IMPROVEMENT BY DESIGN

A practical and realistic approach to improvement planning

for

SMALL BUSINESS

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

WHY DEVELOP AN IMPROVEMENT PLAN?

· It provides a “blueprint for action”.

· It encourages collaborative decision-making

· It facilitates implementation of ideas and decisions

· It represents a communication tool

· It documents progress and growth over time

THE PROCESS

IMPROVEMENT BY DESIGN is a process for developing a focused, clear, and manageable organizational improvement plan. It builds the capacity of the staff for thorough and thoughtful collaborative discussion and decision-making in relation to the growth of the organization.

The following specific topics are addressed:

Using data to identify strengths and areas for improvement
Selecting priority goals
Establishing performance targets
Determining areas of focus
Developing action statements
Describing success indicators
Establishing timelines
Distributing responsibility for implementation
Monitoring and reporting results
Revising the plan

TRAINING OPTIONS

Seminars

Workshops

Executive Coaching.

Assessment Assistance Plus provides customized seminars or workshops on IMPROVEMENT BY DESIGN on site.

Seminars are usually a half day in length. They outline and discuss the principles associated with each component of the improvement planning process.

Workshops are usually 1 to 2 days in length. An interactive approach takes participants through each step of the improvement planning process. By the end of the workshop, a realistic, manageable improvement plan will be documented and ready for implementation. The data analyzed during the workshop is to be provided by the organization.

Executive Coaching involves working one on one, over time, with an executive of an organization to assist him/her in implementing the process of IMPROVEMENT BY DESIGN.

Fee Structure for Training

Fees for seminars and workshops are based on the actual time on site. Expenses and applicable taxes are additional.

Hourly rate - $120

Half day (3 hours) - $350

Full day (6 hours) - $700

If transportation to the site is by car, the rate charged is $0.35/km. Travel by other means, accommodation, meals and other expenses are charged at actual costs.

A PRACTITIONER’S HANDBOOK

This handbook is provided to each organization following a training seminar or workshop. It is available in hard copy, on diskette or on CD. It describes each of the components identified in the training process for IMPROVEMENT BY DESIGN and provides easy to follow directions for their use. As well, the data sources that represent evidence of need for each priority goal are to be indicated. Included is a space for providing regular status reports which will facilitate monitoring and reporting of progress in achieving the stated goals. The handbook provides a reference guide for implementing continuous improvement planning in the organization.

The key features of the handbook include:

· A workbook format to facilitate use

· Practice exercises for many components

· Worksheets

· A template on which to build a plan

· Sample completed components

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