Module 5 NC I Supporting Innovation ForTrainingOnly

Module 5: Supporting Innovation (NC I) Learner’s Handbook
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 2
Acknowledgements
Education Development Center (EDC) would like to thank the staff of the USAID Opportunity 2.0
Program, Philippines local team, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s
(TESDA) National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD) through its
Curriculum and Training Aids Division (CTADD), whose invaluable insights guided the adaptation of this
curriculum.
Opportunity 2.0 aims to provide opportunities for second-chance education for vulnerable out-of-school
youth (OSY) by collaboratively working with TESDA in strengthening its technical education and training
systems to develop, deliver and monitor workforce readiness and technical-vocational training programs
that will prepare large numbers of out-of-school youth to transition to further education and training,
immediate jobs and self-employment opportunities. In line with this objective, Opportunity 2.0 has
developed the Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills which are appropriate for self-directed
learning or modular learning delivery.
The Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills is an adaptation of EDC’s globally recognized Work
Ready Now. The curriculum addresses the TESDA Amended Competency Standards for Basic
Competencies Integrating 21st Century Skills which were promulgated on July 9, 2019.
© 2020 Education Development Center, Inc.

This content may not be produced without the permission of Education Development Center or the United States
Agency for International Development.
This curriculum is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Education Development
Center, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
EDC 43 Foundry Avenue Waltham, MA 02453 Education Development Center (EDC) is a global
nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve
Contact: youth-intl@edc.org education, promote health, and expand economic
opportunity.
Phone: 617-969-7100 Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing,
implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative
programs in more than 80 countries around the world.
Boston | Chicago | New York | Washington, D.C.
Contents
Summary of Learning Outcomes .........................................................................................................5
Module Overview ..............................................................................................................................5
Written Assignments..........................................................................................................................6
Skills Demonstration ..........................................................................................................................6
SESSION 1: Identify the Need for Innovation in One’s Area of Work ....................................................7
Activity 1: Introductory Activity & Pre-Module Learner’s Reflection ....................................................... 8
Activity 2: Meaning and Value of Innovation.......................................................................................... 12
Activity 3: Innovative Practices ............................................................................................................... 16
Activity 4: Identifying the Need for Innovation in the Workplace .......................................................... 19
SESSION 2: Recognize Innovative and Creative Ideas ......................................................................... 25
Activity 5: Opportunities and Creative Ideas in the Workplace.............................................................. 26
Activity 6: Maintaining a Conducive Work Environment for Learning and Innovation .......................... 32
SESSION 3: Support Individual’s Access to Flexible and Innovative Ways of Working - Flexible and
Innovative Work Cultures ................................................................................................................. 38
Activity 7: Identifying Best Practices in Innovation and Creativity ......................................................... 39
Activity 8: Identifying Obstacles to Innovation ....................................................................................... 41
SESSION 4: Review & Assessment ..................................................................................................... 48
Activity 9: Post-Module Learner’s Reflection ......................................................................................... 48
Activity 10: End of Module Assessment (Quiz) ....................................................................................... 50
 Key to Correction .................................................................................................................. 53
Module 5: Supporting Innovation (NC I Level)

A Unit of Competency under the Basic Competency on Learning and Innovation
“We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created
them.”
― Albert Einstein
(Hindi natin masusulusyonan ang ating mga problema sa
parehong pag-iisip na napuna o nalikha natin sila.)
Unit Code: 400311105

Unit Descriptor: This unit covers the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to identify,
recognize and support innovation.
Summary of Learning Outcomes
Upon Completion of the module, you will be able to:
✓ L.O. 1 - Identify the need for innovation in one’s area of work

✓ L.O. 2 - Recognize innovative and creative ideas
✓ L.O. 3 - Support individuals’ access to flexible and innovative ways of working
Module Overview
Activity Recommended Time

Session 1: Identify the Need for Innovation in One’s Area of Work (L.O. 1)
1. Introductory Activity & Pre-Module Learner’s Reflection (15-20 minutes)
2. Meaning and Value of Innovation 30-50 minutes
3. Innovative Practices 30-50 minutes
4. Identifying the Need for Innovation in the Workplace 30-50 minutes
Session 2: Recognize Innovative and Creative Ideas (L.O. 2)
5. Opportunities and Creative Ideas in the Workplace 30-60 minutes
6. Maintaining a Conducive Work Environment for Learning 30-30 minutes
and Innovation
Session 3: Support Individual Access to Flexible and Innovative Ways of
Working - Flexible and Innovative Work Cultures (L.O. 3)
7. Identifying Best Practices in Innovation and Creativity 20-30 minutes
Activity Recommended Time

8. Identifying Obstacles to Innovation 40-60 minutes
Session 4: Review & Assessment
9. Post-Module Learner’s Reflection (15-20 minutes)
10. End of Module Assessment (Quiz) (15-20 minutes)
Total Time 3.5 – 5.5 hours
Written Assignments
Please complete all written work in the module. Your skills in this module will be evaluated
through the following outputs:
❑ Problem and Solutions in My Workplace (Activity 4)

❑ The 4 Ideas Method in My Workplace (Activity 5)
❑ Creativity and Flexibility in My Workplace (Activity 7)
❑ Identifying Obstacles to Innovative Ideas (Activity 8)
Skills Demonstration
The following activities are intended to help you develop the skill that this module is written
for:
❑ Innovation Checklist (Activity 4)

❑ 4 Ideas – Fill in the Blanks (Activity 5)
❑ Exploring Innovation (Activity 8)
SESSION 1: Identify the Need for Innovation in One’s Area of Work

Performance Criteria:
1.1 The value of innovative practices in the workplace is recognized

1.2 Creativity in innovation in one’s scope of work is applied
1.3 The need for innovation in one’s own scope of work is recognized
 Key Topics and Learning Points 
1. Meaning and Value of Innovation

2. Innovative Practices
3. Need for Innovation in the Workplace
 Innovation is the creation of new ideas and application of solutions that address a given
situation
 A workplace innovation includes designing new ways to provide better services, bringing
new products to market, as well as improving an internal work process.
 By being innovative, a business can:
• Offer products and services that competitors do not offer

• Save costs and increase profits
• Improve service
• Increase productivity
• Improve employee morale
 Workplace innovation can be a new practice or a combination of existing practices
Activity 1: Introductory Activity & Pre-Module Learner’s Reflection

Objectives:
✓ Answer the self-assessment for the module
 Recommended Time: 15 – 20 minutes
Read the quote at the beginning of this module. What does it mean?
Read the objectives of the module. How does the quote relate to the objectives?
Pre-Module Learners’ Reflection: Supporting Innovation in the Workplace

