Application Intro

Thank you for your interest in GMAQ activities. It is only through the combined efforts of previous examiners, members and sponsors of the organization, previous award applicants and those interested in quality that we can achieve continued success of our program. We are now seeking examiner applicants for training on September 6, 7, and 8 at Southwest Tennessee Community College. New Examiners will also have to attend ½ day orientation on August 11^th . And remember the training is free!

As an individual, this training will greatly enhance your ability to use Baldrige principles to achieve performance excellence in your operation. As an organization, the more people who are trained, the better prepared your organization will be to achieve this excellence. As you might be aware, Baldrige has Criteria for the health care industry education. This is part of the beauty of Baldrige – the complete flexibility of the criteria. We have modeled our training program after the national Baldrige training process – a proven winner!

An examiner application is attached. Please feel free to make copies if you need them. Do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions. The examiner application deadline is August 1st, and they will be reviewed after that date. I encourage you to fax your application to me at 901.678.4301 or e-mail hjbrwnng@memphis.edu or execdir@gmaq.org. In addition, there is pre-work involved, and the later your acceptance as an examiner, the shorter your time to prepare for the training experience.

2006 EXAMINER APPLICATION
This is the fourteenth year of the Greater Memphis Association Award for Quality. The Award is modeled after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and recognizes organizations that represent the highest levels of excellence in quality practices in the Greater Memphis area. From 1994 through 2006, manufacturing, services, small business, health care, education and non-profit organizations have been recognized for continuous quality improvement. .

To be considered, applicants must have knowledge and experience in quality improvement techniques and a reputation for ethical conduct and integrity. Qualifications include: broad knowledge of total quality; length, breadth, and types of experience; communication skills; education and training; and achievements and recognition. Efforts are made to ensure broad participation to avoid disproportionate involvement by one industry or employees from a single company.

Completion of Application
Prospective Examiners must submit a 2006 Examiner Application Form postmarked no later than August 4, 2006. Examiner applications and references may be sent by e-mail. All examiner applicants must reapply annually. Applicants will be informed of their status by August 7, 2006.

Ethical Standards of Conduct
Examiners are expected to carry out their duties and responsibilities in the Award Program in accordance with the Code of Ethical Standards.

Term
The term of examiner members is from the time of completion of the preparation course through the award ceremony in May, 2007.

Time Commitment
Applicants for the examiner position should give careful consideration to the time commitment required to meet the award review schedule. The actual commitment will depend on the number of applicants reviewed and whether the examiner participates in site visits. Although the program seeks to accommodate varying schedules, examiners must be able to accommodate the program’s critical review periods detailed in the Award calendar. A person who is considering applying to become an Examiner for The Greater Memphis Association for Quality should be aware that 40-90 hours of time may be required to fulfill the commitment between August to March 31 with a peak workload from October through February. Review of written Award applications is carried out at the Examiner’s work location or home. Business is also conducted by mail and telephone. Travel may be necessary for site visits but is unlikely.

Participation by Examiner applicants in the preparation course is critical to the GMAQ Program’s success, as this course includes detailed review of the criteria, scoring system, evaluation process, consensus development, site visit requirements, and a code of ethical standards. All Examiner members must attend the 3 day preparation course scheduled for September 6, 7, and 8 at Southwest Tennessee Community College and must complete a case study evaluation prior to the course. New examiners must complete a 1/2 day orientation on August 11^th. No special courses can be provided for those who cannot attend.

Lead Examiner Orientation
A brief meeting of all Lead Examiners will be scheduled in October from 9am-11am to review special requirements.

Calendar

Examiner Application due

August 4

New Examiner Orientation

August 11

Examiner Preparation Course

September 6, 7, 8

Lead Examiner Orientation

October

Examiner Individual Assessment/Scoring

Oct. 16 – Nov.17

Examiners Sent Copy of Other Team Members Assessments

Nov. 21

Teams Meet for Consensus/Site Issues. Set Site Visit Date

Nov. 27 - Jan.12

Level I and II Teams Meet for Consensus (no site visit)

Dec. 10 – Jan. 12

Return Final Consensus Report to Coordinator

Jan. 19

Teams Conduct Site Visit

Jan. 23 - Feb. 23

Return Final Consensus Report to Coordinator

March 9

Press Conference to Announce Winners

April 3

GMAQ Award Luncheon & Examiner Recognition

May 1

Adherence to Award Process
Examiners are expected to meet all requirements associated with a fair and competent evaluation, including the use of the Award criteria and scoring system and meeting site visit requirements. Good documentation and written communication are essential parts of the overall review process.

Assignment of Examiners
The Award Program seeks to provide the fairest, most competent evaluation of each application. Accordingly, Examiners are assigned to applications on the basis of their knowledge and experience, consistent with the requirements to avoid conflicts of interest, to apportion the application load equitably, and to adhere to agreed-upon schedules.

Compensation and Reimbursement
The Greater Memphis Association for Quality, which administers the Greater Memphis Pyramid of Excellence Award, is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation. The application fees are kept to a minimum to encourage broad participation. As a public/private partnership, the Program needs to operate with maximum voluntary support. Therefore, the Program does not pay honoraria or travel expenses. (back to top)

GMAQ 2006 Application