Sterling Examiner Preparation Evaluating Applications: Introduction to Key Factors © Florida Sterling Council 2016 – All rights reserved.

Purpose This training provides an introduction to Key Factors, one of the first steps in the Independent Evaluation process, to prepare Examiners for the Evaluating Applications Workshop and facilitate completion of the Case Study Upon completion of this training participants will: Understand the definition of Key Factors Realize the significance of Key Factors Be familiar with the Organizational Profile purpose and content Learn how to identify an organization’s Key Factors

What are Key Factors? Key attributes important to an organization that influence the way it operates Environment, key working relationships, strategic situation, sector, size, locations, demographics, workforce, customer base, and competitors Key attributes that explain the relevant areas of the Criteria What makes the Criteria work for all sizes and types of organizations.

What are Key Factors? Real life examples: Everyone has to buy food – How would this process look different for a two person household and a ten person household? What about a family vs. an institution? Succession planning – Will this process look the same in a large private organization as it would for a public organization with elected officials?

Key Factors Significance Key Factors help you understand the importance and relevance of processes and results to prioritize your evaluation of the organization Set the stage for your evaluation and analysis Identify gaps in key information Focus on key performance requirements and results

Key Factors Significance Examiners use Key Factors throughout the examination process: For each Criteria Item (e.g. 1.1), you select the 4 to 6 most important and relevant Key Factors applicable to the Criteria requirements for that Item As you develop Strengths and Opportunities for Improvement (OFIs), you review Key Factors for alignment and applicability For each opportunity, Key Factors demonstrate the importance to the organization You will learn more about this process step during Evaluating Applications Workshop and the Examiner Training

Where Do I Find Key Factors? Most Key Factors will be found in the five page Organizational Profile (in the application). Read Pages i-iv in the Case Study (Organizational Profile) and the Key Factors Worksheet provided

Organizational Profile Overview Each application contains a 5 page Organizational Profile that provides an overview of the organization, including: The context in which an organization operates The key requirements for current and future success and sustainability The needs, opportunities, and constraints placed on an organization’s management systems

Organizational Profile Overview The Organizational Profile requires responses to a series of “What” questions: P.1 is a description of the organization’s operating environment and key relationships with customers, suppliers, partners, and stakeholders P.2 is a description of the organization’s competitive environment, key strategic challenges and advantages, and the system for performance improvement

Organizational Profile Overview Read the Organizational Profile description on in the Sterling Management System Resource Guide (2018-2019) Highlight key words to familiarize yourself with the purpose and content of the Organizational Profile

Other Places to Find Key Factors Most Key Factors will be found in the Organizational Profile However, there may be additional Key Factors found in the Eligibility Form or within responses to the Criteria Items List any Key Factors (organizational attributes) regardless of where found in the application The Key Factors worksheet may be updated as you learn more about the organization throughout the process

To Identify Key Factors Read each Organizational Profile question in the Resource Guide Read the organization’s response Highlight key words that answer each question You will discuss Key Factors in the Criteria 101 workshop, and learn to use these in the Evaluating Applications workshop A completed Key Factors Worksheet is provided to facilitate your Case Study Evaluation

Evaluating Applications Pre-Work Prior to the Evaluating Applications workshop: Complete the pre-work instructions found in the 2018-19 Examiner Training Requirements file located on the Sterling Web-site www.floridasterling.com (located under the Training & Education link, Examiner Document Downloads) Print and complete the certificate on the following slide and bring it with you to the Evaluating Applications workshop For questions or additional information, contact your mentor or the Sterling Office at 850-922-5316

Key Factors Training Certificate Complete and print this page and turn in at the Evaluating Applications Workshop. Name: Date: Mentor Name (1st year Examiners): © Florida Sterling Council 2016 – All rights reserved.