THE IRPE TIERED PROCESS (see Process Chart below)

• Tier 1 – Commitment - This tier is designed to assist organizations with little or no experience with the Baldrige Criteria. Applicants complete a self-assessment using the Categories of the Baldrige Criteria in a written application of no more than 10 pages.
• Tier 2 - Progress - This intermediate tier is designed for organizations that demonstrates a higher awareness of the Baldrige Criteria. The applicant addresses the Categories and Items of the Baldrige Criteria in a written application of no more than 20 pages.
• Tier 3 – Leadership - Organizations applying at this tier will be expected to demonstrate significant progress in building sound and notable processes as measured against the Baldrige Criteria. The applicant addresses the Categories, Items, and Areas of the Baldrige Criteria in a written application of no more than 50 pages.

Leadership Tier applicants will receive recognition according to the following scoring guidelines. (1000 points maximum)

• Gold Recognition Level = 550 or more
• Silver Recognition Level = 450 – 549
• Bronze Recognition Level = 350 – 449
• * Each level of participation requires a organizational profile (5 pages or less), application and completed application form to be forwarded to the Iowa Quality Center/IRPE program coordinator.

PROCESS CHART

KEY TERMS

• Categories - The Performance Excellence Criteria are divided into seven Categories shown below. The seven Criteria Categories are subdivided into Items and Areas to Address. The Categories for Education and Health Care Criteria vary slightly from those Categories already listed.
  • Leadership
    • Do senior leaders set clear direction expectations?
    • Do performance review findings improve your leadership effectiveness and leadership system?
    • Does your company practice good citizenship?
  • Strategic Planning
    • Do your planning processes and objectives balance the needs of all stakeholders?
    • Do you develop and deploy action plans to meet your key strategic objectives?
    • Is your performance tracked to achieve excellence?
  • Customer and Market Focus
    • Do you know who your target customers and market segments are?
    • Do you build relationships with your customers?
    • Do you follow up with customers to develop customer satisfaction?
  • Measurement, Analysis & Knowledge Management
    • Do you know what information is key to your excellence?
    • Do you align the results of analysis with strategic objectives and action plans?
    • Do you make needed data and information accessible to employees & others?
  • Human Resource Focus
    • Do you manage work & jobs to promote cooperation and innovation?
    • Do you seek and use input from employees?
    • Do you effectively deliver education and training that aligns with your action plans?
    • Do you address employee safety, wellness, and satisfaction?
  • Process Management
    • Do you keep your processes aligned with current needs and trends?
    • Do your processes meet all key requirements?
    • Are key partners/suppliers aligned with your goals?
  • Business Results
    • Do your results reflect your strategic objectives and goals?
    • Do your results prove Performance Excellence?
• Items - There are 19 Items, each focusing on a major requirement from the Categories.
• Areas - Items consist of one or more Areas to Address (Areas). Organizations should address their responses to the specific requirements of these Areas.
• Organizational Profile - Sets the context for the way your organization operates. Your environment, key working relationships, and strategic challenges serve as an overarching guide for your organizational performance management system.