(NC I Level)
Start-of-Module Skills Check
This is not a test but is a way for you to see what you already know or do not know about the topics. You
will read a skill that is listed in the left column. Think about yourself and your experience. Then read the
statements across the top. Check the column that best represents your situation. The results will help
you and your teacher know which topics may require more time, effort and guidance.
Ito ay hindi pagsusulit. Ito ay isang paraan upang malaman mo ang iyong kaalaman, kasanayan o
kakayahan tungkol sa paksang ito. Basahin mo ang mga kaalaman, kasanayan o kakayahan na
nakalista sa kaliwang hanay. Magbalik‐tanaw sa iyong sarili at mga karanasan. Basahin ang lahat ng
mga pangungusap at i‐tsek ang sagot na naaangkop sa iyong sitwasyon. Ang iyong kasagutan ay
magiging gabay mo at ng iyong guro sa pagpapalawak ng iyong kaalaman tungkol sa paksang ito.
My experience 1 2 3 4
Knowledge, skills and abilities I don’t have I have little I have some I have a lot
any experience experience of
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan experience doing this doing this experience
doing this. doing this.
Mayroon Mayroon
Wala akong akong akong Marami
karanasan sa kaunting karanasan sa akong
paggawa karanasan sa paggawa karanasan sa
nito paggawa nito paggawa
nito nito
Define “innovation” /
Mabigyang‐kahulugan ang salitang
“inobasyon”
Identify the value of innovation in the
workplace /
Matukoy ang kahalagahan ng inobasyon sa
lugar ng trabaho.
Identify innovative practices in workplaces
Matukoy ang mga inobatibong pamamaraan
sa lugar ng trabaho.
Recognize innovative practices applicable to
one’s workplace or personal life /
Makilala ang inobatibong pamamaraan na
maaaring ilapat sa pansariling trabaho o
personal na buhay.
Identify the need for innovative solutions in
the workplace /
Matukoy ang pangangailangan sa inobatibong
solusyon sa lugar ng trabaho.
Identify the effects of using innovative
solutions in addressing workplace problems /
Matukoy ang epekto ng paggamit ng
inobatibong solusyon sa paglutas ng problema
Recognize how creative ideas are brought
about during the ideation stage /
Makilala kung paano nailalabas ang
malikhaing ideya kapag oras ng pag‐iisip ng
ideya.
Identify the four categories of ideas made
during the ideation stage /
Matukoy ang apat na uri ng ideya na nalilikha
kapag oras ng pag‐iisip ng ideya.
Identify if the workplace enables a learning
and innovative environment /
Matukoy kung ang lugar ng trabaho ay
nakatutulong sa pagkakaroon ng lugar para sa
pagkatuto at inobasyon.
My experience 1 2 3 4
Knowledge, skills and abilities I don’t have I have little I have some I have a lot
any experience experience of
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan experience doing this doing this experience
doing this. doing this.
Mayroon Mayroon
Wala akong akong akong Marami
karanasan sa kaunting karanasan sa akong
paggawa karanasan sa paggawa karanasan sa
nito paggawa nito paggawa
nito nito
Identify how to maintain innovative

environment /
Matukoy kung paano mapanatili ang isang
inobatibong lugar.
Identify best practices related to innovation
and creativity /
Matukoy ang pinakamainam na gawain na
may kaugnayan sa inobasyon at
pagkamalikhain.
Identify obstacles to implementing flexible and
innovative ways of working /
Matukoy ang mga balakid sa pagsasagawa ng
inobatibong pamamaraan ng paggawa
Identify the need for innovation in one’s area
of work /
Matukoy ang pangangailangan sa inobasyon
Recognize innovative and creative ideas /
Makilala ang inobatibo at malikhaing ideya.
Support individuals’ access to flexible and
innovative ways of working /
Makatulong upang magkaroon ng daan ang
iba tungo sa inobatibong pamamaraan ng
pagtratrabaho
Think About It!

With your family or friends, discuss different problems in your lives that that now have a
solution. These problems could be in your household, neighborhood or community. You may
conduct your discussion via chat or face-to-face. Use the questions below and write the
answers in the space provided.
1. What were the problems identified in your discussions?
2. What were the solutions? Who suggested them?
3. How were the solutions implemented?
4. Is your day-to-day easier now compared to before?
Activity 2: Meaning and Value of Innovation

Objectives:
✓ Define “innovation”
✓ Identify the value of innovation in the workplace
 Based on your understanding of what “workplace innovation” is, write “ i ” beside the
statement if it is, or can be considered an innovation; and write “ n ” if it isn’t or cannot
be considered an innovation.
Noli wanted to have extra money, so he decided to sell banana cue in front of his
house. He now has enough to buy load for mobile data.
Anna had problems getting receipts from staff during reimbursements for meals. She
decided to open a Corporate Account for company staff on foodpanda1 to make
tracking meal expenses easier.
Jollibee wants to limit in-person contact during the pandemic, so they installed self-
order machines and vending kiosks in different stores.
Lina had no Facebook account so she asked her daughter to make one for her so she
can be updated on the latest trends.
Getting licensed software was expensive for Aileen’s start-up accounting firm – she
suggested to her business partner that they start using Google Sheets for now to get
used to web-based platforms.
 Key Facts 2.1 What is Innovation?
Innovation is the creation of new ideas and application of solutions that address a given
situation. A workplace innovation includes designing new ways to provide better services,
bringing new products to market, as well as improving an internal work process.
An innovation does not have to be a new technology or an advanced tool. You can create an
innovation in your workplace by starting to use a new practice or a combination of existing
practices that improve the quality of working life and performance.2 Innovations can help
1 If the companies given as examples in the module are unfamiliar to you, take your time to research them on the internet and have a quick
read about who they are and what they do.
2 European Court of Auditors. (2020, February 18). Workplace Innovation Practices.
Retrieved from https://www.eca.europa.eu/lists/ecadocuments/journal20_01/journal20_01.pdf. Accessed 12 October 2020.
create a better future, solve the world’s challenges, bring more comfort to your home, and
make you happier at work.
Now that you have some ideas about workplace innovation, below are the answers to
the activity that you have just completed. Check your answers and read the explanation
as to why it is, or it is not considered, an innovation. The answers can be found at the
end of the module under Key to Correction.
Let’s Exercise: The Old Problem and Innovation
The following companies are known to have innovative practices or approaches to business. Do
their logos look familiar? You may look them up on the internet if they are new to you.
Beside the company logo are two columns: The Old Problem and The Innovation. Based on what
you know and your internet search about these companies, fill out the two columns. You may
write as many problems and innovations, that you can think of.
The Old Problem: What The Innovation: What did they

Company
were they trying to fix? do that solved the problem?
Reflect on the exercise above and answer the following questions with your thoughts and
opinions.
1. Why do you think it is important to have innovation in the workplace?
2. What do you think will happen if companies stick to old processes and methods
because they are “tried and true”?
3. Do you think that they will survive? Why or why not?
 Key Facts 2.2 The Value of Innovation
The value of innovation in organizations can be an increase in income, decrease in expenses,

better transparency, faster service, higher productivity among staff, and many others.
Often, organizations that fail to innovate end up getting left behind by industry trends and
customer demands. The underlying value of innovative practices cannot be emphasized enough
in ensuring that an organization survives the ever-changing society and business world.
Here are examples of a few companies that did not innovate in time, and unfortunately were
left behind by their competitors. You may also research more about them and learn more about
the effects of failing to innovate.
Company Product What happened? Where are they now?

