Quality Alchemist (品質煉金術師): HKIE-MI AGM Seminar on Developing an Innovation Workforce

The seminar entitled “Developing an Innovation Workforce” was organized by Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) –Manufacturing & Industrial Division (MI) after AGM on 29 April 2016. The immediately past chairman Ir. SC Ho reported the past years activities. He said they were looking forward the fourth industrial revolution in 2015 and appreciated members’ contribution upto 40 technical seminars, Apps workshop and industrial visits in the last year. He encourage us to participate the HKIE Conference 2016: Moving forward to 2025 Hong Kong Industrial Development, Technology and Innovation.

The new MI division chairman is Ir. Herman Chiu.

After the AGM, Ir. Dr. Victor Lo was the guest speaker and his topic named “Developing an innovative workforce”. His aim is to explore new approaches to conventional quality management. Moreover, he shared his vision that “I want to make greater China a better place for innovators” and his mission “To assist organizations to bring innovative ideas to quality life”.

Then Dr. Lo shared his idea as follows:

1. Develop a sound strategic plan

2. Inspire eager internal and external partners

3. Learn effective ways to innovate

4. Solve painful customer problems

Innovation included Your Boss Support, Your Interest and Innovative Method.

(One slide in Chinese: 山不轉, 路轉; 路不轉, 人轉; 人不轉, 心轉.)

Dr. Lo asked a question “What is Innovation?” There were many definitions.

We discussed about Innovation and Hon Ir. Dr. KW Lo also participated.

Then he introduced his Innovation Conceptual Model included “Need”, “New”, “Function” and “Value” to break the psychological inertia.

Dr. Lo said there were two systems for innovation methods that one is people centered innovation (using Design thinking) and the other is TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving).

He briefed TRIZ 5 pillars included “Functionality”, “Resources”, “Ideality”, “Contradiction” and “Evolution”; as well as, TRIZ 40 Innovative Principles.

And then he mentioned the Design Thinking process included “Empathize”, “Define”, “Ideate”, “Prototype” and “Test” where “Empathy” is the heart of Design Thinking.

Finally, Dr. Lo introduced his Innovation Model included PKIR, 50+ project flash cards, Management System, TRIZ, People Centered Innovation, Mutual Respect and management philosophy; so as to support Innovation Quality Improvement (IQI).