A new product originates from an idea, or in many cases, integration of multiple ideas. The process of transforming an idea into a robust concept requires definition of the underlying technologies, identification of expected customer benefits, and assessment of the market opportunity. The idea‐development and subsequent idea‐selection stages of new product development are often referred to as the “fuzzy front end” because they typically involve ad hoc decisions and ill‐defined processes. To address this shortcoming, Nortel developed an idea‐to‐opportunity front‐end process that provides a consistent and structured approach for idea development and evaluation. This article describes the process and how it was implemented using electronic performance support technology.
Technologically Enhanced Performance (TEP) is the application of technology to improve the performance of knowledge workers. TEP is both an intellectual and ideological complement to the field of Adult Education. As such, much can be learned about ethical issues associated with implementing TEP from the established research and literature base in Adult Education. The application of TEP in organizations brings to light at least six as‐yet‐unresolved ethical dilemmas that have been identified through empirical research of Adult Education/ Training and Development practitioners: Confidentiality, Ownership of Instructional Materials, Conflicts of Interest, Finance and Financial Issues, Evaluating Student Performance, and Professional Competence and Credentials (Gordon & Sork, 2001; McDonald & Wood, 1993).
Essential to resolving these issues is a framework for effective ethical decision making. McDonald's model on ways to reconcile ethical dilemmas in practice proposes that individual characteristics, the organization's ethical environment, and the profession's views of ethics are key factors which can contribute to this framework for ethical decision making. As organizations wrestle with these ethical issues in TEP, they should consider how well they support ethical decision making.
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