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PDPI^SM | Method

How can you quickly and effectively identify improvement opportunities?

After selecting a model it's necessary to decide how the organization will appraise its conformance to the model parameters. MDM is prepared to provide a wide variety of appraisals to clients, depending on their needs and resources. Appraisal methods available range from less costly techniques through comprehensive full-scale appraisals which provide goal and maturity ratings. These methods are formalized in the SCAMPI^SM Class A, B, and C appraisals. MDM personnel are authorized to lead all three classes of SCAMPI’s.

Goal-Question-Appraisal

In selecting an appraisal method you should first determine what it is you want to know, what questions you want answered. Several possible questions are:

1. Is this a first appraisal or a follow-on?
2. Do I want to initiate a culture change in the organization?
3. What are the improvement opportunities which deserve immediate attention?
4. What is my process improvement progress?
5. What are the risks involved in choosing this organization as a supplier?
6. What is my "maturity level"?

Other key issues to consider in choosing an appraisal method are appraisal objectives and desired outputs, accuracy of the results, cost to prepare for and conduct the appraisal, and extent of organization disruption. Additionally, you need to match the appraisal method to business objectives and constraints. Resource availability may limit the type of the appraisal to a less intense one.

Appraisal Considerations

Three major factors to consider in choosing an appraisal method are:

1. Accuracy of the appraisal – How well will the appraisal method identify improvement opportunities? Are there major opportunities it might miss?
2. Cost – This includes both preparation costs, including team selection, training and preparation, if any, and organization preparation, and the cost of actually conducting the appraisal.
3. Organization disruption – How much will the appraisal impact normal organization operations, and can this impact be used to communicate important issues to the organization?

Table 1 provides a summary comparison of the accuracy, cost and organization disruption of various appraisal methods.

Table 1: Appraisal Comparison*

Type	Accuracy	Cost	Disruption
SCAMPISM Class C	Fair	Low	Low
SCAMPISM Class B	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
SCAMPISM Class A	High	High	High

Appraisal Teams

The appraisal team is a critical part of the appraisal process. The size and qualifications of the appraisal team, along with any potential biases of site team members, may affect the confidence the sponsor has in the appraisal results. This is particularly true if any team members have been responsible for implementing process improvements.

Selection of the appraisal team takes into account the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the appraisal team as a whole as well as each individual team member. The team as a whole must have the collective knowledge, skills, and ability to conduct the specific type of appraisal for the particular organization being assessed. Team members are selected so that their combined experience and skills match what is required for this appraisal.

Action Planning

Action planning is a necessary follow-on to any appraisal and the lead-in to implementing changes. The organization needs to review the findings and recommendations and decide what actions it will take as the next step in the improvement process. The plan sets the stage and establishes the priorities for implementing the next set of changes. Action plans based on business goals and appraisal findings and recommendations drive the improvement project.

Get more information on appraisal types