Nokia: Kept focusing on phone hardware No presence in the
Mobile and voice instead of software and smartphone game. Tried
phones data once, but failed
Failed to move into digital photos Kodak filed for
Kodak:
as they were in denial of the bankruptcy in 2012 due to
Photographic
incoming digital photography lack of consumers of film
film
revolution products
Did not evolve their product or Facebook is the key player
Myspace:
platform, and did not roll out while Myspace barely has
Social media
features fast enough any users
Sharing is caring
This section encourages you to share your output to family and friends. You worked hard on this so
now it is time to tell others about the task you have just completed. Do it face to face, via text,
chat, or whatever means available and comfortable to you. It’s always great to share your thoughts
and hear feedback from people who care ☺
Discuss with friends or family members about other companies that come to mind when you
think of innovation – has anyone used the services of these companies? Compare how it was
before you used their services or applied their innovative ideas. What was the added value for
all of you?
Activity 3: Innovative Practices

Objectives:
✓ Identify innovative practices in workplaces

✓ Recognize innovative practices applicable to their workplace or personal life
Consider the following scenarios about opportunities for innovative practices in

workplaces. After each one, write down your thoughts and answers to the follow up
questions and on what could have been different in the story.
1. Melissa is a junior high school teacher. When her school switched to online learning, she
still insisted that her students give her hard copy versions of their essays and projects –
since they were all living in the same village and they can just drop the work at her
house. Despite her students telling her that it is unsafe for them to go out, and it will be
easier for them and her, to check submissions online, she insisted on the hardcopies
because she does not know how to use web-based platforms – she is used to checking
papers all night anyway.
Do you think that Teacher Melissa practiced innovation? Yes/No
If yes, how? If no, what resources did she waste by not innovating?
What could she have done differently?
2. Andres was a new hire in a logistics company. He noticed that the drivers would
sometimes hang around the parking area instead of delivering items. When he asked
them why, they said that they had to wait for the cash advance for gasoline from the
Accounting Department. This often took 1 day to process after sending a request.
Andres was surprised with what he heard so he suggested to their Accounting Director
to issue a Company Fuel Card to the drivers so that they can just go to accredited
gasoline stations and have their trucks refilled – charged immediately to the company
and thus saving the time the drivers would have to wait around. The Accounting
Director told him, “Thanks for the suggestion but that’s not the way we do things here.”
In this scenario, was Andres introducing an innovation? Yes/No
When he gave his idea to the Director, what happened?
Do you think that the Director’s decision was valid?
What could have been an alternative scenario?
 Key Facts 3.1 Innovative Practices for a Happy and Productive Workplace
Innovation does not only result in

improved processes and better
efficiency, but also employee well-being
and productivity.
An innovation-oriented environment
produces employee-related benefits such
as personal satisfaction, an interest in
ideas, lower turnover rates, higher
employee morale, and enhanced
productivity3 and performance.4
3 Simpson, P. M., Siguaw, J. A., & Enz, C. A. (2006). Innovation orientation outcomes: The good and the bad.” Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration.
Retrieved from: http://scholarship.sha.cornell.edu/articles/604. Accessed 14 September 2020.
4 Suriati, O., Shariff, H.S., Lajin, M.N.A. (2015). “Does Innovation Contribute to Employee Performance?” Elsevier Limited. Retrieved from:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042816300969. Accessed 14 September 2020.
Think about the following innovative practices in the workplace and identify how each
of these results in a happier workplace and a better productivity. Write your ideas in the
boxes.
1. Using an online voting tool to design the menus in the company cafeteria.
2. Introducing a facial recognition system instead of card scanning to access the office.
3. Purchase cloud storage space and mandate employees to sync all work-related
files.
4. Design a new campaign to support employees who are parents e.g. book grants, a
secondhand market day.
Sharing is caring
Discuss with your friends or family members what innovative practices you can do in your
residence, your community, or your workplace. Share thoughts on what practices you have
seen applied. Start a discussion with whatever means available and comfortable to you.
Activity 4: Identifying the Need for Innovation in the Workplace

Objectives:
✓ Identify the need for innovative solutions in the workplace

✓ Identify the effects of using innovative solutions in addressing workplace
problems
By now, you already have an idea of what innovation is, and what workplace problems
exist in your area of work. We will combine those two learnings and determine the need
in using innovation to address issues in the workplace.
Listed below are examples of workplace problems. After them, are two solutions (one can
be considered a simple solution – and the other, an innovative solution) and you would
have to choose by encircling the solution that you think will fix the problem.
Workplace Problem Solution 1 Solution 2

Employee tardiness because Allow staff to work from Impose salary deductions for
of traffic and the long hours home or remotely at least 3 staff who are above 10
of commute. times a week. minutes late.
Delayed salary payouts Hire another payroll Introduce a payroll software
because the Payroll Team has accountant to help with the so everything is automated.
to manually compute workload.
everything.
New hires have no Buy an excess of 5 laptops Recruitment uses an app to
equipment because every quarter so that there’s notify Procurement when
Procurement is not informed always something in the they are hiring for a new role
by Recruitment on time. storage to use. and their target start date for
the new hire.
Think about the solutions you have encircled and reflect if these can be considered
workplace innovations. Afterwards, read the effects column of each solution.
Workplace Problem 1: Employee tardiness because of traffic and the long hours of commute.
Solutions Effects
1. Allow staff to work from Staff are happy because they spend more time doing actual
home or remotely at least work instead of going through traffic to get to the office. Their
3 times a week. sleep patterns are better resulting into healthier employees.
Productivity levels are the same.
Solutions Effects
2. Impose salary Employees wake up 3 hours ahead of work schedule allotting 2
deductions for staff who hours for traffic. They feel anxious when they clock in 15
are above 10 minutes late. minutes late because they know there will be a salary
deduction. Staff lack sleep, feel stressed, and are generally in a
bad mood when in the office.
Workplace Problem 2: Delayed salary payouts because the Payroll Team has to manually
compute everything.
Solutions Effects
1. Hire another payroll The company has to pay the new accountant’s salary, upping
accountant to help with expenses – but little effect to the delay because the new hire
the workload. would still have to compute items manually – which she is not
yet familiar with on her first few months.
2. Introduce a payroll The company pays for the software to use it, but employees can
software so everything is clock in and out and this is automatically recorded and
automated. computed by the software. After the cut-off, a pay slip is
generated and reviewed online by the accountants for errors,
although minimal. Pay is released on time.
Workplace Problem 3: New hires have no equipment because Procurement is not informed by
Recruitment on time.
Solutions Effects
1. Buy an excess of 5 Laptops are stored for a long time as the company is not always
laptops every quarter so hiring, which takes up storage space. The company is losing
that there’s always money for the depreciation of the equipment not used by
something in the storage anyone but already paid for.
to use.
2. Recruitment uses an app Procurement is notified ahead of time and buys the equipment
to notify Procurement before the target start date and can immediately turn over the
when they are hiring for a laptop to the new hire on their first day.
new role and their target
start date for the new hire.
Let’s Exercise: Problems and Solutions in My Workplace

Now think about a problem in your workplace. Afterwards, propose a solution for it, and give
the effects that you think your solution would have. There is no right or wrong answer so write
as freely as you wish.
Problem 1:
Solution:
Effect:
Problem 2:
Solution:
Effect:
Let’s Apply: Innovation Checklist

Continuing off from your answers above, break down the solution you have written, and place
an “x” mark if your answer is “yes” to the question in the innovation checklist5, tally your score
afterwards.
Solution to Problem 1: Solution to Problem 2:
Innovation Checklist: Innovation Checklist:
 Will it solve the problem?  Will it solve the problem?

