The Iowa Recognition for Performance Excellence program helps organizations assess and strengthen performance and capabilities. Participation in this process facilitates self-evaluation and improvement of current processes by identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement within your organization. The evaluation criteria for this process is the same as the Baldrige National Quality Program Criteria for Performance Excellence (Baldrige Criteria), using seven categories:

• LEADERSHIP
• STRATEGIC PLANNING
• CUSTOMER & MARKET FOCUS
• MEASUREMENT, ANALYSIS, AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
• HUMAN RESOURCE FOCUS
• PROCESS MANAGEMENT
• BUSINESS RESULTS

The Criteria have been used for the past 15 years by thousands of organizations across the US to stay abreast of competition and improve performance. The IRPE process will help your organization, no mater what type or size, implement an integrated approach to organizational performance excellence that results in (1) delivery of ever-improving value to customers, contributing to marketplace success; (2) improvement of overall organizational effectiveness and capabilities; and (3) organizational and personal learning. Award winning applicants must provide evidence of systematic processes and continuous improvements, which are critical for sustained success.

The IRPE was created through a partnership between the Iowa Quality Center and the Iowa Business Council, and continues through the support and sponsorship of organizations throughout the state. The Iowa Quality Center provides resources for continuous improvement, including an extensive resource library, networking opportunities, and training seminars.

THE BENEFITS Your organization will benefit from:

• Internal Assessment - data gathering and analysis from writing the IRPE application will provide your organization with a helpful self-assessment.
• Feedback - external analysis by a team of certified examiners helps identify your organization’s strengths and opportunities for improvement.
• Site Visit – are required for potential recognition recipients in the Leadership Tier; all other applicants may request a sit visit.
• Working Tool – feedback helps your organization learn how to integrate continuous improvement into your daily operations.
• Recognition – quality results help your organization be recognized by the State of Iowa at the IRPE annual celebration.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• The applicant must have employees in Iowa.
• The applicant must have been located in Iowa for at least one year.
• Ownership location may not restrict eligibility for the Iowa Recognition for Performance Excellence.
• Submission of a Baldrige application in the same year does not restrict eligibility for the Iowa Recognition for Performance Excellence.
• Recognition is given to promote the greatest degree of participation and is granted on the basis of fulfilling the obligations described for each level. In promoting the sharing of best practices award recipients are required to share information on their successful performance and quality strategies.