Last update: 04/15/2008

No-Fault Effectiveness Assessment

Methodology

An assessment does not seek to impose arbitrary standards or serve as a performance audit or inspection. Rather, the assessment provides an excellent opportunity to share best practices and lessons-learned among public facilities managers, discuss budget challenges, explore staffing and performance measures toward the most cost-effective solutions. The methodology used in the assessment include quantitative and qualitative analysis of organizational effectiveness, using data regarding purposes and goals, resources available, personnel training and development, fiscal accounting practices, communication procedures, energy efficiency and conservation techniques and comparison with similar agencies and trade industry standards.

Reporting Criteria

The "final report" of an assessment is discretionary; with options ranging from formal written reports, to computer-generated systems analyses; from one-on-one discussions with facilities staffs, to Microsoft PowerPoint, computer-assisted briefings. Again, the choice is left up to the client. The assessment team reports only to those members of the assessed organization identified and authorized by the client. The assessment report comments on the strengths of the institution and, when appropriate, offers suggestions and recommendations for improvement of performance and/or other requested areas.

A key component of the No-Fault Effectiveness Assessment is the interaction which occurs among the assessment team members and the assessed operations staffs. Critical professional relationships are developed which serve to enhance communication and overall effectiveness.

Team Composition

The Assessment team is made up of facilities professionals; with the exact composition dictated by the scope of the client's request. The diverse membership of the Plant Operations Support Program contributes to a depth of expertise residing in the Northwest and elsewhere. "Sharing" key facilities personnel and their collective experiences and backgrounds among the program membership is another benefit of the assessment program.

Assessment Costs

The scope of the Assessment will be determined jointly by the Plant Operations Support manager and the client agency. The costs associated with full-time involvement of the program manager are covered by an agency's subscription to the Plant Operations Support Program. The client is expected to reimburse additional costs incurred by a more extensive Assessment. Typical four-member assessment teams will complete an on-site review of a mid-sized plant operations activity in one working day. Total costs for this example, from initial contact--through analysis of work management data--to final report, seldom exceed $5,000.

A Typical Assessment Schedule

  • Initial coordination effected between the requesting agency and the program manager.
  • Selected, representative documents/data by client for pre-assessment analysis.
  • Team members will conduct on-site assessment (normally one working day).
  • Post-Assessment analysis.
  • Report to client.
  • Evaluation of assessment and team by client.
  • Six-month, follow-on visit (optional).