 Will it add value?  Will it add value?
 Did you introduce a new  Did you introduce a new
process/procedure/technology? process/procedure/technology?
 Will it make work more efficient?  Will it make work more efficient?
 Does it make employees feel better  Does it make employees feel better
about the workplace? about the workplace?
Score: Score:
Based on the activities in this module and the exercises above, do you think that there is
a need for innovation in addressing workplace problems? Why?
Sharing is Caring
Share your solutions and your innovation checklist results to your family and friends. You
worked hard on this so now it is time to tell others about the task you have just completed.
Do it face to face, via text, chat, or whatever means available and comfortable to you. It’s
always great to hear feedback from people close to us!
5For further reading, concepts behind the questions in this checklist are explained more thoroughly at: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-
functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/the-eight-essentials-of-innovation#
 Performance Criteria Checklist
The Performance Criteria Checklist is an opportunity for you to assess your learning
outcomes in the session and know how well you did in doing the activities in this session.
You will speak to your facilitator to
1. Share your experiences in completing the session
2. Discuss your development and progress towards the intended skills
3. Plan how you will move forward to continue making progress in the module
Conduct a quick self-assessment and complete the table below.
Statements Please check Yes or No if you have

shown or can do the statement.
Did you… YES NO
1. Define “innovation”?
2. Identify the value of innovation in the workplace?
3. Identify innovative practices in workplaces?
4. Recognize innovative practices applicable to one’s
workplace or personal life?
5. Identify the need for innovative solutions in the
workplace?
6. Identify the effects of using innovative solutions in
addressing workplace problems?
Guide to the Learner and Facilitator’s Discussion:

Topics to discuss during the Learning Check:
1. Parts of the module that were the easiest to answer/do.

2. Parts of the module that were the hardest to answer/do.
3. Parts of the module that need further clarification or explanation.
4. Additional support needed by the learner from the facilitator.
5. Review and check of the learner’s answers and outputs for the session.
6. Feedback on the learner’s performance in terms of the following: mastery of content, skills
development, and pace in answering the module.
7. Plans for how the learner will move forward with the module.
Session 1 – Writing Space

Use this space to complete any of the written assignments above or write any thoughts or
ideas that have come to mind on the topic.
Congratulations on finishing Session 1 of Module 5!

You are now ready for Session 2, Recognize Innovative and Creative Ideas!
SESSION 2: Recognize Innovative and Creative Ideas
2.1 Opportunities within the team are identified to develop innovation
2.2 Creative ideas of coworkers pertaining to work practices are analyzed
2.3 Environment conducive for learning and innovating is maintained
1. Opportunities and Creative ideas in the Workplace

2. Maintaining a Conducive Work Environment for Learning and Innovation
 Innovation development starts with recognizing the problem or opportunity and then
create ideas that are then select to further developed into a solution. The innovative
solution is then tested to get better understanding of the problem and leading to further
improvement.
 The ideas leading to an innovation can involve merging existing tools, equipment, system,
or technology or creating new ones.
 Supportive workplace environment nurture creativity which is a key driver of innovation.
Activity 5: Opportunities and Creative Ideas in the Workplace

Objectives:
✓ Recognize how creative ideas are brought about during the ideation stage
✓ Identify the four categories of ideas made during the ideation stage
Have you heard the expression “necessity is the mother of invention”? It means that
sometimes, we have to get creative to find a solution that works – often because
resources are limited.
For example, perhaps you have a young child in your home and there is a set of stairs.
Instead of traveling a long distance to buy a baby gate (and spend money on something
you’ll use for a short time), you use a piece of furniture to block the stairs.
That is a simple example. What example can you think of when you came up with a
solution out of necessity?
An important innovation practice is to ideate or create new ideas. Everyone can spark
off creative ideas in many forms including questions, solutions, drawings, or diagrams.
Interactive activities such as brainstorming and mind mapping can help generating
ideas.
Remember a time when you had to talk to a group of people to get many ideas to solve
a problem or reach a common goal – this can be considered a brainstorming session. It
can be as simple as planning a team event, or as complex as reorganizing the office
space. Answer the questions below relating to the session you recalled.
1. What was the session about and how was it conducted to get people’s inputs?
2. How many ideas did the group come up with?
3. What were crazy ideas that came up during that session?
4. Did you feel that the session brought out more ideas from you? How?
Ideation can be an exciting process. The goal is to create many ways to solve the user’s
problem without rejecting any idea. Often, reviewing others’ idea can inspire newer,
better ideas. The team can then work together to sort and select the best, most
practical and innovative ideas. When the new idea is brought to test, it does not always
produce the desired results the first-time round. Learnings can be gathered to further
improve the solutions. This process is summarized in the following diagram.
Understanding
the problem and
the users
Learn if and how

Generate lots of
the solution
ideas
works
Select best ideas

Test the solution that can be solve
the problem
The Cycle of Innovation Process
Think about why sometimes “problems” are thought of as “opportunities”
 Key Facts 5.1: The 4 Categories Method
The ideation stage – and the succeeding ideas that come up during this stage can be
categorized into four types. Below are the categories and their corresponding
continuum in the lower field.
Most Rational Most Delightful Darling Long Shot

Ideas that make Ideas that merge Ideas that push Ideas that may be
use of existing existing tools, innovation further to based on non-
tools, equipment, equipment, systems, synthesize existing existent technology,
systems, and technology that and non-existent no limitations.
technology. produces an technology.
innovation.
Here are a few examples for you. On the bottom row, is further explanation about the
solution and why it fits into the category it is listed under.
Problem: Jollibee wants to limit in-person contact during the pandemic
Idea Idea Idea Idea

Limit the number of Automate ordering so Add order kiosk Develop a vaccine
people going inside customers don’t have machines and against the virus
the store. to queue, limiting face vending stubs
to face contact
Remark Remark Remark Remark
Nothing changes in Existing system: Point New tools: kiosk Too difficult for a
terms of store layout of Sale (POS) machines machine food establishment
or systems just the Existing tool: Online Upgraded system: like Jollibee to
number of people ordering systems ordering + POS create
going in and out Non-existing: Merged Combining both
version of the two tools and achieving
desired goal
Problem: Expensive licensed software for a start-up accounting firm

