Walter, you are probably already aware of this body of research, but just
in case....
Getzels (among others) has investigated what is known as "problem finding"
-- a concept similar to what you term identifying situational
opportunities. Basically, problem finding involves the detection of a
need for new programs or detecting a gap or deficiency in the knowledge of
a particular field. Some research suggests a connection between problem
finding and creativity so, to answer your question regarding "who" does
it, perhaps marketing/design.
Getzels, J.W. (1975). Problem finding and the inventiveness of solutions.
Journal of Creative Behavior, 9, 12-18.
How it's done most likely depends on the company. To give you an idea of
how one particular company does it, I'd suggest you take a look at Sutton
and Hargadon (1997?), published in ASQ (I have a preprint so I don't have
the complete reference). In that paper they investigate creativity in one
very successful design company (IDEO, based out of California). IDEO's
methods involve techniques that seem similar to identifying situational
opportunities.
Sutton, R.I. & Hargadon, A. (1997?). Brainstorming groups in context:
Effectiveness in a product design firm. Administrative Science Quarterly.
Steve Fiore
> I'm looking for more current examples of "Situational Opportunities"
> This is when an individual or company can foresee and predict a
> distinct one-time event (not trend) and take some action to mitigate
> some perceived threat or create an opportunity surrounding it or through
> some association-real or perceived. Here's an example with the
> build-up of tensions over Iraq this week. Univ of Wisconsin-Madison
> is positioning itself as the source of experts. I'm sure many other
> institutions have equally qualified people, yet the failed to see the
> emerging "opportunity space" being created.
Stephen M. Fiore
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Psychology
3939 O'Hara Street
Learning Research and Development Center, Room 606
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-4790 Voice
(412) 624-9149 Fax
--"Steve M. Fiore" <STEVEF@lrdc2.lrdc.pitt.edu>
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