JUDGING PROCESS & CRITERIA:

Judging Criteria:

The Quality Award applications were evaluated based on the following 5 categories:

1. Project Selection (3 items worth 3 points each) - How well did the applicant explain the methods used to define the problem and select the project

2. Situation Analysis & Measurement (3 items worth 3 points each) - How well did the applicant  explain the method used to identify potential causes and how the team selected the primary “root cause”

3. Solution Development (3 items worth 3 points each) - How well did the applicant explain the process used to identify potential solutions and how the team selected the final solution to implement.

4. Project Implementation and Results (3 items worth 3 points each) - How well did the applicant explain the approach used to implement the solution and explain the net results achieved.

5. Team/Project Management (3 items worth 3 points each) - How well did the applicant explain how the team members were selected and how the project was managed.

Scoring System:

Each subsection of the applicant's report was scored from 0 to 3 based on how well it addressed the requirements.  The total possible score ranged from 0 to 45.  Each judge studied and scored their assigned proposals and prepared a score card which also included their notes on the applicants strengths and opportunities for improvement.  A rating summary sheet and narrative summary was prepared for each applicant's report and exchanged with all judges.  The judges then met to discuss the applications.  It was mandatory there could be no more than 1 point difference between any of the judges scores on any one item.  If there was, all judges discussed the scores until they reached consensus.  The final scores were calculated and the winners were selected based on their overall all score.

Two applicants tied for second place so there were 5 finalists, the first place Gold Winner, two second place Silver Winners, one Bronze Winner and one Honorable Mention. 

All applicants reported excellent projects.  However, the differentiating factors were how well they addressed the requirements in the criteria.