Idea Idea Idea Idea

Get cheaper software Find a product that is free Use free software and Create own
but can do the same job or contact developer to accounting software
close to, the expensive give the company the tailor-fitted to the
software ‘start-up’ premium company’s needs
discount
Remark Remark Remark Remark
The company already We know what the needs Less to no cost with Developing code
knows what it needs are, we know what the almost the same takes time and will be
it just has to find budget is, find a merge benefits burdensome to a
something that fits its between the two non-IT firm
budget
Let’s Exercise: 4 Ideas – Fill in the Blanks

Building on from your answers from the previous section, expound on the creative ideas you
created. Put them in the category below and add to blank spaces. No need to explain, just write
as the ideas come to you!
Problem Most Rational Most Delightful Darling Long Shot

A company was Buy a whole
running out of building just for
space for all their storage!
paper files
Employee Impose policies

tardiness because that says no one
of traffic and the should be late.
long hours of
commute
Delayed salary Use Google
payouts because Sheets to do
the Payroll Team basic computing
has to manually and teach staff.
compute
everything.
Let’s Apply: The 4 Ideas Method in My Workplace

In this module, you have identified several problems in your workplace that you have
encountered or experienced. Take a look at those problems you’ve previously written down
and list 2 of them on the problem column below, and then add 4 different ideas, 1 per
category, for them.
My Workplace Most Rational Most Darling Long Shot

Problem Delightful
Problem 1
My Workplace Most Rational Most Delightful Darling Long Shot

Problem
Problem 2
Sharing is Caring
Share to your family or friends your different solutions to the problems in the exercises. Do
it face to face, via text, chat, or whatever means available and comfortable to you. It’s
always great to share your thoughts and hear feedback from people who care.
Activity 6: Maintaining a Conducive Work Environment for Learning and

Innovation
Objectives:
✓ Identify if the workplace enables a learning and innovative environment

✓ Identify how to maintain innovative environment
For innovation to thrive, the environment in the workplace should be one that
encourages employees to think of ideas, test them out, refine or revise when necessary,
and implement them.
Below are a few scenarios of innovation being introduced in the workplace. Read them
carefully and answer the questions that follow based on your understanding. Some of
the examples may be familiar to you already.
Scenario 1:
Andres was a new hire in a transportation company. He noticed that the drivers sometimes
would hang around the parking area instead of delivering items. When he asked them why,
they said that they had to wait for the cash advance from accounting to buy gas. This often
took 1 day to process after sending a request. Andres was surprised with what he heard so he
suggested to their Accounting Director to give the drivers a company fuel card – so that they
can just go to accredited gasoline stations and have their trucks refilled – charged
immediately to the company. This means drivers no longer had to wait a day. The Accounting
Director told him, “Thanks for the suggestion but that’s not the way we do things here.”
1. What problem was Andres trying to fix and what was his proposed solution?
2. What did his Accounting Director say to him? Do you think that what the Director
said was valid?
3. How do you think Andres felt after hearing that reply? How would you react if you
were him?
4. How can Andres’s workplace be improved to better promote innovation?
Scenario 2:
Sonya has been working in her office for 3 months. Since she arrived, she has introduced a new
process in keeping track of new hire onboarding and has started looking for a new software to
better manage staff data. This was after she noticed that her staff still used Google Sheets to
keep employee personal data. She researched different software systems and compared prices
– after determining which two were the best, she informed her immediate supervisor via a
proposal about the tool, its specifications, advantages, and the annual fees to be paid. Her
supervisor commended her for her research, approved the purchase of the new tool, and
informed her to keep up the good work. She was also told that her contributions would be
taken into consideration during her annual performance review.
1. What were Sonya’s workplace innovations? What are the values of these
innovations to her organization?
2. What were the actions she took to make her idea a reality?
3. What was her supervisor’s reaction to her ideas? How do you think Sonya felt after
hearing her supervisor’s statements?
4. How did Sonya’s workplace promote innovation?
 Key Fact 6.1: A Learning and Innovative Environment

Innovation needs a good atmosphere in which to develop. It should be built in the culture of
the workplace and must be nurtured and encouraged inside every organization. To encourage
people to think in unusual and creative ways, the environment must be set for them to do it.
“Setting an atmosphere in which innovation is encouraged is often highly correlated with the
long-term success of a company.”6
Work environment that supports innovation includes:

• Making sure everyone knows that innovation (or new thinking) is valuable.
• Encouraging team members to be creative and supportive of new ideas.
• Allowing some flexibility in work process (if possible).
• Looking for changes, measure them, then adapt quickly.
• Support employees to learn new skills and try new technologies.
Let’s Exercise: Identifying a Conducive Work Environment

Let’s put what you have gone through in this module into practice. Write Yes if the statement
pertains to a conducive working environment for learning and innovation, and No if it doesn’t.
1. Management encourages staff to send ideas to the HR team via a

common mailbox to have more inputs on internal processes and
procedures.
2. Every time Susan gives a suggestion to her boss, she is always told,
“that’s how the business works, don’t try to change it.”
3. Every year, Dan’s company has a contest of whose team could come
up with a more efficient way or a new way of doing routine processes.
People who have the best ideas win a cash reward!
4. Junior employees at Len’s company were told during orientation
that if you notice something not working, whether a process or a staff,
it is best to approach the appropriate person and use proper channels.
5. Lovely’s company refuses to switch to digital files. Until now, they
still use paper receipts and hard copies of inter-office memos for
announcements. The owner says it’s a lot of hassle to buy software, so
they just stick with the old way.
6. Jose’s company always tries to hire external applicants – this way
they can have someone see on the inside – but with external lenses,
6Baldwin, Dana. n.d. "Creating an Environment for Innovation." Center for Simplified Strategic Planning. Retrieved from:
https://www.cssp.com/CD0902/CreatingInnovativeEnvironment/default.php. Accessed 11 September 2020.
which enables them to know flaws or issues that they may have
already grown accustomed to.
Check the answers at the end of the module.
Think About It!

Discuss with your friends, family, or colleagues about the work environment you would like
to be working at in the future. Share on Facebook what you learned about innovative
environment and start a discussion with them face to face, via text, chat, or whatever means
available and comfortable to you.
Use the questions below to guide your discussion

1. What work environment would you like to be working at in the future?
2. Why is it important that the workplace should promote innovation?
3. How to make suggestions in a professional and respectful way?

Did you… YES NO
1. Recognize how creative ideas are brought about during
the ideation stage?
2. Identify the four categories of ideas made during the

ideation stage?
3. Identify if the workplace enables a learning and

innovative environment?
4. Identify how to maintain innovative environment?

1. Parts of the module that is the easiest to answer/do.

2. Parts of the module that is the hardest to answer/do.
5. Review and check the learner’s answers and outputs in the session.
7. Plans on how the learner is expected to move forward with the module.

Congratulations on finishing Session 2 of Module 5!

