IMPLEMENTING ASSET MANAGEMENT: CREATING AN EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE PROGRAM

In order to improve operations, be more competitive, and ensure long-term sustainability many organizations are embarking on various types of organizational change and/or development programs. To actually accomplish the goals identified and get beyond the symptoms, it is important to begin with a comprehensive strategic business planning process that includes an in-depth assessment designed to develop an understanding of the organization and identify the root cause of dysfunction within the organization. The examination should also include the organization's strategic purpose, its leadership and culture, and the alignment of both leadership and culture with its strategy.For “Operational Excellence” type organizations, such as water and wastewater utilities, implementing an asset management program should include a strategic planning/performance management/leadership development process to ensure a focus on results and follow-through. Strategic planning is often considered; however, performance management and results oriented leadership is not. This paper presents an approach that integrates all three to provide an effective foundation for organizational development and asset management.