Case Study

Enhancing Research Capabilities: An Organizational Assessment of an R2 University's Research Centers and Institutes

Industry: Higher Education
Solution: Organization Assessment

The Challenge

Our client, a research organization within a large public university, engaged Brookey & Company to conduct an organizational assessment aimed at achieving two primary goals. First, we evaluated and benchmarked their existing organizational structure and operational processes against peer institutions. Second, we provided recommendations to position the organization for long-term success and to achieve its goal of ascending from its current Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education (CCIHE) of R2 to R1.

The Solution

Our team carried out the organizational assessment by conducting a comprehensive review of client-provided documents and data, including the university's strategic plan and organizational artifacts, analysis of the current National Science Foundation (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development Survey (HERD) and CCIHE data, and interviews with key personnel within the organization. In addition, we used specific criteria agreed upon with the organization's leader to eliminate outlier universities in the peer selection and benchmarking process. Finally, we used publicly available data to benchmark our client's organizational structure, research foci, and other factors against their R2 and R1 peers.

The Results

The organizational assessment resulted in several key findings, including the complicated structure and limited quantitative metrics in the university's five-year strategic plan, the need for key staff members' ownership of the division's strategic plan objectives, and the reflection of the division's legacy leadership in the existing organizational structure.

We presented ranked recommendations to the client, with the highest priority being the reaffirmation, reduction, realignment, and prioritization of their strategic plan objectives, the addition of quantitative goals, metrics to measure progress, establishing direct report accountabilities, and additional recommendations to increase operational effectiveness across the organization.

In addition, data analysis and peer benchmarking formed the basis for recommendations identifying key considerations in beginning the ascent from R2 to an R1 classification. As a result, our client has already started implementing the prioritized recommendations to improve their organizational structure and operational processes, better positioning themselves for future success.

About our Organizational Assessment Solution

Brookey & Company offers an organizational assessment solution that is highly adaptable to organizations of all sizes, including small, mid-market, and large companies, government, NGO, and higher education. Our comprehensive framework helps identify opportunities for improvement in your organization's structure, processes, and communication channels to increase flexibility, efficiency, and effectiveness.

We understand that each organization has unique needs, cultures, and goals. That's why our assessment process is customized to your specific requirements. Our team of experts will work with you to identify potential areas for improvement and develop a tailored plan that leverages your existing strengths and introduces new practices and strategies to optimize your organizational performance.

Our proven track record of success across a wide range of industries and organizational types demonstrates our ability to deliver measurable results that drive growth and success for your business. Whether you're looking to streamline operations, increase collaboration, or adapt to changing market conditions, our organizational assessment solution can help.

So, if you're looking for an adaptable and comprehensive solution to optimize your organization's performance, contact us today to learn more about our organizational assessment solution and begin your journey towards success.