You are now ready for Session 3, Support Individuals’ Access to Flexible and
Innovative Ways of Working – Flexible and Innovative Work Cultures!
SESSION 3: Support Individual’s Access to Flexible and Innovative Ways of

Working - Flexible and Innovative Work Cultures
3.1 Individuals and key people are reinforced to identify innovative ideas to achieve
outcomes
3.2 Sharing of best practices using flexible and innovative ways of working is
accomplished
3.3 Obstacles to progress in implementing flexible and innovative ways of working are
recognized
1. Best Practices in Innovation and Creativity

2. Obstacles to innovation in the workplace
 Some best practices in innovation and creativity include: optimism, trust, diversity and
continuous improvement.
 Introducing an innovation in a workplace many face obstacles in many ways. Recognizing

these obstacles and addressing them in the implementation will improve the success of
implementation and may even lead to a new innovation.
Activity 7: Identifying Best Practices in Innovation and Creativity

Objective:
✓ Identify best practices related to innovation and creativity
 Key Fact 6.1: Best Practices in Innovation and Creativity
Best Practices are procedures or practices that has been shown by research and experience
to produce the “best” results that can be examples for others.
In this module, we have covered multiple topics related to innovation. This activity
summarizes some best practices that are related to innovation and creativity that can be
good models for your workplace.
Best Practices How can I help building this?

• Optimism, patience, and openness, • Share ideas in respectfully and
especially of the leaders. professionally. Do not be afraid of
criticism.
• Trust and good relationships in the team. • Take part in collaboration work and
casual team building activities.
• Diversity and inclusion in the workplace. • Be a good listener and openminded.
These lead to empathy (understanding • Try to connect with people you are
others) which is important to creating different from you.
successful innovation. • Listen to other people’s ideas. Honor it
and give honest (and polite) feedbacks.
• The workplace should embrace • Consistently look for opportunity to
challenges and see problems as improve your everyday work.
opportunity to innovate for • Use your creativity to come up with new
improvement. ideas to optimize your work process.
Let’s Exercise: Creativity and Flexibility in My Workplace

List down the best practices you have seen in your current or previous workplace where
flexible and innovative ways of working create desirable solutions or outcome.
Example: My workplace encourages people to share new ideas by giving the winner of Idea of
the Month a pizza voucher.
1. ________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________
After having identified some best practices in your work, and discussing your thoughts and
feelings about it, encircle the words that come to mind, or that you can relate to, when you
recall the best practices you have identified.
Good Negative Ashamed Honored

Shy Motivated Positive Afraid
Annoyed Determined Encouraged Irritated
Sharing is Caring
Review your answers in the previous exercise. Did you notice a similarity among the words
you chose? Discuss with your family or friends how best practices in the workplace made you
feel and ask them if they have experienced the same in their workplace.
Activity 8: Identifying Obstacles to Innovation

Objective:
✓ Identify obstacles to implementing flexible and innovative ways of working
Obstacles to innovation in the workplace might come in many different forms. Often,
the obstacle is as simple as a process or procedure that has been in place for so long
that no one questioned it or considered doing it differently. From previous examples
and exercises in this module, you may have noticed that obstacles came in the form of
an unsupportive supervisor, or an environment that makes people afraid to speak out.
The following are some examples of obstacles to innovation in the workplace.
With Coworkers
 A coworker who always compares her achievement to everyone else’s
 A coworker who talks about people negatively behind their backs
 Someone who is lazy and does not do the tasks assigned to them, delaying other
projects
 A coworker that takes credit for the work other people do
With Supervisors
 A supervisor that scolds his subordinates in front of the whole office
 One that gives overwhelming amount of work to his subordinates with tight
deadlines
 Does not listen to the issues his employees raise
 An abusive supervisor that uses his power and position to act superior to others
With the Work Environment

 Employees are not allowed to raise issues or concerns about the company
 Promotions are given based on who is closest to the boss, and not who is the best
worker
 There is no respect among colleagues
 Employees are treated unfairly through low wages and lack of benefits
Let’s Exercise: Identifying Obstacles to Innovative Ideas

For each scenario below, identify the innovative idea to improve a workplace process.
Then identify what can obstruct implementation of the new idea. Think about the
team dynamics with the supervisor, co-workers, and the workplace environment.
Scenario 1: Jane just started working as a production line manager in a factory. She noticed
that the factory used an outdated process to create employees’ weekly schedules. The
managers were all doing it manually in Excel. The scheduling process was taking them a
long time each week. She wanted to suggest a free online scheduling site she used in her
old job. Since Jane is a new hire, on probationary employment, she decided not to say
anything as it may affect the decision to hire her as a permanent employee. Also, she did
not want to be perceived as a busybody.
What is the innovative idea? What is the obstacle?
What can Jane do to successfully introduce innovation in her workplace?
Scenario 2: Robert found out that the process that his company was using required the
company to pay for external quality assurance consultant. He wanted to suggest to his boss
that the company should stop using the external consultant and use automated sensor
technology to control the process instead. He was warned by his colleague to not say
anything as the external consultant was a relative of the Finance Manager. Another
colleague also warned that if the new technology fails Robert will be in big trouble because
of the costs to purchase the sensor.
What can Robert do to successfully introduce innovation in his workplace?
Scenario 3: Gina wanted to create an internal website for all staff concerns. She has
noticed the staff love being heard and having a formal space to contribute ideas is
something she think they will really take to. It will also make it easier for managers to
gather new ideas. However, her new idea has been a parked project for 3 months as she
was also in charge of recruitment, staff engagement, reviews, and appraisals. She simply
did not have time.
What can Gina do to successfully introduce innovation in her workplace?
Scenario 4: Stephanie was used to being the boss. She did not like when entry-level staff
would directly speak with her since she thought, ‘they were not her level.” Her accountants
had brilliant ideas on how to speed up their payments to vendors and employees, but they
kept quiet instead.
What can Stephanie do to successfully introduce innovation in her workplace?
Scenario 5: Harold always tried to create new processes for his team – to make their work
faster and more efficient. Every time he rolls out a new scenario though, his coworkers
always tell him, “We’re too old to learn that. It looks complicated.” He has stopped
suggesting new ideas since then.
What can Herold do to successfully introduce innovation in his workplace?
Let’s Apply: Exploring Innovation

In this activity you will speak to an employee in your own community. If possible, do this in
person. If not, you can do it over the phone.
Explain that you are in this course and you are learning about innovation and creative
solutions. You would like to speak to them for about ten minutes. Review the questions
before your appointment and note key points from your conversation in the table below.
Business name
Who did you speak to?
Job title
Interview Questions Responses
1. Could you share an example
of an innovative process or
product that you or your
team has introduced?
2. How was it different from the
previous process or product?
3. What did it improve?
4. What challenges did you face

in implementing this
innovation?
5. Now, could you tell me about
an innovative idea that you or
your team had that did not
work out?
6. How are creativity and
innovation encouraged at this
business?
7. What prevents more
creativity and innovation
from happening at this
business? What can be done
to overcome these?
Reflecting on the Interview

1. Based on the interview, describe the current situation of the workplace where the
interviewee is working.
2. Having described the current situation, what do you think is the most pressing need
or challenge that is in the workplace of the interviewee?
3. If you are to introduce an innovative idea to the workplace of the interviewee, what
would it be? Why did you choose this innovation? How will you introduce this
innovative idea?
4. Look at the example of an innovation that the interviewee introduced in the

workplace, if you were an employee in the same organization, how will you support
the innovation?
Sharing is Caring
This section encourages you to share your output to family and friends. Show to them your
findings about obstacles to innovation in the workplace. Afterwards, discuss and share
your thoughts with each other.

