TABLE OF CONTENTS This section provides readers who are contemplating initiating an Appraisal Method with information that helps them properly resource and prepare for the appraisal.
The Preparation phase is typically initiated six to eight weeks prior to the On-Site phase. The primary activities performed during the Preparation phase are:
Establish appraisal objectives.
Determine boundaries to be placed on the organization for the purpose of establishing the scope of the entity to be appraised.
Select product lines, or major aspects of a product line, to receive questionnaires.
Select appraisal team and site coordinator.
Select product leaders, support functions, and practitioner groups.
Obtain facilities and support material.
Coordinate schedules, particularly senior management.
Administer questionnaire.
Annex F provides a checklist to assist the site coordinator. Many of these tasks can go more quickly and achieve better results with some guidance.
The On-Site appraisal phase is very intensive for the appraisal team. To maximize their efficiency, it is recommended that a large conference room that can be secured be made available for the On-Site effort. Other critical support facilities include computers, printers, display capability, and reproduction capability. Recommended support facilities include hotel rooms, food, and secretarial support.
All three appraisal phases are discussed in detail in Sections 3, 4, and 5. In each process activity, guidance is provided to help appraisers avoid typical pitfalls associated with that process activity.
The organization using the...
