Animation Skillnet and Screen Skills Ireland are delighted to introduce this programme, specifically designed by Laurence Knell to support companies in the Animation, Games & VFX Sector emerge from the current Covid-19 crisis stronger and more focused.
Course content
This course will provide participating companies with a renewed clarity by focusing on three key questions:
- Where are we now?
- Where do we want to go?
- How are we going to get there?
Delivered over the course of 2 x 2-hour sessions, the proposed programme will support participants as they challenge their own thinking about the current and future directions of their business by taking a more overt strategic innovation approach.
Session 1
The basics of innovation and strategy
- What is strategy?
- What is innovation?
- Why are they important both now and in a post-Covid-19 world?
Where are we now?
• Analysing and understanding the external environment and assessing future innovation horizons
• Analysing the current business model
Session 2
Where do we want to go to? Redefining the future vision
- Taking a Strategic Innovation approach to future planning
- Redefining the business model
- Redefining the who: Who will be our customer in the future?
- Redefining the what: What products or services will we offer these customers?
- Redefining the how: How will we service these customers and their needs?
- How can we think differently about the business?
- Building an innovation strategy
How are we going to get there? Taking a strategic view of innovation
- The challenge of leading strategic innovation
- Planning strategy execution
- Balancing risk, failure and constraints in a post-Covid-19 world
There will be a two-week interval between the sessions, where participants will be given specific activities to undertake, focusing on evaluating their current business and charting a future direction.
If required, one-to-one company “check-ins” will be offered to participants between Sessions 1 and 2 or after Session 2, to allow company-specific and company-confidential challenges to be discussed.
About the Tutor
Laurence Knell has over 20 years’ experience working in the consultancy, technology and transportation sectors in Ireland, Europe and Australia with companies such as Maersk, Microsoft and Insights, delivering organisational change, strategic realignment and innovation.
He is a director of Strategic Innovation Partners, a Dublin-based consultancy, and a co-founder of Brain for Business, an initiative bringing together practical insights from the world of behavioural and brain science to deliver better business practice and outcomes.
Laurie has worked internationally with leaders and executives in a wide-range of sectors including technology, transportation, finance, pharmaceutical, FMCG, and agri-business.
He has worked in an advisory capacity with organisations ranging from Irish SMEs and multinationals through to semi-state and statutory bodies, and is a member of the NSAI Innovation Standards panel. Laurie is an Associate Lecturer on the Open University Business School’s MBA program, teaching in the areas creativity, innovation and management. He also works closely with the OU’s Executive Education team and Centre for Police Research and Learning.
Laurie has contributed to and co-authored published university texts and course work in these areas and his first book, an MBA text Why creativity matters: Insights for individuals and organisations was published in October, 2018, by the Open University.
Laurence has recently completed a Skillnet-funded report into Innovation Capability Development in Ireland.
Participant profile
This programme is intended for senior leaders and those with responsibility for strategy and innovation within the Animation, Games and VFX Sector. Participants must have a current, valid address in the Republic of Ireland.
Additional hardware requirements for the course: Courses will be taking place using the Skype App. Participants will need to have a good internet connection and a device with Audio, Webcam and Microphone for live chat sessions and feedback.
Dates & Times
Friday 29th of May from 10am to 12pm and Friday 12th of June from 10am to 12pm. (please note additional 1 hour one-to-one sessions will have to be booked separately after the first session)
Cost
Exceptionally, we will be offering this course at no cost to the participants, as Animation Skillnet has committed to support the Irish Animation, Games and VFX Industries impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Application Procedure
To apply, please fill in the registration form here before Friday 15th of May at 5pm:
All applicants will be notified by email by Monday 18th of May.
PLEASE NOTE THAT PLACES ARE LIMITED AND THEREFORE WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE FACILITATED.
Course Information
Course Instructor
