• Improvement: QualTech Prize
• Innovation: BestPrax Compass

Improvement: QualTech Prize

1. PROBLEM DEFINITION
   (Maximum Points - 10)
• Clarity of problem definition
• Credibility of data presented
2. METHODOLOGY USED
   (Maximum Points - 20)
• Use of a specific improvement methodology such as Six Sigma, JQI, Problem Solving, Kaizen, Quality Circle, 5S, etc.
• Use of a specific innovation methodology such as Taguchi, Lean Tools, TRIZ, Creativity Tools,etc.
• Discipline in use of methodology
3. TOOLS USED
   (Maximum Points - 20)
• Correct choice of tool(s) for data interpretation
• Correct construction of the tool(s)
• Accuracy of the interpretation of data
4. BENEFITS
   (Maximum Points - 30)
• How substantial are the benefits in terms of key performance indicators, such as: customer satisfaction, marketshare, employee satisfaction, supplier satisfaction, community satisfaction, cost of poor quality, cycle time, and flexibility? Any other?
• Can the benefits be replicated in other areas of the organization?
• How substantial are the intangible benefits in terms of teamwork, cross-functional communication, upper management involvement, and motivation? Any other?
5. PROJECT REPORT STRUCTURE & CONTENT
   (Maximum Points-15)
• Project Title
• Authors
• Keywords & Abbreviations
• Project Background
• Problem Definition
• Project Body
• Benefits (Tangibe and Intangible)
• Conclusion
• References
  The above structure is a proposed framework. Use of alternative titles is acceptable.
6. CHARTS, GRAPHS, MAPS, DRAWINGS AND DIAGRAMS
   (Maximum Points - 5)
• Communication capabability of the visuals
• Construction discipline

Innovation: BestPrax Compass
Based on the Malcolm Baldrige Scoring Guidelines

1. PROCESS Scoring
   (Maximum Points - 35)
• An EFFECTIVE, SYSTEMATIC APPROACH, is evident. (A)
• The APPROACH is fully DEPLOYED without significant weaknesses or gaps in any areas or work units. (D)
• Fact-based, SYSTEMATIC evaluation and improvement and organizational LEARNING are KEY organization-wide tools; refinement and INNOVATION, backed by ANALYSIS and sharing, are evident throughout the organization. (L)
• The APPROACH is well INTEGRATED with your organizational needs identified in response to the Organizational Profile and other Process Items. (I)
2. RESULTS Scoring
   (Maximum Points - 45)
• Current level of performance
• Rate (i.e., slope of trend data) and breadth (i.e., the extent of deployment) of your performance improvements
• Performance relative to appropriate comparisons and/or benchmarks
• Linkage of your results measures (often through segmentation) to important customer, product and service, market, process, and action plan performance requirements identified in your Organizational Overview and elsewhere in the submission document
3. PROJECT REPORT STRUCTURE & CONTENT
   (Maximum Points-15)
• Project Title
• Authors
• Keywords & Abbreviations
• Project Background
• Problem Definition
• Project Body
• Conclusion
• References
  The above structure is a proposed framework. Use of alternative titles is acceptable.
4. CHARTS, GRAPHS, MAPS, DRAWINGS AND DIAGRAMS
   (Maximum Points - 5)
• Communication capabability of the visuals
• Construction discipline