Strategic Innovation
The Appleton Greene Corporate Training Program (CTP) for Strategic Innovation is provided by Mr. Puro MBA BBA Certified Learning Provider (CLP). Program Specifications: Monthly cost USD$2,500.00; Monthly Workshops 6 hours; Monthly Support 4 hours; Program Duration 12 months; Program orders subject to ongoing availability.

Personal Profile
Mr. Puro, Founder/President of Puro Consulting, is a strategic leader with 25+ years of experience in strategic and project management. A U.S. Air Force Veteran, he is a leadership expert and has successfully implemented numerous multi-million-dollar I.T. projects with a cumulative ROI of over $75M. As a strategist, Mr. Puro helps businesses mitigate risks, accelerate growth, and eradicate complexities.
In 2020, Mr. Puro transitioned from working for several Fortune 500 companies and launched Puro Consulting to help enterprises in the automotive, manufacturing, FinTech, insurance, and government sectors. He helps leaders realign teams, improve processes, and perfect their visions.
Stepping into the I.T. industry in 1990 and, after some time in operations and programming, he switched to project management. As a strategic leader, Mr. Puro helps organizations devise and implement winning strategies to raise global sales, accelerate expansion, and add value.
Mr. Puro is an alumnus of Davenport University and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees with a focus on strategic management. An internationally recognized Certified Senior Project Manager (CSPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), & Scrum Master Certified (SMC), he also holds a graduate certificate in Strategic Innovation and Change from the University of Denver.
To request further information about Mr. Puro through Appleton Greene, please Click Here.
(CLP) Programs
Appleton Greene corporate training programs are all process-driven. They are used as vehicles to implement tangible business processes within clients’ organizations, together with training, support and facilitation during the use of these processes. Corporate training programs are therefore implemented over a sustainable period of time, that is to say, between 1 year (incorporating 12 monthly workshops), and 4 years (incorporating 48 monthly workshops). Your program information guide will specify how long each program takes to complete. Each monthly workshop takes 6 hours to implement and can be undertaken either on the client’s premises, an Appleton Greene serviced office, or online via the internet. This enables clients to implement each part of their business process, before moving onto the next stage of the program and enables employees to plan their study time around their current work commitments. The result is far greater program benefit, over a more sustainable period of time and a significantly improved return on investment.
Appleton Greene uses standard and bespoke corporate training programs as vessels to transfer business process improvement knowledge into the heart of our clients’ organizations. Each individual program focuses upon the implementation of a specific business process, which enables clients to easily quantify their return on investment. There are hundreds of established Appleton Greene corporate training products now available to clients within customer services, e-business, finance, globalization, human resources, information technology, legal, management, marketing and production. It does not matter whether a client’s employees are located within one office, or an unlimited number of international offices, we can still bring them together to learn and implement specific business processes collectively. Our approach to global localization enables us to provide clients with a truly international service with that all important personal touch. Appleton Greene corporate training programs can be provided virtually or locally and they are all unique in that they individually focus upon a specific business function. All (CLP) programs are implemented over a sustainable period of time, usually between 1-4 years, incorporating 12-48 monthly workshops and professional support is consistently provided during this time by qualified learning providers and where appropriate, by Accredited Consultants.
Executive summary
Strategic Innovation
The Strategic Innovation training course is a comprehensive, 12-module program designed to provide company leadership and stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of key principles and practices of strategic innovation. Delivered monthly over the course of one year, this training program provides participants with the opportunity to learn and apply the latest tools, techniques, and frameworks for driving growth, competitiveness, innovation in their organizations, and respond to rapidly changing business environments.
This course covers the fundamentals of strategic innovation, including identifying new business opportunities, understanding customer needs, and creating and implementing innovative solutions through project management best practices. Students will learn how to develop and apply a strategic innovation framework, assess market trends and disruptions, and create a culture of innovation within their organization. The course also covers best practices for managing risk and uncertainty, and for creating and sustaining a supportive environment for innovation.
Upon completion of the course, participants will have a deep understanding of the key principles of strategic innovation and the skills necessary to drive innovation initiatives within their organizations. They will also have the tools and frameworks to help them lead change and transformation, and to create and sustain a culture of innovation in their organizations. Connecting strategy and innovation in the new normal for organizational success and it is my belief this course will provide a roadmap for leadership.
Fundamentals participants will take away from attending the Strategic Innovation Course:
• Develop skills and knowledge to identify and evaluate opportunities for innovation within an organization.
• Learn to apply design thinking principles to generate and evaluate innovative ideas.
