Lesson 6: Implementing Innovation
• Project management principles for innovation.
• Importance of collaboration across different functions.
I. Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Describe core project management principles and apply them to innovation projects.
2. Analyze the role of collaboration between different functions or departments in the successful implementation
of innovative ideas.
3. Design a simple innovation project plan that includes structured project management and cross-functional
collaboration strategies.
II. Lesson Content
A. Introduction (10 minutes)
Motivation / Icebreaker:
Ask: “Think of a product or service you love that didn’t exist 10 years ago. How do you think it came to be?”
Let 2-3 students respond. Then say: “Behind every innovative idea is a structured process and a team of people with
different skills. That’s what we’ll explore today.”
B. Discussion
1. Project Management Principles for Innovation
Definition: Project Management is the use of specific knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to deliver value
through a project.
Innovation-specific considerations:
o Agility & Adaptability: Iteration, feedback loops, fast prototyping
o Stages of Innovation Project:
Ideation
Planning
Development/Execution
Testing
Launch
Review & Evaluation
o Tools & Techniques:
Gantt Charts / Kanban Boards
SWOT Analysis
Risk Management Matrix
SMART Goals
o Key Roles:
Project Leader, Innovators/Creators, Analysts, Finance Coordinator
Example: Talk about Google’s 20% time or how Spotify manages innovation through squads and tribes.
2. Importance of Collaboration Across Different Functions (20 minutes)
What is Cross-Functional Collaboration?
o Involves people from different departments (e.g., Marketing, IT, R&D, HR, Finance) working together on
a shared goal.
Why It’s Crucial for Innovation:
o Diversity of perspectives leads to better ideas.
o Prevents siloed thinking.
o Helps anticipate issues from different angles (e.g., budget, usability, compliance).
Common Challenges:
o Communication gaps
o Conflicting priorities
o Lack of leadership coordination
Case Example: Tesla’s product development – how engineering, marketing, and design departments work closely
together.
Individual Activity: Innovation Implementation Brief
NAME: ______________________________________________________________ SCORE: _______________
Program/Block: _______________________________________________________ Date: _________________
Instructions:
Scenario Prompt:
“Imagine you're proposing a new innovation (product, service, process, or sustainability initiative) for your school,
community, or a business. You are the project manager.”
Each student will create a 1–2 page brief with the following:
1. Title of the Innovation
2. Problem Statement & Solution (What problem does it solve?)
3. Goals of the Innovation Project
4. Implementation Timeline (brief overview: Weeks 1–6 or Months 1–3)
5. Roles Needed (Cross-functional collaboration)
o Identify at least 3 roles and explain their responsibilities.
6. Project Management Tools You’d Use (e.g., Gantt chart, SWOT, SMART goals)
7. Potential Risks and How to Address Them
8. Reflection Paragraph:
“How does proper planning and collaboration make innovation successful?”
D. Synthesis & Reflection
Facilitate a closing reflection:
1. “What part of innovation planning did you find most challenging?”
2. “Why do you think many good ideas fail in real life?”
Summarize the key points:
Innovation is not just about ideas—it’s about execution.
Proper planning + collaboration = innovation success.
IV. Assessment
Criteria Points
Clear Project Idea 20
Realistic Timeline & Goals 20
Defined Collaborative Roles 20
Use of PM Tools & Risk Analysis 20
Insightful Reflection 20
Total 100
