Monitoring Development & Research Policy
The Next Challenge development system has been designed to assist the company in the progression of ideas and concepts to implementation and as a method of continuous improvement of programs and services, as a strategic commitment to innovation.
A development filing system is in place which contains current ideas or suggestions, or tasks currently under development. For business confidentiality purposes these files are kept in the Directors filing cabinet. Employees working on a task may have a subsidiary folder for their work on the task - that is then linked to the main folder (monitored by a Director at all times).
A tracking file is also available for all Directors and employees to check the status of a task and to add ideas or make suggestions for new development or research tasks.
A database of all possible and current development and research tasks is maintained as an index to the above to sites. This database is reviewed regularly by the directors as part of the directors meeting or at the annual business planning meeting. This database is available for review by any Director on a more frequent basis if required.
To assist in monitoring all development and research, tasks are assigned to an “owner” - that is a Director responsible for reporting on the progress of the task by collecting information from any individual(s) who may be working on that task.
The development system has been designed around four key areas where ideas and requirements are being met.
Directors discuss the development and progress of all tasks designated within the Development system during a Director meeting, and with written updates.
Development meetings are designed to identify the progress of relevant tasks and ides, establishment of the next phase or re-priortisation of tasks, and the establishment of actions. It is the forum for new ideas to raised or discussed.
Many tasks in the Development system may be progressed to inclusion within the Services and Products System (considered to be consistently delivered and current practices of the company), with only elements of the task remaining in the Development system for ongoing design and enhancement (i.e marketing strategies).
Date of Policy: October 2003
Date Review Completed: May 2019
Due for Review: August 2025
A development filing system is in place which contains current ideas or suggestions, or tasks currently under development. For business confidentiality purposes these files are kept in the Directors filing cabinet. Employees working on a task may have a subsidiary folder for their work on the task - that is then linked to the main folder (monitored by a Director at all times).
A tracking file is also available for all Directors and employees to check the status of a task and to add ideas or make suggestions for new development or research tasks.
A database of all possible and current development and research tasks is maintained as an index to the above to sites. This database is reviewed regularly by the directors as part of the directors meeting or at the annual business planning meeting. This database is available for review by any Director on a more frequent basis if required.
To assist in monitoring all development and research, tasks are assigned to an “owner” - that is a Director responsible for reporting on the progress of the task by collecting information from any individual(s) who may be working on that task.
The development system has been designed around four key areas where ideas and requirements are being met.
- Corporate - work performed "on" the business.
- Services - a) direct service provision b) indirect service provision - offered by the company Directors and/ or employees.
- Consultancy - projects and contracts purchased/ or for by external organisations.
- Product - development and continuous sales of company material products.
Directors discuss the development and progress of all tasks designated within the Development system during a Director meeting, and with written updates.
Development meetings are designed to identify the progress of relevant tasks and ides, establishment of the next phase or re-priortisation of tasks, and the establishment of actions. It is the forum for new ideas to raised or discussed.
Many tasks in the Development system may be progressed to inclusion within the Services and Products System (considered to be consistently delivered and current practices of the company), with only elements of the task remaining in the Development system for ongoing design and enhancement (i.e marketing strategies).
Date of Policy: October 2003
Date Review Completed: May 2019
Due for Review: August 2025