Glossary of Terms
Approach
The overall way by which something is made to happen - an approch comprises of processes and structured actions within a framework of principles and policies.
Benchmarking
A systematic comparison of approaches with other relevant organisations that gains insights that will help the organisation to take action to improve its performance.
Business Model
The elements of the business that create and deliver value; these elements normally include the value proposition, the profit formula, key resources and key processes ot the organisation.
Change Management
The approach during which the changes of an organisation or system are implemented in a controlled manner by following a pre-defined framework or processes, to support the achievements of the strategic goals. Change management enables the transition from a current state into a desired future state.
Comparison
A measured achievement for comparison and target setting purposes.
Continual Improvement
The ongoing improvement of processes that lead to achievement of higher levels of performance through incremental change.
Core Competencies
A well performed internal activity or capability that is central to the organisation's competitiveness, profitability of efficiency.
Corporate Governance
A framework of authority and control within an organisation used to help it fulfil its legal, financial and ethical obligations.
Creativity
The generation of ideas for new or improved products, services, processes, systems or social interactions.
Critical Success Factors
Limited number (usually between 3-8) of characteristics, conditions or variables, that have a direct impact on the effectiveness, efficiency and viability of an organisation, programme or project.
Culture
The specific collection of Values and Norms that are shared by people and groups in an organisation that control the way they interact with each other and with stakeholders outside the organisation.
Customer
The recipient of products or services provided by the organisation.
Empowerment
The process by which individuals or teams are able to take decision making responsibilities, and operate with a degree of autonomy in their actions.
Equal Opportunity
The practice of ensuring that all people receive fair and equal treatment regardless of gender, age, race, nationality, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
Fundamental Concepts of Excellence
The set of key and proven principles upon which the EFQM Excellence Model framework is based.
Good/Best Practice
Superior approaches, policies, processes or methods that lead to exceptional achievement. Since it is difficult to find out waht is best, the term "good practice" is preferred by most organisations. Ways to find good practice outside the organisation can include benchmarking and external learning.
Key Processes
The processes that are of the utmost importance for the organisation since they deliver and support the strategy and drive the value chain.
Knowledge
Knowledge is expertise and skills acquired by a person through experience and education, involving the theoretical and/or practical understanding of a subject. While data are raw facts and information is data with context and perspective, knowledge is information with guidance/ability for action.
Leaders
The people who coordinate and balance the interests and activities of all who have a stake in the organisation.
Management System
The framework of processes, related performance/result indicators and process management and improvement systems used to ensure that the organisation can fulfil its Mission and Vision.
Mission
A statement that describes the purpose or "raison d'être" of an organisation, confirmed by its stakeholders.
Mission
A statement that describes the purpose or "raison d'être" of an organisation, confirmed by its stakeholders.
Mobility
The willingness and capability of people to change their job or the working location.
Organisational Agility
The ability to respond and adapt, in a timely way, to an emerging threat or opportunity.
Partner
An external party the organisation strategically choses to work with, to achieve common objectives and sutained mutual benefit.
Partnership
A durable working relationship between the organisation and partners, creating and sharing added value for both parties. Partnerships can be formed e.g. with suppliers, distributors, educational bodies or customers. Strategic partnerships support the strategic objectives of the organisation in a particular way.
People
Alle individuals employed by the organisation (full time, part-time, including volunteers), including leaders at all levels.
Perception
The opinion stakeholders have of the organisation.
Products
Commercially distributed goods as a result of a fabrication, manufacturing, or productionn process that passes through a distribution channel before being consumed or used. In a broad sense, products include a wide range of goods, from commodities to complex installations such as facilities, plants or factories.
Society
The social infrastructure outside the organisation that can be affected by the organisation.
Stakeholders
Person, group or organisation that has a direct or indirect stake or interest in the organisation because it can either affect the organisation or be affected by it. Examples of external stakeholders are owners (shareholders), customers, suppliers, partners, government agencies and representatives of the community or the society. Examples for internal stakeholders are people or groups of people.
Strategy
A high leel plan describing the tactics by which an organisation intends to achieve its Mission and Vision.
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management (TQM) is a systematic approach bringing an organization to Excellence. TQM involves new leadership strategies, new structures and culture change. TQM tools enable organizations to achieve success as employees become competent and responsible. Through continuous quality improvement, an organization can go beyond satisfying customers - it can delight customers.
Value Proposition
The differentiating value the organisation's products and services offer to customers.
Values
Operating philosophies or principles that guide an organisation's internal conduct as well as its relationship with the external world. Values provide guidance for people on what is good or desirable and what is not. They exert major influence on the behaviour of individuals and teams and serve as broad guidelines in all situations.
Vision
Describing of what the organisation is attempting to achieve in the long-term future. It is intended to serve as a clear guide for choosing current and future courses of action and, along with the Mission, it is the basis for strategies and policies.