by Teresa Jurgens-Kowal Phd (Author)
This book provides an introduction to product development and innovation teams. First, we identify different types of innovation projects that are characterized by different levels of risk and potential reward. The market, technology, and product category are important to understanding the risk of the product development effort. Teams are the most common way to achieve high performance work, yet the team needs to be organized to best deliver the goals and objectives of the work. Innovation teams are typically cross-functional to represent all of the functions necessary to develop the new product. As the complexity of the new product development effort increases, the structure of the innovation team moves from an embedded functional group to a self-sufficient venture team. Project leaders are key to the success of a new product development team. Leadership characteristics and team building tools are discussed to increase the chances of success.
Author Biography
Teresa is president of Global NP Solutions, LLC, and a strategic innovation provider as a licensed New Product Development Professional and Project Management Professional(TM). She is an accomplished visionary and results-oriented professional with extensive industry experience from creative research to effective portfolio management through streamlined new product development processes. Prior to founding Global NP Solutions, Dr. Jurgens-Kowal acquired over 12 years experience in leadership and management positions with ExxonMobil Chemical Company and a total of 16 years as a practicing chemical engineer. Her corporate career encompassed various functions, including New Product Development, Portfolio Management, Licensing, Marketing, Logistics and Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Project Management, and Research Technology. Teresa has extensive experience leading successful teams, managing the product development life cycle, and defining the portfolio strategy. Her deep expertise in intellectual property management, product and process licensing, portfolio planning, customer service, and various business processes make her an ideal teacher and trusted advisor who knows both the theory and practices of New Product Development.