Candidate process improvements are typically determined by doing the following:

·       Measuring processes and analyzing measurement results

·       Reviewing processes for effectiveness and suitability

·       Assessing customer satisfaction

·       Reviewing lessons learned from tailoring the organization’s set of standard processes

·       Reviewing lessons learned from implementing processes

·       Reviewing process improvement proposals submitted by the organization’s managers, staff, and other relevant stakeholders

·       Soliciting inputs on process improvements from senior management and other leaders in the organization

·       Examining results of process appraisals and other process related reviews

·       Reviewing results of other organizational improvement initiatives

Candidate process improvements are also determined by doing the following:

·       Reviewing process improvement proposals submitted by the organization’s suppliers

·       Obtaining feedback from suppliers on acquirer processes and supplier-acquirer interface points

Examples of techniques to help determine and prioritize possible improvements to be implemented include the following:

·       A cost benefit analysis that compares the estimated cost and effort to implement the process improvements and their associated benefits

·       A gap analysis that compares current conditions in the organization with optimal conditions

·       Force field analysis of potential improvements to identify potential barriers and strategies for overcoming those barriers

·       Cause-and-effect analyses to provide information on the potential effects of different improvements that can then be compared