At 3M, a Struggle between Efficiency and Creativity
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1. Describe the nature of incremental innovations derived at 3M through the adoption of the Six Sigma discipline earlier in the decade under the leadership of James McNerney.
2. How is the approach of George Buckley different? Is it more of a breakthrough type approach to invention?
3. Does Buckley's approach involve any outside involvement or openness to outside ideas or outside ventures and acquisitions?
4. Are elements of entrepreneurship present under either leader's approach?
5. Which approach to innovation do you think would be best at 3M?
6. Is it seemingly wise to try to have both Six Sigma and incremental innovation alongside a more open, creative breakthrough innovation approach? What challenges may emerge at 3M in attempting to do this?
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1. Describe the nature of incremental innovations derived at 3M through the adoption of the Six Sigma discipline earlier in the decade under the leadership of James McNerney.
The nature of incremental innovations derived at 3M through the adoption of the Six Sigma Discipline under the leadership of James McNerney was that he started a series of management techniques that wee designee to reduce production defects and increase efficiency. The purpose was to wield in 3M that had become sluggish, lacked control, and direction. McNerney focused on the efficiency. He managed to get incremental innovations through the DMAIC process that is define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. This process is incremental in nature. In addition, McNerney introduced Design for Six Sigma which systematized a new product development in such a way that the new product was made to Six Sigma specifications from the inception.
2. How is the approach of George Buckley different? Is it more of a breakthrough type approach to invention?
George Buckley's approach is different because he reduced the constraints of Six Sigma from the research labs. The reason was that he wanted creativity to return to 3M. George Buckley however continued with Six Sigma ...
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