Did you… YES NO
1. Identify best practices related to innovation and
creativity?
2. Identify obstacles to implementing flexible and

innovative ways of working?

1. Parts of the module that is the easiest to answer/do.

2. Parts of the module that is the hardest to answer/do.
5. Review and check the learner’s answers and outputs in the session.
7. Plans on how the learner is expected to move forward with the module.

Congratulations! You are now ready to wrap-up this module!
SESSION 4: Review & Assessment

Activity 9: Post-Module Learner’s Reflection
Objectives:
✓ Identify what the trainee learned in the module.

✓ Take a Learner’s Reflection
Post-Module Learner’s Reflection: Supporting Innovation (NC I Level)

End-of-Module Skills Check
Now that you have reached the end of the module, let us see if you are able to develop the necessary
skills in supporting innovation. Conduct a self-assessment and answer the table below.
Statements on my experience, knowledge, skills and abilities / Encircle Yes or No if you have shown or
Mga pahayag tungkol sa aking kaalaman, kasanayan at can do the statement.
kakayahan
Bilugan ang Oo o Hindi kung naipakita o
I can… / Kaya ko nang… nagawa mo na ang mga pahayag.
Define “innovation” / Yes No

Mabigyang-kahulugan ang salitang “inobasyon” Oo Hindi
Identify the value of innovation in the workplace / Yes No
Matukoy ang kahalagahan ng inobasyon sa lugar ng trabaho. Oo Hindi
Identify innovative practices in workplaces Yes No
Matukoy ang mga inobatibong pamamaraan sa lugar ng trabaho. Oo Hindi
Recognize innovative practices applicable to one’s workplace or Yes No
personal life / Oo Hindi
Makilala ang inobatibong pamamaraan na maaaring ilapat sa
pansariling trabaho o personal na buhay.
Identify the need for innovative solutions in the workplace / Yes No
Matukoy ang pangangailangan sa inobatibong solusyon sa lugar Oo Hindi
ng trabaho.
Identify the effects of using innovative solutions in addressing Yes No
workplace problems / Oo Hindi
Matukoy ang epekto ng paggamit ng inobatibong solusyon sa
paglutas ng problema sa lugar ng trabaho.
Recognize how creative ideas are brought about during the Yes No
ideation stage / Oo Hindi
Makilala kung paano nailalabas ang malikhaing ideya kapag oras
ng pag‐iisip ng ideya.
Statements on my experience, knowledge, skills and abilities / Encircle Yes or No if you have shown or
Mga pahayag tungkol sa aking kaalaman, kasanayan at can do the statement.
kakayahan
Bilugan ang Oo o Hindi kung naipakita o
I can… / Kaya ko nang… nagawa mo na ang mga pahayag.
Identify the four categories of ideas made during the ideation Yes No
stage / Oo Hindi
Matukoy ang apat na uri ng ideya na nalilikha kapag oras ng pag‐
iisip ng ideya.
Identify if the workplace enables a learning and innovative Yes No
environment / Oo Hindi
Matukoy kung ang lugar ng trabaho ay nakatutulong sa
pagkakaroon ng lugar para sa pagkatuto at inobasyon.
Identify how to maintain innovative environment / Yes No
Matukoy kung paano mapanatili ang isang inobatibong lugar. Oo Hindi
Identify best practices related to innovation and creativity / Yes No
Matukoy ang pinakamainam na gawain na may kaugnayan sa Oo Hindi
inobasyon at pagkamalikhain.
Identify obstacles to implementing flexible and innovative ways of Yes No
working / Oo Hindi
Matukoy ang mga balakid sa pagsasagawa ng inobatibong
pamamaraan ng paggawa
Identify the need for innovation in one’s area of work / Yes No
Matukoy ang pangangailangan sa inobasyon sa lugar ng trabaho. Oo Hindi
Recognize innovative and creative ideas / Yes No
Makilala ang inobatibo at malikhaing ideya. Oo Hindi
Support individuals’ access to flexible and innovative ways of Yes No
working / Oo Hindi
Makatulong upang magkaroon ng daan ang iba tungo sa
inobatibong pamamaraan ng pagtratrabaho
Look at your answers, were there boxes where you circled No? If there are, go back to the activities in
the module that will help you gain the skill identified in the statement. You can also reach out to your
facilitator/trainer to provide you with guidance on what activities you can do in order to master the skill.
Activity 10: End of Module Assessment (Quiz)

Objectives:
✓ Answer the Module Assessment
End-of-Module Assessment
Congratulations for finishing Module 5: Supporting Innovation for National Certificate Level I! At the end
of every module you will take a short assessment to see how much you have learned. It will help you and
your trainer identify the knowledge and skills you know and what still needs reinforcing. The results will
not affect your ability to continue in the program.
Structure of the Assessment: It has a total of 10 questions. Some questions are multiple choice and some
are alternate response questions. You should choose only ONE answer for each question.
Once you have finished answering the questions, note down any clarifications you want to ask your
trainer.
Module 5: Supporting Innovation in the Workplace (NC I Level)
ENGLISH Tagalog
Part I. Circle the choice that fits the Unang Bahagi. Bilugan ang letra ng
statement tamang sagot.
1. Which word best describes a new 1. Aling termino ang tumutukoy sa
practice or combination of practices bagong gawain o kombinasyon ng
that enable employees to be part of mga gawain na nakatutulong sa
an organization change, and mga empleyado na makasama sa
improve their working life and pagbabagong pang-organisasyon,
performance? and mapabuti ang buhay-trabaho
a. Creativity at kahusayan sa pagtratrabaho?
b. Promotions a. Malikhain
c. Innovation b. Promosyon
c. Inobasyon
2. Which of the following is the 2. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang

greatest obstacle to innovation? pinakamalaking balakid patungo sa
a. Limited budget inobasyon?
b. A workplace culture that a. Maliit na badyet
encourages uniformity b. Kultura na dapat ay pare-
c. A lack of access to pareho ang mga emplyeado
technology c. Kakulangan sa teknolohiya
3. The following statements about 3. Ang mga sumusunod na

innovation are true, except which pangungusap tungkol sa inobasyon
one? at tama, maliban sa isa.
a. It makes the company do a. Ito ay nakatutulong para
work more efficiently. ang mga kompanya ay
b. It keeps the company makapagtrabaho nang mas
relevant, despite changes in mabilis at mahusay.
business trends. b. Ito ay nakapapanatili sa
c. Sticking to the old ways is kompanya na manatiling
better because they are makabuluhan, sa kabila ng
tried and true. pabago-bagong anyo ng
negosyo.
c. Ang pagpapanatili sa mga
dating kinagawian ay mas
mainam sapagkat sila ay
napanatunayan na epektibo
at totoo.
4. These are procedures or practices 4. Ito ay ang mga hakbang at

