Investigating innovation practices in design: creative problem solving and knowledge management

Abstract

This paper describes a case study investigating two key aspects of innovation practice in an engineering company: creative problem solving (CPS) and knowledge management (KM). CPS methods offer benefit to organisations in developing novel solutions and improving operations. This research identified the key factors in applying CPS methods from the literature, and compared the creative practices of one engineering organisation with three creative organisations. KM practices can support the sharing and reuse of innovative practices and creative outcomes. A central conflict in adopting KM is codification vs. personalisation. This issue is discussed with reference to a KM framework proposal.