Approach

Definition:

"Approach" refers to the methods used by an organization to address the Baldrige Criteria Item requirements in Categories 1–6.

Features:

- Appropriateness of the methods to the Item requirements

- Effectiveness of your use of the methods

- Use of a systematic approach

- Innovation

Questions to be asked in analyzing an approach:

- What approach or collection of approaches is discussed?

- What Areas of the Criteria Item does the approach address (e.g., 1.1a, 1.1b)?

- Is the approach systematic (with repeatable steps, inputs, outputs, and time frames; designed to allow evaluation, improvement, and sharing)?

- Is there evidence that the approach is effective?

- Is this approach (collection of approaches) a key organizational process? Is the approach important to the applicant's overall performance? (If yes, clearly state why it is important, and cite the key factors used to support your position.)

- Are any of the multiple requirements of the Item that are not addressed (gaps) relevant and important to the applicant?

Approach is one of the dimensions considered in evaluating Process Items. For a more comprehensive description of how approach is used in evaluating Process Items, see the Scoring System.

Approach is also an A-D-L-I scoring dimension in the Process Scoring Guidelines.