• Develop and implement a business model innovation strategy to drive growth and competitive advantage.
• Understand the impact of digital transformation on business models and competitive advantage.
• Analyze case studies and examples to see how strategic innovation can be applied in practice.
• Engage with fellow students through interactive exercises and group discussions to share knowledge and perspectives.
• Receive feedback on your understanding of the material through formative assessments, such as quizzes and surveys.
• Apply your skills and knowledge to a real-world problem through a final project that requires you to develop and implement a strategic innovation plan.
• Gain a competitive edge in the job market by developing skills and knowledge in strategic innovation that can be applied in a variety of industries and organizational settings.
Curriculum
Strategic Innovation – Part 1- Year 1
- Part 1 Month 1 Strategic Management
- Part 1 Month 2 Strategic Innovation
- Part 1 Month 3 Project Management
- Part 1 Month 4 Emerging Trends
- Part 1 Month 5 Environment Scanning
- Part 1 Month 6 Problem Solving
- Part 1 Month 7 Evaluation
- Part 1 Month 8 Integration
- Part 1 Month 9 Remote Teams
- Part 1 Month 10 Implementation
- Part 1 Month 11 Competition
- Part 1 Month 12 Developing a Culture of Innovation
Program Objectives
The following list represents the Key Program Objectives (KPO) for the Appleton Greene Strategic Innovation corporate training program.
Strategic Innovation – Part 1- Year 1
- Part 1 Month 1 Strategic Management – Module 1 “Strategic Management” aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts and principles of strategic innovation and project management. The module is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage innovation projects in their organizations and help them achieve their strategic goals. The module begins by defining the terms strategic innovation and project management and explaining their importance in today’s business environment. It covers the different types of innovation and how they can be used to achieve strategic goals. The module also explores the key principles of project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and control. Participants will also learn about the different tools and techniques used in project management, including Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and risk management. They will also be introduced to different project management methodologies, such as Agile and Waterfall, and learn how to select the right methodology for their projects. In addition to the theoretical concepts, the module includes practical examples and case studies to illustrate the application of strategic innovation and project management in real-world scenarios. Participants will also engage in interactive activities and quizzes to reinforce their learning and test their understanding. By the end of the module, participants will have a clear understanding of the key concepts and principles of strategic innovation and project management. They will be able to apply this knowledge to their own work, helping their organizations to achieve their strategic goals through effective innovation management.
- Part 1 Month 2 Strategic Innovation – Module 2 provides understanding the Importance of Strategic Innovation is a crucial module in any training course that aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the dynamic business world. The module begins by defining strategic innovation as the process of identifying and implementing new ideas, products, services, and business models to create and sustain a competitive advantage. The module then delves into the importance of strategic innovation in the current business landscape, highlighting how it can help organizations to stay ahead of the curve and outperform their competitors. The module outlines the numerous benefits of strategic innovation, such as helping organizations to better understand their customers and their changing needs, anticipating, and responding to market trends and disruptions, improving operational efficiency, and boosting employee engagement and creativity. Additionally, the module provides a detailed overview of how strategic innovation can help organizations to achieve their long-term strategic goals, such as expanding into new markets, diversifying their product/service offerings, and enhancing their brand reputation. The module also discusses the key challenges that organizations face when trying to implement strategic innovation initiatives, including resistance to change, limited resources, and a lack of alignment between innovation and overall business strategy. The module provides practical strategies and best practices for overcoming these challenges, such as creating a culture of innovation, leveraging external partnerships and collaborations, and aligning innovation initiatives with the organization’s core mission and values. Overall, this module provides learners with a solid understanding of the importance of strategic innovation in today’s business landscape and equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement successful strategic innovation initiatives in their own organizations. By the end of the module, learners will have gained a deep appreciation for the strategic value of innovation and will be able to apply their newfound knowledge to drive sustainable growth and success in their organizations.
- Part 1 Month 3 Project Management – Module 3 – project management provides an overview of the key principles and best practices for managing projects effectively. Project management is a critical skill that helps businesses achieve their goals, by ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The module begins by introducing the key concepts and terminology of project management, including the project life cycle, project charter, work breakdown structure, and project plan. It then explores the importance of stakeholder management, communication, and risk management, and provides guidance on how to develop and implement effective project controls. The module also covers the importance of project leadership, team building, and motivation. It provides tips on how to manage project teams effectively, including how to delegate tasks, provide feedback, and manage conflicts. Finally, the module discusses the use of technology in project management, including project management software, collaboration tools, and other digital technologies that can improve project outcomes. It provides guidance on how to select and use the appropriate technology for different types of projects, and how to ensure that technology is integrated effectively into project management processes. By the end of the module, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the key principles and practices of project management and will be able to apply these concepts to their own work environments. They will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage projects effectively, and to lead project teams to success.
