Performance Assessment of an (Agile) Organization

Info

The assessment aims to thoroughly evaluate the organization and pinpoint weaknesses and misunderstandings in the product or service value delivery chain, as well as the foundational principles. It facilitates a comprehensive overview for subsequent discussions regarding strategy and necessary organizational changes, playing a vital role in planning internal improvement initiatives. This assessment is applicable to both agile and traditional organizational structures, and is suitable for various sectors beyond IT, focusing on any organizational function and extending to related areas.

Languages: The assessment can be conducted in Slovak (Czech), English, or Spanish, and the final report will be provided in either Slovak or English.

Is this description relevant for you?

The organization is not meeting performance expectations and requires revitalization from stagnation.
Management feels overwhelmed as a lone advocate for improvements without clear reasons.
There is pressure to undertake significant actions to rescue the organization.
Rapid changes in the external environment hinder innovation.
Employees are seeking engagement, playful activities, while avoiding accountability.
Challenges persist across multiple departments, including R&D, Product Management, Finance, Marketing, and HR.
Teams appear to be lacking necessary skills and expertise.
The organization is permeated by apathy and negativity, which may border on toxicity.
Roles and responsibilities are unclear, leading to widespread complaints about workload.
Resource shortages are common, including equipment, space, personnel, and funds, often cited as reasons for operational failures.

During the assessment, a holistic analysis of the organization is conducted along four Agile dimensions to gain insights into its operations. This includes an examination of cultural aspects affecting employee engagement and motivation, product/service evaluation within the value delivery chain, process design and adaptability to changes, as well as knowledge management practices aimed at fostering innovation. The assessor seeks to understand why certain practices exist and how they correlate with the organization’s defined success metrics.

The assessment results in a report that outlines the organizational landscape, focusing not on identifying faults or successes, but rather on understanding the current situation and its alignment with present and future goals. Key questions include whether objectives are defined and measurable, the value of outcomes for target groups, and how bureaucracy influences operations. The effectiveness of talent utilization and engagement in problem-solving is also thoroughly evaluated.

In organizations that have begun implementing agile methodologies, the assessment also evaluates the effectiveness of chosen agile techniques and their impact. Conversely, for those utilizing traditional bureaucratic structures, the focus shifts to identifying opportunities for streamlining processes and enhancing performance.

The final report will include recommendations and actionable steps for improvement, serving as a foundational document for strategic discussions with senior management on the next phases of action, whether incremental adjustments or comprehensive organizational redesign.

Target Audience for the Assessment:

Business owners, board members, and senior executives.
Upper and middle management focused on achieving significant results.
Professionals in Sales, Project Management, HR, Procurement, and other non-IT sectors.
Leading managers from R&D and software development teams.

Examples of Potential Outcomes:

In a specific organization, outcomes varied from significant reductions in project delays, saving substantial amounts through enhanced transparency and collaboration, to advising needed redesigns of business models to boost customer engagement and profitability.

Assessment Requirements:

The assessment typically involves 1-2 days on-site, examining production plans and observing real work practices in relation to objectives. Organizations have seen millions in savings due to identified inefficiencies and process waste, along with the development of new business strategies.

Pricing Information:

Note: Prices are indicative. Final costs will be negotiated upon ordering, with any discrepancies invoiced accordingly. Services are provided based on a time and material model, with no fixed pricing guarantees.

Location:

Assessments are conducted at the client's premises, ensuring an authentic examination of the organization within its operational context, rather than theoretical analysis.

About the consultant – Michal Vallo

Michal Vallo is recognized as the first Scrum Master in the Czech Republic and is an influential figure in the agile community. He has held managerial roles across various organizations and led the initial agile transformation in 2008. Michal’s academic background includes a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Open University Business School in the UK. He is the founder of Aguarra, a leading educational organization in Eastern Europe, and has a history of international work as a consultant and trainer in agile practices.