Innovation Passport: The IBM First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) Journey from Research to Reality

2. The FOAK Process: Phase I

The way things get done, especially the sequence and timing, is important to the success of any project. People need to understand when to jump in and lend a hand. They need milestones, appointments, and due dates marked off on their calendars. They need checklists and approvals. In other words, they need process.

For some, process equals bureaucracy, and that translates into a Circle of Hell. Especially for creative people who like to wing it. But process is about doing the right things at the right time. It is also about helping people coordinate their efforts and avoid rework. Process makes stakeholders calmer by helping ensure completion and quality.

The FOAK process has evolved over years, and it continues to ...