- Part 1 Month 4 Emerging Trends – Emerging Trends in Innovation and Project Management focuses on the latest developments in innovation and project management. This module provides learners with an overview of emerging trends and their impact on organizations, including new technologies and changing consumer preferences. The module begins by defining innovation and project management and their importance in driving organizational success. Learners will gain an understanding of the key principles of innovation and project management, including their interdependence and the importance of effective communication and collaboration among team members. The module then delves into the latest trends in innovation and project management, including the rise of agile methodologies, cloud computing, IoT, the increasing importance of data analytics, and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in project management. Learners will explore the benefits and challenges associated with these emerging trends and gain insights into how they can be applied in their own organizations. The module also explores how the pandemic has impacted innovation and project management, with a focus on remote work and virtual collaboration. Learners will gain an understanding of how organizations have adapted to the new normal and what strategies have been successful in navigating the challenges presented by the pandemic. Throughout the module, learners will engage in a variety of activities and exercises designed to enhance their understanding of the topics covered. These include case studies, group discussions, and interactive simulations that allow learners to apply the concepts they have learned in a practical setting. By the end of the module, learners will have a solid understanding of the latest trends in innovation and project management and how they can be leveraged to drive organizational success. They will also have gained practical skills and tools that they can apply in their own work to become more effective project managers and innovators.
- Part 1 Month 5 Environment Scanning – Module 5 provides that Environmental scanning is a critical process that enables organizations to identify and evaluate external and internal factors that can affect their operations, performance, and competitiveness. This module on environmental scanning provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of environmental scanning in organizational decision-making, the different types of environmental factors that can impact an organization, the benefits of conducting environmental scanning, and the key steps involved in conducting an environmental scan. The module begins by defining environmental scanning and highlighting its significance in the context of organizational decision-making. It explains how environmental scanning helps organizations to stay informed about the various factors that can impact their operations, such as economic, political, social, and technological factors. The module also covers the different types of environmental factors that can affect an organization, such as internal, micro, and macro-environmental factors. The module goes on to describe the benefits of conducting environmental scanning, including improved decision-making, identification of opportunities and threats, better risk management, and enhanced organizational agility. The module explains how environmental scanning enables organizations to stay ahead of the competition by identifying emerging trends and changes in the market. Finally, the module covers the key steps involved in conducting an environmental scan, including defining the scope of the scan, identifying the relevant environmental factors, collecting, and analyzing data, and developing recommendations based on the scan findings. It also emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the environmental scan remains relevant and up to date. Overall, the course module on environmental scanning provides a valuable introduction to this critical process and equips learners with the knowledge and skills they need to conduct effective environmental scans in the context of strategic innovation and project management.
- Part 1 Month 6 Problem Solving – Module 6 is covers Ideation and Problem Solving in Innovation which provides a comprehensive overview of the ideation process and the tools and techniques used for problem solving in innovation. This module is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their problem-solving skills and develop a creative mindset to drive innovation within their organization. The module begins by defining ideation and its importance in the innovation process. Participants will learn about the various ideation techniques, such as brainstorming and mind mapping. The module will also explore the benefits and challenges of ideation, and how to overcome ideation barriers. The module then focuses on problem-solving techniques, starting with problem identification and defining the problem statement. Participants will learn how to conduct a root cause analysis, generate solutions, and evaluate the best options. The module will also cover techniques such as SWOT analysis, 5 why’s, Pareto analysis, and Fishbone diagram to help identify and analyze the root cause of problems. In addition, the module will also cover the concept of design thinking, an approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy and human-centered design. Participants will learn about the five stages of design thinking: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test, and how to apply them to real-world scenarios. Throughout the module, participants will engage in interactive exercises, case studies, and discussions to apply the concepts and techniques covered in the module. By the end of the module, participants will have a solid understanding of ideation and problem-solving techniques and be equipped with the tools and strategies to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Part 1 Month 7 Evaluation – Module 7 on Measuring and Evaluating Impact is designed to help individuals understand the importance of measuring the impact of their innovation efforts and how to do so effectively. The module will cover key topics such as identifying key performance indicators, setting measurable goals, and analyzing data to evaluate success. The first section of the module will focus on the importance of setting measurable goals and identifying key performance indicators. Participants will learn how to establish specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for their innovation initiatives. They will also learn how to identify and track key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to monitor progress and evaluate success. The second section of the module will cover data collection and analysis. Participants will learn how to collect relevant data and analyze it effectively to evaluate the impact of their innovation initiatives. They will also learn how to use tools such as surveys, focus groups, and interviews to gather feedback from stakeholders and use that feedback to inform decision-making. The final section of the module will focus on communicating impact and using data to inform future innovation efforts. Participants will learn how to effectively communicate their impact to stakeholders and use data to inform future innovation initiatives. They will also learn how to identify areas for improvement and adjust their innovation strategies accordingly. By the end of this module, participants will have a solid understanding of how to measure and evaluate the impact of their innovation efforts. They will have the skills and knowledge needed to set measurable goals, identify key performance indicators, analyze data, and use that data to inform future innovation initiatives. This module is ideal for anyone involved in innovation, whether they are working in a startup, a large corporation, or a non-profit organization.
