Natural Resource Management
In the Natural Resource Management Sector, AKM Group has established a substantial experience base by having worked with a number of State Government departments and Regional Bodies in the sector.
Through a process of extensive consultation with people in the sector, AKM Group developed the “Performance Excellence Guide for Regional Natural Resource Organisations” which is now widely recognised as the principal frame of reference against which overall performance of Regional NRM Bodies can be assessed.
At the end of 2008, AKM Group had conducted assessments of some 16 Regional NRM Organisations which now provides a substantial data base for identifying outstanding management practices across the sector and provides a valuable source of reference for benchmarking.
eMail us for a copy of the
Australian Knowledge Management Group
Key Services For This Sector
- Cultural Change
- Corporate Governance Frameworks
- Risk Management and Business Continuity
Business Process Mapping and Improvement
Organisational Performance Excellence Assessment
The “Performance Excellence Guide for Regional Natural Resource Management Organisations” was designed to be used as a frame of reference against which the overall performance and capability of a Regional NRM Body could be assessed. A number of approaches for conducting assessments are outlined in the Guide and since it was first published in 2004, AKM Group has progressively refined the process for conducting an independent external assessment.
AKM Group has now conducted some 16 external assessments which are based on approaches used for evaluating organisations participating in generic National Business Excellence Awards around the globe.
An assessment involves the following basic steps:
Step 1 - Initial working session involving the senior management team
Step 2 - Review of relevant planning and policy documents
Step 3 - Interviews with a cross section of staff and selected external stakeholders
Step 4 - Analysis of information and preparation of detailed report
Step 5 - Presentation of report and prioritisation workshop
Upon completion of the assessment, the NRM Organisation will receive:
- A confidential report describing key strengths and opportunities for improvement
- A quantitative scoring profile with benchmark comparisons within and outside the NRM sector
- A prioritised list of improvement strategies
Corporate Strategic Planning
Through a process of consultation with Board members and senior staff, the content of a Corporate Strategic Plan that will guide the organisation’s direction and priorities for the next 3 to 5 years will be developed.
The approach is based on a proven process for developing a Strategic Plan that will:
- Ensure a high level of understanding and “ownership” by the Board and staff
- Provide a simple frame of reference for developing a suite of operational and support plans
- Provide clear alignment between various NRM Plans, Investment Strategies other support plans
- Provide a convention for identifying and reporting organisational performance measures
Board Performance and Skills Assessment
As part of the process of developing a strong governance structure, AKM Group is able to conduct an audit that identifies the mix of skills available among current Board members and identify individual and group skills that could be developed further to strengthen the overall capability of the Board.
AKM Group has also developed a structured process for the Board to regularly assess is own performance and identify improvement opportunities to be addressed as part of continuous improvement of the organisation as a whole.
Board Performance and Skills Assessment
As part of the process of developing a strong governance structure, AKM Group is able to conduct an audit that identifies the mix of skills available among current Board members and identify individual and group skills that could be developed further to strengthen the overall capability of the Board.
AKM Group has also developed a structured process for the Board to regularly assess is own performance and identify improvement opportunities to be addressed as part of continuous improvement of the organisation as a whole.
Organisational Performance Measurement
A key challenge for all organisations is to identify and report a set of performance measures that will provide a balanced view of overall organisational performance. By drawing upon latest research in organisational performance measurement conducted by the CSIRO (OPM©).
AKM Group is able to help to develop a balanced set of performance measures through a combination of:
- A performance measurement diagnostic against the OPM© model
- The development of a performance measurement framework that identifies and positions levels of measure within a measurement hierarchy
- Guidelines for reporting the suite of measures in a way that optimises their use for decision making at all levels
Cultural Change
Many Regional NRM Organisations were formed by bringing together staff from a wide variety of backgrounds and organisational experiences and expectations. This has presente some specific challenges in establishing a strong and shared culture throughout the organisation.
Through a proven structure approach to the development of a core set of values and identifying desired behaviours to reflect those values, AKM Group is able to help establish a clear and shared culture to guide the Board and staff throughout the organisation on how to treat others and conduct its business.
Corporate Governance Frameworks
During recent years, a number of Regional NRM Bodies have reviewed their corporate governance structure and arrangements with a view to revising company structures and rules of association.
AKM Group is able to assist with this process in a number of ways including:
- A detailed review of current rules of association and identification of recommended changes and amendments
- Development of amended Corporate Governance Framework and Manual
- Assistance with formal registration of changes that comply with Commonwealth and State Government legislative requirements
Risk Management and Business Continuity
A key challenge for all Regional NRM Organisations is the identification and management of risks as the basis for ensuring business continuity.
Through the application of widely adopted Risk Management Standards and Processes, AKM Group is able to provide a practical framework that involves:
- Identification and categorization of risks
- Rating of risks in terms of likelihood and consequences
- Analysis of risks and development of risk treatment plans
- A review and reporting process and convention
Business Process Mapping and Improvement
Identification and mapping of core business processes provides a basis for process control and improvement as an important organisational capability.
AKM Group is able to assist organisations in developing easy to understand and proven practical methods that will:
- Introduce the use of simple flowcharting techniques for documenting critical business processes
- Develop conventions for documenting and improving processes
- Establish conventions for document change control
- Introduce the use of process measures and internal service level agreements
- Help to establish internal audit processes
- Facilitate external certification against recognised ISO Standards
