Opening the Door to Innovation

Ashmita Dewanjee (MEM '24) was a technical software engineer before starting in Northwestern's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program. Her goal is to transition into a product manager position after graduation. 

A recent field trip with her Organizing for Innovation course has Dewanjee feeling highly confident she's ready for the professional switch.  

Dewanjee and her classmates visited the Masonite Innovation Center, where they got a behind-the-scenes look at technology and product development for the designer, manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of interior and exterior doors. 

Innovation may not be the first word that comes to mind when it comes to doors, but Dewanjee was impressed by all Masonite is doing to revolutionize its products. 

"Masonite specializes in creating sophisticated and innovative doors, which caught my interest," she said. "They are redefining doors with features like sensor technology, automatic locks, and space-saving balcony hinge doors, all while maintaining affordability and offering stylish designs." 

Masonite was founded in 1925. In May, the company was acquired by Owens Corning for $3.9 billion. 

Dewanjee and her classmates met with a number of Masonite engineers, including several who started their careers as company interns. Hearing about their professional paths was one of Dewanjee’s highlights. 

The comprehensive facility tour was also a standout experience. 

"We got some of the demos of their new technology, where the doors can identify the owner and open on its own," she said. "They showcased some of their readymade doors, allowing buyers to physically experience their products. I particularly enjoyed seeing the acoustic testing area designed for doors." 

During the visit, the students also heard from Umair Hussain, who is a partner at professional services firm Red Chalk Group. Hussain discussed the business aspects, network effects, and overall ecosystem surrounding product innovation. 

The trip to Masonite was organized by Cory Sorice, who in addition to teaching the Organizing for Innovation course is senior vice president and chief innovation officer at Masonite.  

The goal of the trip was to help students see the lessons they learned in class firsthand in a professional environment. Some of those lessons included: 

• How the emergence of ecosystems change how companies organize for innovation 

• What skills are needed to thrive when it comes to innovation 

• How an enterprise can develop a portfolio of innovation investments 

• How a company can realize profitable growth from innovation 

"This course has prepared me to be a product manager," Dewanjee said. "It has sharpened my problem-solving abilities and enhanced my strategic thinking, enabling me to envision and navigate the product landscape more effectively."