SEQUAL™

A computerized decision management methodology and application for performance-based quality evaluation and improvement, characterized by:

• Utilization of "classical" statistical theory,
  
  
• Quantitative acceptance criteria,
  
  
• Sequential, multi-stage sampling with accept/reject or continue sampling decision points,
  
  
• Quantitative consideration of the beneficial effects of traditional diagnostic activities (e.g. root cause and extent-of-condition analyses) and corrective actions,
  
  
• Capability to evaluate stratified, non-homogeneous populations with sampling plan cost optimization, and
  
  
• A Microsoft Windows™ 95/98/NT application

TCMS™ or The Culture Meter Software

A computerized cultural assessment and performance evaluation and improvement application, characterized by ability to:

• Model organizational culture, specifying weighted Cultural Dimensions and Attributes,
  
  
• Incorporate "best of class" cultural-performance experience derived through SYNERGY’s CCA^SM Methodology,
  
  
• Develop customized survey instruments with capability for multiple response scales and written inputs,
  
  
• Specify acceptance criteria used to identify demographic and organizational pockets & outliers,
  
  
• To establish long-term trending of key performance metrics at multiple demographic and organizational levels,
  
  
• To benchmark against contemporary industry data that allows comparison and trending of key metrics with others in the industry,
  
  
• Identify cause and effect relationships useful in defining remedial actions including outputs for group-by-group validation, problem-solving, prioritization and action planning,

TCMS™ is a Microsoft Windows™ 95/98/NT application offered in conjunction with SYNERGY’s CCA^SM methodology (providing access to the analytical expertise and experience of SYNERGY’s principals) or through a "service bureau" arrangement with SYNERGY (providing capability by the client to independently conduct surveys and trending).

CCA^SM or Comprehensive Cultural Assessment^SM methodology –

The CCA^SM methodology provides quantitative mechanism for characterizing and improving an organization’s culture and work environment to assure these continue to support and promote the Company’s business needs and employees. CCAs have been implemented for entire companies, specific locations and specific sub-organizations. Results can be benchmarked against industry or similar organizations using proprietary metrics and comparative results.

The CCA^SM methodology relies upon cultural models that are based upon characteristics of successful enterprises. Typical models include:

• Safety Culture – the Nuclear Safety Culture, the Industrial Health & Safety Culture, Environmental Safety Culture, etc.
  
  

• General Culture & Work Environment
  
  

• Applied Leadership, Management & Supervisory Capabilities & Performance

SYNERGY's research indicates that employee attitudes and perceptions and, their evaluations of the effectiveness of key processes, are important barometers of future performance trends. Accordingly, SYNERGY's approach relies heavily upon obtaining employee input as a measure of the values, behaviors and practices and applied leadership characteristics that have shaped the culture and performance and, to solicit ideas for continuous improvement. This process identifies strengths as well as any areas or sub-organizations requiring management attention and further organizational or leadership development.

The CCA^SM methodology obtains employee input through a combination of interviews and multi-faceted questionnaires. These data are acquired by either surveying 100% of a population of interest or through selection of a representative cross-section of employees determined by specific criteria established by SYNERGY or by statistical sampling techniques. Together, the interview process and the questionnaires are complementary in establishing a high degree of confidence of the cultural characterization, probing of cause-effect relationships driving important issues and identifying solutions.

Most often, line management is directly involved in the CCA^SM methodology by holding group sessions where they have an opportunity to articulate the purpose of the CCA, how they value their employees' input and how the feedback will be used and will result in action if necessary. Thus, the CCA^SM methodology itself provides an important communication opportunity in reinforcing the Company’s standards and expectations. In turn, the employees develop further appreciation of management’s' and supervisions' cultural values and strong commitment; seeing the leadership team walking-the-talk through consistent words and actions

The CCA^SM methodology permits interpretation of various demographic and organizational trends, providing the capability to isolate specific organizational strengths and problem areas and the capability to examine specific cultural relationships within the context of potential change opportunities. As such, SYNERGY explores any "invisible" barriers to quality, productivity and innovation that may represent opportunities for enhancing overall performance.

The CCA^SM methodology results are presented in formats useful for a) diagnostic and predictive trending, b) benchmarking with other companies and, c) future interactions between management and employees to jointly develop intervention and developmental measures (solutions) to address any identified needs. Thus, The CCA^SM process of independent review and self-assessment contributes to enhancing and maintaining the desired culture and work environment.

For more info, view the CCA^SM Presentation, or you may download the CCA Services Summary in MS-Word '97 / 2000 format or in Adobe Acrobat format.

You may download the Adobe Acrobat Reader free of charge from Adobe's website.