- Part 1 Month 8 Integration – Module 8 on Integrating AI and Technology in Strategic Innovation aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in the innovation process. The module highlights the impact of technology and AI on the innovation landscape and how organizations can leverage these advancements to achieve strategic objectives. The course begins by introducing participants to the fundamentals of AI and technology, their evolution over time, and their role in shaping the innovation landscape. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the various forms of AI, including machine learning, natural language processing, and their applications in innovation. The module explores the ways in which AI and technology can enhance the ideation and prototyping stages of the innovation process, enabling organizations to develop and test new ideas and concepts more efficiently. Participants will learn how to leverage AI-powered tools and techniques to identify emerging trends, predict future market demands, and build customer-centric solutions. The module also highlights the potential impact of AI and technology on project management, providing participants with insights on how to use these tools to manage resources, optimize processes, and improve project outcomes. Participants will learn how to integrate AI and technology into their project management workflows, improving collaboration and communication within their teams. Overall, this module is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to integrate AI and technology into their strategic innovation efforts effectively. By the end of the course, participants will have gained a thorough understanding of the potential applications of AI and technology in innovation, as well as the best practices for implementing these tools and techniques.
- Part 1 Month 9 Remote Teams – Module 9 Managing Remote and Global Innovation Teams focuses on the skills and techniques needed to successfully manage innovation teams in a remote and global environment. With the growing trend of remote work and globalization, it has become increasingly important for companies to adapt to this changing landscape and develop strategies to effectively manage their remote and global innovation teams. The module begins by exploring the challenges and benefits of managing remote and global innovation teams. Participants will learn how to establish clear communication channels, build trust, and create a culture of collaboration within the team. They will also learn how to effectively manage time zones, language barriers, and cultural differences. The course also covers best practices for remote and global project management, including setting goals, establishing timelines, and tracking progress. Participants will learn how to use various tools and technologies to support remote collaboration and project management, such as project management software, video conferencing, and virtual collaboration platforms. Additionally, the module covers the importance of diversity and inclusion in remote and global innovation teams. Participants will learn how to foster a culture of inclusion, promote diversity, and mitigate biases in team dynamics. Throughout the module, participants will have opportunities to engage in interactive activities and case studies to practice their skills and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. By the end of the module, participants will have a deeper understanding of the challenges and benefits of managing remote and global innovation teams, as well as the skills and tools needed to effectively manage these teams.
- Part 1 Month 10 Implementation – Module 10 on Implementing Strategic Innovation is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully implement strategic innovation initiatives within their organizations. The course covers a range of topics including the strategic planning process, idea generation and selection, project management, and risk management. The module starts by discussing the importance of having a clear strategic vision and plan, and how this can help organizations identify areas where strategic innovation can be implemented. Participants will learn about the key components of a strategic plan, including the mission, vision, and values, as well as the steps involved in developing a strategic plan. Next, the course covers the ideation and selection process for innovation projects. Participants will learn about various tools and techniques for generating ideas, evaluating them, and selecting the most promising ones for further development. The module also covers the importance of involving key stakeholders in the ideation process and obtaining their buy-in to ensure successful implementation. The course then delves into project management, covering topics such as developing a project charter, creating project plans, and monitoring and controlling project progress. Participants will learn about various project management tools and techniques, including the use of Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and risk management strategies. In addition to project management, the course also covers risk management. Participants will learn how to identify and assess risks associated with innovation projects and develop strategies to mitigate or manage them. The module also covers the importance of monitoring and evaluating the success of innovation projects and making adjustments as necessary. Finally, the course concludes with a discussion on how to effectively communicate and implement innovation initiatives within organizations. Participants will learn about the importance of clear communication and engagement with stakeholders, as well as strategies for overcoming resistance to change. By the end of this course, participants will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the key components involved in implementing strategic innovation initiatives within organizations. They will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully plan, execute, and evaluate innovation projects, and to effectively communicate and engage stakeholders throughout the process.
