Improving organizational effectiveness often begins with an assessment of the current state.  Such a review process can encompass a single part of your organization (such as Instructional Technology Support or Reference/Research Services), might include the entire Library or IT organization, could include multiple organizations that require closer cooperation/collaboration (such as the Library and IT Services), or might include all organizations that participate in some common function or service (such as supporting campus events or maintaining the institution's overall web presence).  

Assessments are most often motivated by some perceived need or concern to which the organization's response is deemed to be inadequate in some way.  The analysis requires conversations with all major stakeholders, looking for common themes and root causes of underperformance and/or existing failures.  Common themes of observations and recommendations are provided for typical issues such as:

• Organizational alignment to institutional needs
• Governance and leadership
• Strategic planning and strategic thinking
• Service-orientation
• Decision-making and priority-setting
• Resources and their effective use
• Organizational structure and culture
• Staffing, current skills and professional development
• Campus relationships, collaboration and partnerships
• Ability to accept, create and embrace change
• The role of leadership

An organizaitonal "tune-up" could help an otherwise healthy organization capture new opportunities or respond to emerging challenges.  A tune-up differs from the typical assessment process in the questions that are asked within the review process.  Rather than looking for the causes of disconnect and failure, a tune-up focuses on the "root causes of success" and how strengths can be more fully leveraged by the organization.

Such assessment processes can be performed in a 2-3 day campus visit by a Review Team comprised of 1-3 individuals, with experience and strength in the most critical areas of interest.  Since GSC is an independent consultant, Review Team members can be recruited from a list of practioneers at other institutions and/or other independent consultants.  Each Review Team can be assembled to best meet your needs.