Candidate process improvements are typically determined by doing the following:

·       Measure processes and analyze measurement results

·       Review processes for effectiveness and suitability

·       Review lessons learned from tailoring the organization’s set of standard processes

·       Review lessons learned from implementing processes

·       Review process improvement proposals submitted by the organization’s managers, staff, and other relevant stakeholders

·       Solicit inputs on process improvements from senior management and other leaders in the organization

·       Examine results of process appraisals and other process-related reviews

·       Review results of other organizational improvement initiatives

Candidate process improvements are also determined by doing the following:

·       Reviewing process improvement proposals submitted by the organization’s suppliers

·       Obtaining feedback from suppliers on acquirer processes and supplier-acquirer interface points

Examples of techniques to help determine and prioritize possible improvements to be implemented include the following:

·       A cost-benefit analysis that compares the estimated cost and effort to implement the process improvements and their associated benefits

·       A gap analysis that compares current conditions in the organization with optimal conditions

·       Force-field analysis of potential improvements to identify potential barriers and strategies for overcoming those barriers

·       Cause-and-effect analyses to provide information on the potential effects of different improvements that can then be compared