IDEA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT IN THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY AND INNOVATION
GILBERTO SANTOS *
College of Technology, Polytechnic Institute Cávado Ave, Barcelos, Portugal.
JOSÉ ANTÓNIO AFONSECA
College of Technology, Polytechnic Institute Cávado Ave, Barcelos, Portugal.
NUNO LOPES
College of Technology, Polytechnic Institute Cávado Ave, Barcelos, Portugal.
MANUEL DOIRO
Department of Business Organisation and Marketing, University of Vigo, Spain.
M. RUI ALVES
College of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
It is known the power of ideas is tremendous. But there are employees in many companies who have good ideas but not put them into practice. On the other hand, there are many others who have good ideas and are encouraged to contribute their ideas for innovation in the company. This study attempts to identify factors that contribute to success in managing ideas and consequent business innovation. The method used was the case study applied to two companies. During the investigation, factors considered essential for the success of an idea management program were identified, of which we highlight, among others, evidences the results, involvement of the top management, establishment of goals and objectives; recognition; dissemination of good results. Companies with these implemented systems, capture the best ideas from their collaborators and apply them internally. This study intends to contribute to business innovation in enterprises through creation and idea management, mainly through collecting the best ideas of their own employees. The results of this study can be used to help improving deployed suggestions systems, as well as, all managers who wish to implement suggestions systems/ideas management systems.
Keywords: Idea management system, innovation, quality, suggestion systems