New Product Development

Organisational Assessment
(EFQM)

ePathways to Excellence (SME's/SBU's)

Invest N.I. Competitiveness Assessment

Developing Customer Focus

Innovation

Business Excellence Through Action (BETA)

Benchmarking

  
     

Generic process

Embedded within the process flow chart below are guidelines and support processes, which assist the organisation in completing each step successfully.

A Licensed Facilitator is appointed to each organisation that enrols for the Pathways to Excellence® programme. The Licensed Facilitator works with the SME to assist the organisation in completing each step in Pathways to Excellence® process. Each facilitator is specially trained by the Centre for Competitiveness, and is registered by the Centre for Competitiveness. Only Licensed Facilitators are able to deliver this programme. Facilitated support includes the application of appropriate products and services from our SME Improvement "Pathways to Excellence Tool Kit"™.

Pathways to Excellence Process

Recognition

Recognition is available to participants of the Pathways to Excellence® programme through applying for independently validated recognition. This recognition process is totally separate from the Pathways to Excellence® programme. Participants may choose whether to apply for recognition or not. The Mark of Excellence™ is an All-Ireland quality mark and is awarded by a Jury Panel after a Licensed Assessor has conducted an independent assessment. The Centre for Competitiveness recommends that organisations should make themselves aware of the full extent of the implementation work required to achieve recognition under Pathways to Excellence® as early as possible. In this way, they can plan the most efficient and appropriate method of achieving success.

Benefits of Recognition

The Mark of Excellence™ identifies role model organisations that are among the best SMEs in Europe. The benefits of applying the symbol of recognition to stationery, vehicles, business lobby show cases etc., can significantly add market value, create customer confidence and enhance the image and reputation of the organisation. It is a desirable and worthwhile goal.

The Mark of Excellence™ is an All Ireland recognition mark, and is jointly owned and promoted by Centre for Competitiveness and Excellence Ireland.

The All Ireland Mark of Excellence is the ideal platform for an organisation to continue its quality journey through regional, national or European Quality Awards.

Support

Additional areas of support arising from involvement in the Pathways to Excellence ® scheme include: -

  • Common interest days and Mutual Learning Workshops
  • Benchmarking Best Practices
  • Membership of theCentre for Competitiveness
  • Networking
  • Virtual on-line Internet Support and access to Best Practise
An SME or business unit of a larger organisation will probably require the support of a Licensed Facilitator for a period of 3 - 4 days spread throughout each phase of the programme. This will depend primarily on the maturity of the organisation, and how it has integrated quality management in its general management approach. Essentially it will be the company owner / Chief Executive who has ultimate responsibility to drive continuous improvement effort. Additional help or advice may be requested from the Centre for Competitiveness depending on the specific needs and rate of progress of the improvement process.

ePathways | Process | Costs