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The EFQM Excellence Model is a framework for organisational management systems, promoted by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) and designed for helping organisations in their drive towards being more competitive.

Regardless of sector, size, structure or maturity, to be successful, organisations need to establish an appropriate management system. The EFQM Excellence Model is a practical tool to help organisations do this by measuring where they are on the path to excellence; helping them understand the gaps; and then stimulating solutions.

Contents 1 EFQM In General 1.1 The model can be used in four ways: 1.2 Applicability 1.3 Similar models 2 EFQM forums 3 References 4 See also 5 External links

[edit] EFQM In General

Over the years a number of research studies have investigated the correlation between the adoption of holistic Models, such as OIQ, Organizational Integrated Quality and EFQM Excellence Model, and improved organisational results. The majority of such studies show a positive linkage. One of the most comprehensive of these was carried out by Dr. Vinod Singhal of the Georgia Institute of Technology and Dr. Kevin Hendricks of the College of William and Mary.^[1]

[edit] The model can be used in four ways:

1. As a framework which organisations can use to help them develop their vision and goals for the future in a tangible, measurable way.
2. As a framework which organisations can use to help them identify and understand the systemic nature of their business, the key linkages and cause and effect relationships.
3. As the basis for the EFQM Excellence Award, a process which allows Companies to recognise its most successful customer experience (internal and external) and promote them to achieve the organizational target guided by their mission statements
4. As a diagnostic tool for assessing the current health of the organisation. Through this process an organisation is better able to balance its priorities, allocate resources and generate realistic business plans. This fourth, diagnostic use, is also known as self-assessment

[edit] Applicability

Self-assessment has wide applicability to organisations large and small, in the public as well as the private sectors. Increasingly organisations are using outputs from self-assessment as part of their business planning process and use the EFQM model as a basis for operational and project review.

The EFQM Excellence Model is a non-prescriptive framework based on nine criteria. Five of these are 'enablers' and four are 'results'. The 'enabler' criteria cover what an organisation does. The 'results' criteria cover what an organisation achieves. 'results' are caused by 'enablers' and feedback from 'results' help to improve 'enablers'.

The model, which recognises there are many approaches to achieving sustainable excellence in all aspects of performance, is based on the premise that excellent results with respect to performance, customers, people and society are achieved through leadership driving policy and strategy, that is delivered through people partnerships and resources, and processes.

[edit] Similar models

Last years show a trend to base Quality on deeper and profounder organizational dynamics and processes. This means more focus on: organization's vision, organizational/ psychological dynamics integrated with QMS.
Such a model is OIQ, Organizational Integrated Quality. OIQ in comparison to EFQM combines an integration of the 'softer' aspects of an intervention with quality standards and methods.

[edit] EFQM forums

In addition to the EFQM Excellence Award, the EFQM also hosts an annual forum where various key issues affecting European businesses are addressed. In November 2006 the forum addressed the theme 'competitiveness' in Budapest. Hosted by the Hungarian Quality Centre in partnership with the EFQM, the EFQM Forum 2006 aimed to provide invaluable insights into improving competitiveness. The 2007 EFQM Forum took place in Athens, Greece, on 1-3 October. The 2008 event will take place in Paris, France on 27-29 October with the gala dinner celebration in the Musée du Louvre.

[edit] References

1. ^ K. Hendricks & V. Singhal, Quality Awards and the Market Value of the Firm: An Empirical Investigation, Georgia Tech, Management Science , Vol. 42, No. 3. March 1996, pp. 415-436

[edit] See also

• EFQM Organization

[edit] External links

• EFQM
• EFQM using Excellence Manager software