CHOOSE AMONG SEVERAL SERVICES TO PROMOTE INNOVATION AT YOUR INSTITUTION
1. Certified Applied Innovator offered individually or in groups (we'll set up an innovation academy for employees or a 3-credit course for students).
Pursue the Certified Applied Innovator offered through the Rubicon River Innovation Institute. This unique credential is designed for individuals who want to develop an innovative mindset and bring organic ideas to the organization. Emphasis is on the individual and the ability to complete immersive and second-level exercises with the benefit of coaching and mentoring input. As a guide to serve as motivation, an Innovation Catalyst designation is provided via a badge upon completion of the halfway point of the Certified Organic Innovator program. The program builds on a series of ten skills needed for an innovative mindset with materials and work as follows:
Sharing of background and selective information
Immersive exercises
Active Learning/Second-level exercises
Reinforcement of Learning
Certification (100% completion of 10 modules)
Learning Outcomes:
Evaluate opportunities for mindful innovation and change.
Develop an effective communication mindset to promote success in innovation.
Employ appropriate research to find the innovative "sweet spot" in goods, services, and systems.
Utilize available resources that are conducive to nurturing innovation.
Deploy strategies for stimulus swapping as the primary tool for innovation.
Implement many tools and activities in a project that result in the creation of innovative ideas.
The Certified Applied Innovator credential is a valuable qualification that equips individuals with the highly sought-after skills of innovation and creativity. This credential enhances an individual's ability to think organically, develop groundbreaking ideas, and bring about positive change in any organization. With this certification, individuals gain a deep understanding of the principles and techniques of innovation, enabling them to tackle complex problems and find innovative solutions. By upskilling in innovation and creativity, individuals become valuable assets in today's fast-paced and rapidly evolving world. This credential validates their expertise and opens doors to exciting opportunities where their innovative thinking can make a significant impact.
The credential is based on mastery learning, a system that builds on mastering a subject or skill before moving on. This system, first outlined by Benjamin Bloom (yes, of Bloom's Taxonomy fame), allows the individual to learn and build skills at a pace suited to that person's mindset. The focus on learning (and not teaching) creates a dynamic environment where skills are gained through the completion of activities and without grades or exams. We'll use TalentLMS.com (Learning Management System) for the individual to track and follow through a structured flow of information that allows for easy following and completing activities. MOST IMPORTANTLY, the credential emphasizes upskilling into a mindset of innovation and not just completing the credential (otherwise, we're adding to credential fatigue). As such, the credential is earned after 100% successfully completing the required activities.
We offer the credentials individually or in groups. The standard group approach is to provide an Innovation Academy to employees or a 3-credit course to students. In offering the credential, we use TalentLMS.com, an excellent LMS platform for training and credentialing. This includes an out-of-the-box syllabus, instruction, and Outcomes Assessment that measures the above outcomes. This provides a great opportunity for students to earn an external credential in a highly sought-after soft skill. Each academy or course can accommodate up to 25 individuals and includes a group discount.
2. Offer a one-day Ideation Conclave entailing many (if not all) of your employees
By using an entire day at your location, we'll provide activities and the stimuli needed to generate practical ideas to help your organization. The activities and stimuli will be designed specifically for your firm. This allows for an entire day of team and individual activities focusing on developing ideas important to the organization's success. The use of stimuli is paramount to the day's activities, as innovation happens when two or more unrelated ideas collide to create something new (Steve Faktor, The Collision Theory of Innovation). In conjunction with you, a number or all employees can partake in activities. Regardless of how many employees, this serves as a "hands-on" day for the institution. It is a day for employees to shine!
A typical one-day Ideation Conclave entails the following agenda:
1. Introductions
2. Making the case for innovation within the organization
3. Discussion of stimuli and tools explicitly selected for the organization
4. Activity One and formulating ideas
5. Lunch
6. Activity Two and formulating ideas
7. Activity Three and formulating ideas
8. Discussion of the comprehensive list of ideas
9. What's next?
3. Create and utilize a Six Sigma team to flush out product, service, and system defects
Using the classic DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) approach to Six Sigma, our service offers a comprehensive Six Sigma team that actively collaborates with your employees to identify and reduce defects within your systems and products. Led by a Six Sigma Blackbelt and including your employees in the process, we ensure a well-rounded approach that combines your expertise with our specialized knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies. Together, we aim to drive out or reduce any flaws or inefficiencies, enhancing your operations' overall quality and efficiency. Our team will work closely with your employees, providing them with the necessary training and guidance to implement effective defect-reduction strategies. Through this collaborative effort, we strive to achieve optimal results and deliver superior products and services to your customers. This process can take up to six months but instills confidence in your employees and a chance to decrease product, service, and system defects.
ACBSP Consulting
Our Team of ACBSP Certified Consultants and ACBSP Certified Mentors, with many years of experience handling site visits, offers consulting services focused on assisting educational institutions seeking accreditation or reaccreditation, preparing for site visits, addressing notes and conditions, and preparing Quality Assurance Reports as needed for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Here's how we can support your institution:
Accreditation Guidance: We provide step-by-step guidance to help your institution meet ACBSP standards. Our experts review your programs, policies, and processes to ensure alignment with accreditation criteria.
Self-Study Preparation: We assist in preparing the self-study report required for accreditation. Our team helps you review your current report or gather evidence, analyze data, and present a comprehensive self-study.
Site Visit Preparation: We thoroughly prepare your institution for an ACBSP site visit. We offer mock site visits, train faculty and staff, and ensure you can showcase your strengths.
Notes and Conditions Resolution: If your institution receives notes or conditions from ACBSP, we guide you in addressing them effectively. Our consultants work closely with your team to implement necessary improvements, including help with the Status and Quality Assurance Reports.
Quality Enhancement: Beyond accreditation, we help enhance the quality of your business programs. Our recommendations focus on continuous improvement, student outcomes, and program excellence.
Additional Services
