Read more about how we helped clients improve their organizations!
Need Description
The manager for a department of public health of one of the largest counties in the United States was concerned that its existing interview protocols for selecting information technology staff analysts were outdated. Outdated job interviews can lead to poor selection decisions and potential legal issues.
How did we help?
Project associates first conducted job analyses for five positions to determine the skills and qualifications needed to perform the jobs. PAs then developed interview questions that tapped into those skills and qualifications. In addition, scoring keys were prepared for interviewers to easily and reliably differentiate qualified from unqualified job candidates. Finally, PAs made recommendations for how to position the interview within the county’s multi hurdle selection process.
Outcome
The subsequent interview protocols for selecting staff analysts were put into place shortly after the completion of the project.
Comments from public health department manager: to follow
Need Description
The president of a private holding firm that conducted maintenance for a western US region petroleum pumping operation was perplexed as to why the employees of this maintenance operation were less satisfied--as assessed by standardized Gallup survey data--than employees from other sites also managed by the company. Because low job satisfaction can lead to turnover, the president wished to understand the reasons for the differential, lower levels of satisfaction in an effort to pre empt turnover and thus costly talent replacement costs. The skills of these maintenance personnel were highly specialized and difficult to train to proficiency.
How did we help?
Using structured interviews, project associates interviewed employees and middle managers on site. Other project associates reviewed the Gallup survey data from across the company. Analysis of the interview data coupled with the survey data led to several conclusions about the causes of the dissatisfaction. These included issues with the commute to the worksite, resulting work family conflicts, and slow responses from the company’s human resources office when creating work schedules.
Outcome
Project associates made several recommendations to change human resource policies, which were implemented per follow with the president.
Need Description
The director of a California nonprofit organization situated in the largest US county charged with using state money designated for children’s welfare from age 0 through 5 was concerned that the county’s breastfeeding rates were significantly lower than those in a county immediately adjacent with comparable demographics. Breastfed babies are at reduced risk for childhood obesity, certain cancers, and asthma, among other positive outcomes. Further, moms who breastfeed also realize several health benefits.
How did we help?
Project associates conducted multiple interviews with expectant mothers, nursing mothers, non nursing mothers, nurses and physicians, and breastfeeding advocates. Additional surveys were conducted of mothers of infants to assess their decisions and influences on their breastfeeding decisions. Project associates reviewed publicly available demographic data of the two counties along with the collected interview and survey data to clarify differences in breastfeeding rates. Two key factors were found that led to differential rates: The adjacent county with the higher rate of breastfeeding had a strong advocacy program for breastfeeding that was implemented in the maternal health clinics and hospitals. Further, reviews of patient waiting rooms uncovered more material (i.e., brochures, adverts) for the use of baby formula in the target county.
Outcome
Project associates recommended changes in how SB Co promoted breastfeeding awareness. These recommendations were presented to the county’s board of supervisors.
Need Description
The director of a nationally known nonprofit had been conducting financial literacy workshops for youth who were aging out of foster care. He wanted to know if the workshops were leading to better outcomes for the foster youth who participated. Foster youth, once they have left the foster care system, are at increased risk for homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse. The director believed that a fundamental understanding of how to budget, save money, and use credit responsibly could keep foster youth from experiencing these negative outcomes.
How did we help?
Project associates conducted an evaluation of the program and its outcomes by surveying and interviewing two cohorts of foster youth who had participated in the financial literacy program. Some participants had been out of the program for a year.
Outcome
Considerable evidence for the program’s impact on foster youth success was found. Foster youth, one year out of the program, had savings accounts, were in college, and reported confidence in their ability to manage their money.