucracies can be counted on to stifle innovation d) Leaders who seek innovation should foster an organizational culture based on trust

Feedback: The correct answer is C. This is a false statement. Academic research has shown that bureaucracies don't necessarily stifle innovation.

Skunk works have been established to side step which of the following factors: a) budgetary disputes b) command-and-control management c) organization turf battles d) all of the above

Feedback: The correct answer is D. Skunk works are meant to side step all of these factors.

Which of the following is not an example of radical innovation? a) the Internet b) cellular telecommunications c) magnetic resonance imaging d) tablet computers

Feedback: The correct answer is D. Tablet computers, which are based on existing PC technology, do not represent a radical innovation.