Managing Innovation Activity Processes Part Ⅱ: Dependency-based Activity Structural Modelling and Its Implications

摘要

This paper, Part Ⅱ is a series of two, presents a modelling framework for large complex innovation activity processes in the context of global fashion marketplaces. The framework draws on the research fields of organisational and industrial management, and applies to global-oriented fashion business activities. Interactivity dependency is treated as a fundamental operational issue within modelling complex workflow processes; it is argued that current management and technological tools do not adequately account for the uncertain consequences stemming from this issue. Several modelling aspects are discussed, including: the process modelling methodology characteristics and their implications to management; and the algorithmic objectives and the types of representation used in different process modelling paradigms in activity process design. On such premises, an improving methodological framework to address these modelling issues is then introduced. Based on the activity structures modelled by the framework, we progress to evaluate innovation activity performance, using an evolutionary algorithmic search strategy to schedule and optimise the expected to-market cycle time. An industrial case regarding the application of the framework is presented. Finally, we conclude with a discussion about an additional concept framework that is generalised for the strategic use of the framework in the context of global fashion business activities.