Implementing Best Practices in Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement February 10, MPRA State Conference

Session Objectives Participants will be able to define best practices, key performance indicators and explain their purpose and implementation in an agency. Participants will be able to implement best practices throughout the agency using various methods and approaches that help the agency, and avoid creating harm. Participants will utilize information on KPIs to further their understanding and discuss internal agency KPIs that are related to best practices for strategic planning and continuous improvement.

Best Practices A best practice is a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means. Used as a benchmark, a best practice can evolve as improvements are discovered. Utilizing best practices often requires good research and a method to measure agency performance as in key performance indicators.

Best Practice Concepts Benchmarking is the process of comparing one's business processes and performance metrics to industry bests and/or best practices from other industries “Good" practices or "smart" practices offer insight into solutions that may or may not work for your situation “Contextual practice," in which the notion of what is "best" will vary with the context

Types of Best Practices Research Validated Best Practice A program, activity or strategy that has the highest degree of proven effectiveness supported by objective and comprehensive research and evaluation. Field Tested Best Practice A program, activity or strategy that has been shown to work effectively and produce successful outcomes and is supported to some degree by subjective and objective data sources. Promising PracticeA program, activity or strategy that has worked within one organization and shows promise during its early stages for becoming a best practice with long term sustainable impact.

The Arena of Best Practice-KPI Goals & Objectives Critical Success Factors KPIs Metrics Measures KPIs Metrics Measures Objective Subjective DifficultPrecise Measureable Immeasureable

Best Practices in Strategic Planning Effectiveness of Target Setting Comprehensiveness of Target Setting Formality of External Analysis Innovation of Benchmarking Comprehensiveness of Organizational Analysis Formality of Internal Analysis Execution of Action Plans Sophistication of Action Plans Strategic Planning Coordination Strategic Planning Support

Best Practices in Continuous Improvement Organizational Learning Capacity Dynamic CI Coordination CI Execution CI Support

A Logic Model Approach Utilizing best practices often requires good research and a method to measure agency performance as in key performance indicators. Identify and prioritize KPIs using logic models. Logic models: graphic/tabular representation of program inputs, outputs, and outcomes.

A Logic Model Approach Mission Vision Values InputsActivitiesOutputsOutcomes Short-termMid-TermLong-term (Learning)(Action)(Impact) <<<<<<<< Program Design & Planning <<<<<<<< >>>>>>>> Program Impact Measurement >>>>>>> KPIs

A Logic Model Approach Mission Foster environmental stewardship in youth through education InputsActivities **BP’s** OutputsOutcomes Short-termMid-TermLong-term (Learning)(Action)(Impact) Naturalist Facility Grant award Supplies Students Field trip experience Indoor discussion Guided hike Trash pick-up Hands-on activity 100 programs 2,300 youth participants 10,000 contact hours 2 tons of trash removed from trail Student knowledge of local ecosystem increases Students learn about negative impacts of pollution Student appreciation of ecosystem increases Families spend more time doing outdoor activities Local ecosystem health improves Student physical health improves <<<<<<<< Program Design & Planning <<<<<<<< >>>>>>>> Program Impact Measurement >>>>>>> KPIs Test scores “Ecological Competency Index” KPIs # hours outdoors “Outdoor Appreciation Index” KPIs BMI “Env. Health Index”

Developing Your Agencies Own Best Practices and KPIs Workshop Defining what is important Defining what is measurable Defining a process for determining best practices and KPIs Finding an administrative home for best practices and KPIs Planning for implementation Small groups report out

Conclusion Steve Wolter, CPRPJeff Bransford, CPRP Executive DirectorAssociate Director Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands Indiana University