Stimulating Innovation in Products and Services

Practical techniques to help any organization innovate and
succeed

In this groundbreaking book, internationally acclaimed authors
demonstrate that innovation can be mastered via systematic and
replicable methods. Following careful instructions and guidelines,
readers discover how to foster the ingenuity that resides within
all organizations and how it can be most efficiently and
effectively used to create value.

At the core of this book is the Function Analysis Systems Technique
(FAST). FAST is a powerful mapping technique that graphically
models projects, products, and processes in function terms and
identifies function dependencies. It is an organized structure
ideally suited to exploring complex issues. Readers start with
basic concepts and then move on to more advanced concepts using
FAST to help their organizations survive and prosper in today's
global economy. Topics include:

• Problem-solving techniques

• Function analysis

• Function Analysis Systems Technique (FAST)

• Dimensioning the FAST model

• Attributes and the FAST model

• Enabling innovation

• From competency to capability

Practical examples and case studies are provided throughout the
book to assist the reader in applying the principles of FAST to
their own organizations.

Stimulating Innovation in Products and Services is based on the
authors' many years of experience advising clients in a variety of
industries, including oil and gas, aerospace, health care, and
man-ufacturing. Its practical focus assists all engineers,
scientists, and managers who want to foster innovation within their
organizations. Extensive use of case studies makes this an ideal
coursebook for MBA students.

Autorentext

J. Jerry KAUFMAN is the founder of J. J. Kaufman Associates,
Inc., a value management services company. He has more than
thirty-five years' experience working in design engineering, value
engineering, and corporate management in the industrial,
electronic, processes, services, and aerospace markets. Mr. Kaufman
is the author of four books, and has also contributed articles for
Japanese, European, and U.S. publications on advanced value
management concepts. Internationally recognized as a leader in his
field, he is a past president of the Society of American Value
Engineers (SAVE) and is the recipient of the Society's Lawrence D.
Miles Award.

ROY WOODHEAD, PhD, is Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes
University, UK, in the fields of innovation management, technology
management, and value management. He is a Vice President of SAVE
and has been an invited keynote speaker to international value
management conferences. Using action research in conjunction with
innovation techniques, he has worked with companies such as Shell
International, BP, and Agip to structure decision-making processes
and leverage their innovation potential.

Zusammenfassung
Practical techniques to help any organization innovate and succeed

In this groundbreaking book, internationally acclaimed authors demonstrate that innovation can be mastered via systematic and replicable methods. Following careful instructions and guidelines, readers discover how to foster the ingenuity that resides within all organizations and how it can be most efficiently and effectively used to create value.

At the core of this book is the Function Analysis Systems Technique (FAST). FAST is a powerful mapping technique that graphically models projects, products, and processes in function terms and identifies function dependencies. It is an organized structure ideally suited to exploring complex issues. Readers start with basic concepts and then move on to more advanced concepts using FAST to help their organizations survive and prosper in today's global economy. Topics include:

• Problem-solving techniques
• Function analysis
• Function Analysis Systems Technique (FAST)
• Dimensioning the FAST model
• Attributes and the FAST model
• Enabling innovation

• From competency to capability

  Practical examples and case studies are provided throughout the book to assist the reader in applying the principles of FAST to their own organizations.

  Stimulating Innovation in Products and Services is based on the authors' many years of experience advising clients in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, aerospace, health care, and man-ufacturing. Its practical focus assists all engineers, scientists, and managers who want to foster innovation within their organizations. Extensive use of case studies makes this an ideal coursebook for MBA students.

Inhalt
FOREWORD. PREFACE.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

1. INTRODUCTION.

The Meaning of Function.

Reading FAST.

FAST Logic.

Some Observations.

What Have We Learned?

Applying FAST to Hardware Products.

Reading a FAST Model.

Analyzing a FAST Model.

Some Unique Ways That a FAST Model Has Been Used.

How It All Began.

Toward an Innovation Process.

Who Models Functions?

Why an Interdisciplinary Team?

Team Makeup.

Unlocking Practical Ingenuity.

When Should We Use FAST?

Fundamental Questions.

Distinguishing Between Problem and Opportunity.

Difference Between FAST Diagrams and FAST Models.

Validating Function Models.

Outline of This Book.

2. PROBLEM-SOLVING TECHNIQUES.

VerbNoun Function Technique.

Fuzzy Problem Technique.

Setting Up the Problem in the Fuzzy Problem Technique.

Hierarchical Technique.

VerbNoun and Fuzzy Problem Techniques Within the Hierarchical Technique.

Closing Remarks.

3. FUNCTION ANALYSIS.

Function Analysis Syntax.

Active Verbs.

Measurable Nouns.

Using Two Words to Describe Functions.

Defining and Classifying Functions.

Types of Functions.

Extrinsic Functions.

Intrinsic Functions.

Basic Functions.

Secondary Functions.

Practical Definitions.

Rules Governing Basic Functions.

Function Identification Example.

Random Function Determination.

Levels of Abstraction.

Function and Component Selection.

Function Cost Matrix.

Simplifying the Process.

Closing Remarks.

4. FUNCTION ANALYSIS SYSTEM TECHNIQUE.

Process Overview.

Some Misconceptions.

As Is Versus Should Be Models.

Syntax Used to Create and Read a FAST Model.

Reading HowWhy and Our Intentions.

HowWhy Versus WhyHow Orientation.

Reading When to Consider Causality and Consequential Functioning.

Key Elements of a FAST Model.

Scope Lines.

Highest-Order Function(s).

Lowest-Order Function(s).

Basic Function(s).

Content.

Requirements or Specifications.

Dependent Functions.

Independent (Support) Functions.

Logic Path Functions.

Articulating Theories in FAST.

Variations of HowWhy Questions.

Considering AndOr Along the Logic Path.

Considering And in the When Direction.

Considering Or in the When Direction.

FAST Model-Building Process: Product Example.

Expanding the Number of Functions.

Case for Using Active Verbs.

Purpose of Expanding Functions.

Avoiding Duplicate Functions.

Starter Kit Functions.

Preparations for Building a FAST Model.

Build How and Test Why.

Relationship of the Left Scope Line to the Basic Function.

Right Scope Line.

Left Scope Line.

What's the Problem?

Defining the Problem.

Three Questions Before Starting the FAST Process.

How the Strategic Questions Are Asked in a Workshop.

Symbols and Notations Used in FAST Modeling.

Taking Exception to the FAST Rules.

Independent Functions Above the Logic Path, Activities Below the Logic Path.

No Activities in the Major Logic Path.

Only Two Words Used to Describe Functions. Loop-Back Modeling.&lt...