White Papers

Reengineering White Paper

As BPR enters a new century, it has begun to undergo a resurgence in popularity. Companies have seen real benefit in evaluating processes before they implement expensive technology solutions. By deconstructing processes and grading them in terms of whether they are value-added or non-value-added activities, organizations are able to pinpoint areas that are wasteful and inefficient.

Performance Measurement White Paper

Performance measurement asks the question “what does success really mean?” It views accomplishment in terms of outcomes, and it requires managers to examine how operational processes are linked to goals. In this way, managers do not simply report on the past, they make authoritative forecasts about the future.

Knowledge Management White Paper

There are many definitions of knowledge management. It has been described as "a systematic process for capturing and communicating knowledge people can use." Others have said it is "understanding what your knowledge assets are and how to profit from them." Or the flip side of that: "to obsolete what you know before others obsolete it." Perhaps the simplest definition of knowledge management is "sharing what we know with others." In all of these definitions, the emphasis is on human know-how and how it brings value to an organization; however, utilizing individual expertise to get maximum return for an organization is not as easy as it may sound.

Integrated Supply Chain Management White Paper

Supply chains can exist in both manufacturing and service organizations, and they are principally concerned with the flow of products and information between supply chain member organizations—p rocurement of materials, transformation of materials into finished products, and distribution of those products to end customers. Today's information-driven, integrated supply chains are enabling organizations to reduce inventory and costs, add product value, extend resources, accelerate time to market, and retain customers.

Change Management White Paper

"Stewardship of resources" is a phrase often heard in the public sector. More often than not, it is associated with budget decisions—the careful, prudent management of money, rather than of human assets and potential. And yet, guiding, nurturing, and shepherding human capital are the skills most needed to ensure that organizational change is received and implemented enthusiastically (or at least serenely), rather than with distrust and fear. The degree to which leaders are able to manage change, develop consensus, and sustain commitment will determine the success (or failure) of any management initiative or reform effort.

Best Practices & Benchmarking White Paper

A best practice is a business function, process, or system that is considered superior to all other known methods. A documented strategy and approach used by the most respected, competitive, and profitable organizations, a best practice is widely known to improve performance and efficiency in a specific area. Successfully identifying and applying best practices can save money, eliminate redundancy, and enhance organizational effectiveness.

Activity-based Costing White Paper

A powerful tool for measuring performance, Activity-Based Costing is used to identify, describe, assign costs to, and report on agency operations. A more accurate cost management system than traditional cost accounting, ABC identifies opportunities to improve business process effectiveness and efficiency by determining the "true" cost of a product or service.

Realizing the “Performance” Side of “Pay for Performance” in Federal Agencies Establishing Collaborative Accountability

"Pay for Performance" is a hot topic among federal agencies these days. Managers and employees alike want newly mandated personnel policies to compensate federal employees fairly while enhancing their ability to produce measurable results for taxpayers.