Normal entry to the Optimus Business Excellence programme is through the Best Practice route. Companies that have not participated in the Best Practice programme will be required to complete a self–assessment exercise. It may also be necessary to submit to a state-of-readiness assessment undertaken by a third party to determine what needs to be in place before embarking on the Business Excellence programme.
The Optimus Business Excellence model is an industry specific derivative of the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) Excellence Model.
The model is a self-assessment tool which enables organisations to measure where they are on the path to excellence. It will help them to identify Areas for Improvement (AFIs) and find innovative and long lasting solutions to these problem areas.
The model provides the basis for a common vocabulary and way of thinking about the organisation which is shared across all functions.
It also acts as a framework for positioning existing initiatives, removing duplication and identifying gaps and provides a robust and reliable structure for the organisation’s management system.
The model is a non-prescriptive framework based on nine criteria. Five of these are Inputs and four are Outcomes. The input criteria cover what the organisation does and the outcome criteria cover what the organisation achieves. Outcomes are caused by inputs and inputs are improved by using feedback from outcomes/results.
Each of the model’s criteria poses a number of questions that need to be considered in the course of an assessment.
Visionary and inspirational leadership and constancy of purpose.
Established values, ethics, culture and governance structure to guide the business.
Leaders demonstrate a willingness and ability to adapt and realign the direction of the organisation in the light of a fast moving and constantly changing external environment.
Uses learning to seek opportunities for continuous innovation and improvement that add value.
The organisation acquires more detailed knowledge and understanding of current and future requirements of the marketplace.
Strong
customer focus develops throughout the organisation
The
organisation becomes more agile, flexible
and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.
Greater
emphasis is placed on setting targets, selecting
benchmarks and achieving the required
result.
The
organisation maximises the contribution of
employees through their development and
involvement.
The
systematic implementation of the policies,
strategies, objectives and plans of the organisation
are enabled through a clear and integrated
set of processes.
The
organisation seeks out and develops partnerships
with customers, suppliers and others which
are based on clearly identified mutual benefit.
They work together to achieve shared goals
and support one another with expertise, resources
and knowledge and build a sustainable relationship
based on mutual trust, respect and openness.
