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ProGrid is unlike linear evaluation processes that list and weigh criteria to obtain a simple numerical ranking. There is a danger in evaluating in such a one-dimensional mode. For example, companies that fail due to the obsolescence of a dominant product have failed to provide for product replacement. They were one-dimensional in their thinking. For individual staff members, keeping the inbox clean is an important short-term requirement in business life, but unless longer-term contributions are made to the organization, survival is unlikely.

The ProGrid Methodology addresses the issue that most real-life evaluations involve, the balancing of conflicting factors or independent objectives/requirements. In some cases, these represent short and long term options, such as meeting immediate needs or making long-term investments to meet future needs. In other cases, the two independent objectives/requirements must be met at the same time, such as meeting technical specifications and economic requirements.

Whether you are making important decisions or evaluating performance of individuals or your organization, you are working with intangibles. You are making choices. This creates tension, a struggle between the choices. Experience has shown that two overarching objectives are almost invariably involved, requiring a two-dimensional evaluation approach.

Examples of Conflicting Objectives

• Excellence in Science vs. Benefit/Impact
• Technology vs. Commercialization
• Social vs. Economic
• Quality vs. Price
• Important vs. Urgent

Making technology based investment decisions is an example of the power of ProGrid. Faced with the task of selecting from a wide range of opportunities, once the two overarching objectives are clear, ProGrid charts provide a pathway to fair, transparent and justifiable evaluation. ProGrid does not bring in the answer nor dictate the criteria. The values and expectations of your organization are used to construct your own ProGrid evaluation "engine".

The Evaluation Matrix drives the process. Many tasks involve the use of resources to produce desired outcomes, through enablers, as illustrated below. Through an initial brainstorming process, an Evaluation matrix is tailor-made to meet the needs of the client.

The next stage is to develop the metrics needed to quantify the process, based on the specification of carefully constructed Language Ladders™. The Language Ladder will be specific to the task at hand and will have the following generic format:

ProGrid software converts evaluation data into a series of intuitive user-friendly charts, the grid as shown previously, and bar charts showing the strengths and weakness of the proposed decision/action, as shown below.

ProGrid Methodology has continued to evolve through real-life application. It simplifies the complexity in evaluation and decision making. But it goes further; for example, it increases the consistency of interpretation of the evaluation criteria. As qualitative factors don't lend themselves to traditional, quantitative measurement systems, inconsistencies in interpretation are introduced (your "8" rating is another reviewer's "6"), not only among reviewers but also for those preparing a submission.

Evolution through Application

ProGrid was initially developed as a benchmarking tool to evaluate the practices of research organizations in comparison to those of leading R&D organizations. It was then extended to the evaluation of technologies developed by these organizations. Then it was used to evaluate the capability of organizations to commercialize these technologies.

ProGrid continues to innovate and over the past three years, it has developed its methodology into a comprehensive and iterative process. Drawing upon the disciplines of education, psychology, business administration and performance evaluation, ProGrid provides services and a new software tools for performance evaluation and strategic planning.

An Iterative process

ProGrid is an iterative process. The criteria used for initial selection is used again for mid and end term reviews. The overarching objectives then serve as the basis for evaluating the performance of the initiative or organisation itself. Areas of weakness are identified and subsequence selection criteria adjusted if desired

To learn more about how the ProGrid methodology see our Case Study section or visit Dr. Bowman's website.