Innovation at International Foods Case Study
Josh and his team experience too much bureaucracy in their work (McKeen & Smith). These lengthy processes of approval slow down the rate of their work. In addition, some of these procedures are unnecessary. For instance, before using instant messages and social media, Josh's team has to receive approval from the technology department. This approval is not necessary since the only reason is to know why Josh's team wants to use these facilities. Even using a conference room required one to book before using it.
Sometimes Josh held meetings with team members to brainstorm ideas. According to Rick Visser, this was against protocol. All meetings held were supposed to involve him yet Josh did not inform him. Josh argued that the meetings held were not the actual ones. The team members just came together to share and weigh some ideas they had in mind. In addition, Sheema had asked the team to outline the costs and benefits of their proposal. This created difficulties for them because they were not sure whether their work would be accepted.
The heads of IT department were another obstacle to Josh and his team members. Every idea the group brought up was criticized. Sheema and John appeared to point out only the small loopholes in every idea (McKeen & Smith, 2012). Eventually, Tonya realized IT members are refuting every business idea, which should not happen. He asked them to be open-minded and encourage creativity. This was the only way IT would assist innovation in the International Food Company. Despite the difficulties experienced by Josh's team, Tonya was supportive. When Josh complained, Tonya helped him to solve the issues. He also assisted the team members to navigate company procedures. Tonya spoke with Rick about smoothening things in company procedures. As Josh's immediate boss, he encouraged the group for their good work. However, he criticized them...
This mainly concerned the viability of ideas the team suggested.
Question 2
Josh needs to use persuasion, especially in the IT department. This persuasion should be based on experiments on these ideas. For example, interacting through the company website can be tested among the customers. This test marketing should involve all the three objectives Josh wants to accomplish. The IT department can select certain duration of time and observe the results of this test. If the outcome will be promising, then the Josh can use these results to convince the IT department.
As Josh tries to make these persuasions, he should coordinate with Tonya, his immediate boss. He seems to have better relations with IT management. For example, Tonya assisted Josh's team with company procedures, especially those from IT department. It would be easy for Tonya to negotiate for an opportunity of carrying out market test. Tonya has worked in this company longer than Josh. Therefore, his request is likely to be considered better than that of Josh.
According to Sheema, a plan with details is considered more than just brainstormed ideas. Putting this into consideration, Josh and other team members need to create a comprehensive plan with details. When they present it to heads of IT, it will be presentable and convincing enough for approval. One weakness with the group's proposal was the lack of all necessary details. For instance, the proposal lacked financial projections. It also lacked a statement of the ideas' business value, which is also essential. These are among the essential details required for a successful proposal.
Summary
Technology is an essential element in achieving success in business. At International Foods Company, technology is being used for innovation. A group led by Josh is using modern technology to innovate marketing strategies.…
