The Application Timings of Process Innovation on the S-Curve

Process management and process innovation often cause confusion to managers. This study aims to clarify the differences between process management and process innovation and the proper timings for their respective applications. The study uses the S-Curve of the technology development cycle to explain the roles that process management and process innovation play during the cycle and to make suggestions on the future challenges and research direction of process innovation. This study proposes four development periods of the Process Change Cycle (PCC): (1) Process Innovation Ferment Period; (2) Process Innovation Radical Period; (3) Process Management Standard Period; and (4) Process Management Incremental Period. Through the applications of the PCC and the S-Curve, this study clarifies the differences between process management and process innovation and their respective application timings and illustrates why process management and process innovation can coexist.