- Part 1 Month 11 Competition – Module 11 highlights that the business world is constantly evolving, and it can be challenging for companies to stay ahead of the competition. This training course on staying ahead of the competition focuses on strategic innovation practices to help businesses gain a competitive advantage. The module begins by defining strategic innovation and its importance in the business world. It also explores different types of innovation, such as product innovation, process innovation, and business model innovation, and how they can be used to stay ahead of the competition. The next section of the module delves into the process of conducting an environmental scan to identify potential opportunities and threats in the market. Participants will learn how to identify different types of environmental factors that can impact an organization, such as economic, social, technological, and legal factors. They will also gain an understanding of the benefits of conducting environmental scanning and the key steps involved in conducting an environmental scan. The module then moves on to ideation and problem-solving techniques to help businesses generate new and innovative ideas. Participants will learn how to use brainstorming, mind mapping, and other techniques to generate creative solutions to problems. The final section of the module covers measuring and evaluating impact. Participants will learn how to define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of their innovation initiatives and make data-driven decisions. They will also gain an understanding of the importance of continuous learning and improvement to stay ahead of the competition. By the end of this online training course module, participants will have gained a comprehensive understanding of strategic innovation practices and how to implement them to stay ahead of the competition. They will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify opportunities, generate new ideas, test and validate assumptions, and measure success to drive business growth and success.
- Part 1 Month 12 Developing a Culture of Innovation – Module 12 is the module on developing a culture of innovation, which aims to help participants create a work environment that fosters innovation and creativity. Through this course, learners will understand how to build a culture that supports innovation, encourages risk-taking, and promotes collaboration. They will also learn how to establish processes for idea generation, prototyping, and testing. The course will cover various topics related to developing a culture of innovation, including understanding the importance of innovation, identifying barriers to innovation, and creating a shared vision for innovation. Participants will also learn how to develop and communicate innovation strategies, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and create a supportive environment for innovation. The course will start with an overview of the innovation process and the importance of innovation in organizational growth and success. The learners will then explore the factors that contribute to a culture of innovation, including leadership, vision, collaboration, and risk-taking. They will also learn how to identify and overcome barriers to innovation, such as resistance to change, fear of failure, and lack of resources. Next, the course will cover strategies for generating, evaluating, and implementing innovative ideas. Participants will learn how to create cross-functional teams, establish idea generation processes, and develop effective prototyping and testing methods. They will also learn how to measure and evaluate the impact of their innovations and make necessary adjustments to their strategies. Throughout the course, participants will engage in various activities and exercises to reinforce the concepts they learn. They will also have access to case studies, best practices, and real-world examples of organizations that have successfully developed cultures of innovation. By the end of the course, participants will have a clear understanding of how to create and sustain a culture of innovation within their organizations. They will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to develop and implement innovative ideas that can drive growth and success.
Methodology
Strategic Innovation
Program Planning
The Strategic Innovation training course is a comprehensive, 12-module program designed to provide company leadership and stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the key principles and practices of strategic innovation. Delivered monthly over the course of one year, this training program provides students with the opportunity to learn and apply the latest tools, techniques, and frameworks for driving growth, competitiveness, innovation in their organizations, and respond to rapidly changing business environments.
The learning objectives for the strategic innovation course are built around the main goal of the course, which is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement innovative strategies to drive growth and competitive advantage. The cognitive domain of learning is a combination of higher-order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, as well as lower-order thinking skills such as knowledge and comprehension.
The main learning objectives for the strategic innovation course include:
• Identifying and evaluating opportunities for innovation within an organization
• Applying design thinking principles to generate and evaluate innovative ideas.
• Define strategic innovation and its purpose.
• Developing and implementing a culture of innovation strategy
• Apply project management principles to innovation projects.
• Evaluating the success of innovation initiatives using metrics and key performance indicators
Designing the course structure: Based on the learning outcomes and needs assessment, the course structure has been designed to be most effective for our learners. This includes determining the course content, instructional methods, assessment strategies, and evaluation methods. The course structure will be aligned with the learning outcomes and students will find the course engaging and interactive.
Program Development
This course covers the fundamentals of strategic innovation, including identifying new business opportunities, understanding customer needs, and creating and implementing innovative solutions through project management best practices.