that has been shown by research pamamaraang nakapagdudulot ng
and experience to produce the pinakamahusay na resulta ayon sa
“best” results. pananaliksik at karanasan.
a. Creative ideas a. Malikhaing Ideya
b. Best practices b. Pinakamahusay na
c. New Practices Kasanayan
c. Makabagong Kasanayan
5. An idea that pushes innovation 5. Isang ideya na nagtutulak sa

further to bring existing and non- inobasyon na pagsamahin ang luma
existent technology together. What at naririyan nang teknolohiya at
type of ideation is this? makabago at wala pa. Anong uri ng
a. Long Shot ideyasyon ito?
b. Most Delightful a. Long Shot
c. Darling b. Most Delightful
c. Darling
Part II Identify if the following phrases Ikalawang Bahagi. Tukuyin kung ang
describe a best practice or an obstacle. parirala ay naglalarawan sa
pinakamahusay na kasanayan o isang
balakid.
1. Encouraging suggestions 1. Paghikayat sa mga mungkahi
a. Best Practice a. Pinakamahusay na

b. Obstacle Kasanayan
b. Balakid
2. Supervisors expect only perfection 2. Mga superbisor na umaasang hindi
a. Best Practice magkakamali ang empleyado
b. Obstacle a. Pinakamahusay na
Kasanayan
b. Balakid
3. Incentives for new ideas 3. Mga pabuya sa mga bagong ideya
b. Balakid
4. Everyone in the office happily 4. Ang lahat sa opisina ay masayang
follow orders sumusunod lamang sa mg autos
b. Balakid
5. Innovation is well-defined internally 5. Ang inobasyon ay malinaw na
a. Best Practice nabigyang-kahulugan sa loob ng
b. Obstacle trabaho.
a. Pinakamahusay na
Kasanayan
b. Balakid
 Key to Correction
Activity 2
Noli wanted to have extra money, so he decided to sell banana cue in front of his
house. He now has enough to buy load for mobile data.
n
This is not an innovation. Noli found a simple traditional solution to his problem using
conventional thinking but there was nothing new or creative to his approach.
Anna noticed they had problems getting receipts from staff during reimbursements for
meals. She decided to open a Corporate Account for company staff on foodpanda to
make tracking meal expenses easier.
I
This is an innovation. Anna found a new approach outside of normal solutions, to
solving their receipts issue – and added in new technology to address the missing
paper receipts and make meal expenses more convenient for her and her colleagues.
Jollibee wants to limit in-person contact during the pandemic, so they installed self-
order machines and vending kiosks in different stores.
i This is an innovation. A traditional approach would have gone with “adding plastic
barriers and limiting the number of people inside the stores. But with this solution,
new technology and new processes were introduced to address the need for limited
in-person contact – and make transactions speedier and more efficient.
Lina had no Facebook account so she asked her daughter to make one for her so she
n can be updated on the latest trends.
This is not an innovation. Lina simply found a solution to her problem.

Getting licensed software was expensive for Aileen’s start-up accounting firm – she
suggested to her business partner that they start using Google Sheets for now to get
used to web-based platforms.
i
This is an innovation. Lina’s suggestion included a new process, new technology, and
lowered expenses for her start-up firm. A traditional approach would have been to
just do accounting processes manually (i.e. calculator, paper, and pen) – which would
have solved the expense problem but would not make their work faster or easier.
End-of-Module Assessment
Part I
1. C - Innovation
2. B - A workplace culture that encourages uniformity
3. C - Sticking to the old ways is better because they are tried and true
4. B - Best practices
5. C – Darling
Part II
1. A - Best Practice
2. B - Obstacle
4. B - Obstacle
Congratulations! You have successfully completed

NC I Module 5: Supporting Innovation in the Workplace!

Module 5 NC I Supporting Innovation ForTrainingOnly

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 5 NC I Supporting Innovation ForTrainingOnly

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 5: Supporting Innovation (NC I) Learner’s Handbook

© 2020 Education Development Center, Inc.

Boston | Chicago | New York | Washington, D.C.

Module 5: Supporting Innovation (NC I Level)

Unit Code: 400311105

Summary of Learning Outcomes

Upon Completion of the module, you will be able to:

✓ L.O. 1 - Identify the need for innovation in one’s area of work

Activity Recommended Time

Activity Recommended Time

❑ Problem and Solutions in My Workplace (Activity 4)

❑ Innovation Checklist (Activity 4)

SESSION 1: Identify the Need for Innovation in One’s Area of Work

1.1 The value of innovative practices in the workplace is recognized

 Key Topics and Learning Points 

1. Meaning and Value of Innovation

 By being innovative, a business can:

• Offer products and services that competitors do not offer

 Workplace innovation can be a new practice or a combination of existing practices

Activity 1: Introductory Activity & Pre-Module Learner’s Reflection

✓ Answer the self-assessment for the module

 Recommended Time: 15 – 20 minutes

Pre-Module Learners’ Reflection: Supporting Innovation in the Workplace

Identify how to maintain innovative

Think About It!

1. What were the problems identified in your discussions?

2. What were the solutions? Who suggested them?

3. How were the solutions implemented?

4. Is your day-to-day easier now compared to before?

Activity 2: Meaning and Value of Innovation

 Recommended Time: 30 – 50 minutes

 Key Facts 2.1 What is Innovation?

Retrieved from https://www.eca.europa.eu/lists/ecadocuments/journal20_01/journal20_01.pdf. Accessed 12 October 2020.

Let’s Exercise: The Old Problem and Innovation

The Old Problem: What The Innovation: What did they

3. Do you think that they will survive? Why or why not?

 Key Facts 2.2 The Value of Innovation

The value of innovation in organizations can be an increase in income, decrease in expenses,

Company Product What happened? Where are they now?

Activity 3: Innovative Practices

✓ Identify innovative practices in workplaces

 Recommended Time: 30 – 50 minutes

Consider the following scenarios about opportunities for innovative practices in

Do you think that Teacher Melissa practiced innovation? Yes/No

What could she have done differently?

In this scenario, was Andres introducing an innovation? Yes/No

When he gave his idea to the Director, what happened?

Do you think that the Director’s decision was valid?

What could have been an alternative scenario?

Innovation does not only result in

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042816300969. Accessed 14 September 2020.

Activity 4: Identifying the Need for Innovation in the Workplace

✓ Identify the need for innovative solutions in the workplace

 Recommended Time: 30 – 50 minutes

Workplace Problem Solution 1 Solution 2

Let’s Exercise: Problems and Solutions in My Workplace

Let’s Apply: Innovation Checklist

Solution to Problem 1: Solution to Problem 2:

Innovation Checklist: Innovation Checklist:

 Will it solve the problem?  Will it solve the problem?

 Performance Criteria Checklist

Conduct a quick self-assessment and complete the table below.

Statements Please check Yes or No if you have

Guide to the Learner and Facilitator’s Discussion: