Based upon some of the videos and articles from this issue, here are some key questions to get you thinking about your Business Processes Improvement & Innovation stimulation practices as a consultant with your clients, or in your own organization…

Q1 – How do you Define Productivity?

  1. The ratio of output to inputs used in a production process, i.e. output per unit of input
  2. Multi-factor productivity is typically estimated using the rate of change in the use of services/resources such as labour, technology, capital vs. intermediate outputs.
  3. Productivity improvement is not only about revenue generation and profits, but also the framework of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) – social, environmental and financial 
  4. A wider dashboard of 12 indicators in three areas: growth and development; inclusion; and intergenerational equity; and sustainability.
  5. Beyond classic economic & GDP approaches to include things like a Gross National Happiness (GNH) index which is used to measure the collective happiness and wellbeing of the population.

Answer: Of course, each of the above answers are potentially “correct” depending on the narrowness of your perspective and what you are working to improve. To understand further, read this month’s Feature Article Rethinking Productivity by Aaron Pervin, CMC.

Q2 – Quality initiatives are well known through such organizations as ISO, and various other excellence models. Which of the following organizational excellence models can/do you use with your clients?

  1. Governance
  2. Leadership
  3. Planning
  4. Customer Service
  5. Resource Management
  6. Supply Networks and Partnerships
  7. Work Processes

For more information on these elements, please read the Feature Article 2 - Adding Value for Consultants with Organizational Excellence

Q3 – Which of the following Top Innovations of all time, do you think you could have invented?! 

  1. The wheel
  2. Farming
  3. Abacus (or even calculator or digital)
  4. The directional compass
  5. Eye glasses/telescope
  6. Steam engine
  7. Quantum Theory
  8. penicillin

For more information see the video: 71 Most Amazing Innovations of All Time.

Q4 – Which of the Following Books Have you Read this Year?

  1. Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers 
  2. Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan
  3. Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing your Humanity by Kim Scott
  4. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

See the CMC Toolkit item: 12 Books to Help Consultants be More Innovative.

Q5 – Where Will You Go This Year to Advance Relationships and Networks in International Management Consulting? 

  1. Milan, Italy; October 16-19, 2018   6th Annual International CMC Conference
  2. Kieve, Ukraine; May 31-June 1, 2018  Euro Hub Meeting
  3. Tehran, Iran; April 23-24, 2018   Asia-Pacific Hub Meeting
  4. Your Local Chapter or National CMC Conference.