Business improvement

We assist in evaluating business operations and current measurement systems to identify opportunities for improvement. This can involve the following methods.

Operational assessment

• Adaptation of business concepts and process improvement methods for ASU’s work environment.
• Assess departmental, unit and process readiness for process-based improvement activities and transformation.
• Benchmark performance.
• Metrics and reporting development.

Operational improvement

• Consult on business process improvement or change management methods for departmental projects.
• Facilitate dialogue with key stakeholders to create and implement process improvement plans.
• Share resources such as business playbook templates, Lean Six Sigma and project standard methods.

Change Management

Change management provides a systematic approach to attain goals and fully achieve desired outcomes — these skills have never been more critical.

In today’s dynamic business environment, organizations must undergo changes in organizational structures, processes, staffing, systems and more to maintain a competitive advantage and ensure the capability of providing high quality services to our customers. Successful implementation of these changes requires effective management to assist staff in adapting seamlessly.

We utilize Prosci’s ADKAR model to guide, instill confidence and motivate staff to embrace change. We can assist you in developing strategies to reduce resistance and creating opportunities for effective and open communication.

Employee capability

Training opportunities are available for continuous business improvement, problem-solving and strategic planning. Learn about gold-standard tools and methods available to the ASU community.

ASU Spark Method^TM Facilitator Certification

Learn how to facilitate discussions to problem-solve a challenge through collective ideas that develop an action plan to implement the change. Register in Career EDGE.

Lean Six Sigma

The Lean Six Sigma environment relies on tools and templates to systematically remove waste and reduce variation. Participants learn the DMAIC phases – define, measure, analyze, improve and control – to use for process improvement initiatives.

1. Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification.
2. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.
3. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
4. Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certification.

Visit the ASU Global Outreach and Extended Education webpage to register for one of the following certifications.

Project Management

The Organizational Performance Office provides project management resources to execute department, enterprise and process-level projects. Our projects help units:

• Achieve operating goals.
• Create new services.
• Implement new technologies and processes.
• Overcome operational challenges.

OPO follows industry-standard project management practices and offers skilled project management staff to effectively lead projects. We provide consulting and guidance to existing project teams as required, ensuring consistency through standardized operating procedures, templates and tools.

Building a business case:

• Assist the unit in reviewing their organizational goals and objectives to identify and define projects that will position them for future growth and success.
• Create a business case to support the commitment of resources for the project.

Ensuring project efficiencies:

• Assist teams with in-depth data reviews to guide them in making data-driven decisions for projects and identifying key strategies.
• Bring subject matter experts together to collaborate with teams.
• Utilize industry standard tools and methodologies to manage projects effectively and efficiently and guide structured use of project resources.

Establish successful project completion:

• Assist teams in meeting milestones and establishing deadlines.
• Guide project teams in documentation.
• Help ensure that all deliverables are met.

Strategic planning

Our office assists university units with developing strategic plans for success using the following practices.

• Define and ensure vision and mission align with the university charter.
• Develop goals, objectives and tasks.
• Facilitate strategic planning meetings and activities.
• Use SWOT, customer and resource analysis to evaluate the position in the market.