DED Organises Specialised Workshop For DQA 2013 Applicants On Latest EFQM Excellence Model

Award submissions will now be completed in two stages - by end June and end September

The Business Excellence Department at the Department of Economic Development (DED) recently organised a two-day workshop for new applicants of the Dubai Quality Award on the latest 2013 EFQM Excellence Model and assessment criteria as well as the modalities for conducting an internal self assessment and preparing the external award submission document.

The workshop was chiefly aimed to help project managers and team leaders in charge of the submission process, as well as private and government sector entities in the UAE, especially large organisations with more than 100 employees and companies applying for the first time.

Representatives of 30 organisations, including past applicants, from various sectors such as Service, Transportation, Oil, Manufacturing, Trading, Hospitality, Healthcare, Construction, Interiors and government organisations attended the workshop. Previous DQA applicants from the private and government sectors shared their experiences with the participants.

“The Dubai Quality Award is an integral component of DED’s efforts to establish the concept of quality and excellence as a catalyst for stronger business growth and cement Dubai’s status as a preferred investment destination. The Award will achieve its real objectives only when organisations understand not just its benefits but the processes that make it a reliable measure of success,’’ commented Mohammed Bushanain, Executive Director Corporate Quality and Management Excellence, DED.

The workshop was led by Mr Norman Hughes, Business Improvement Consultant at Footloose Enterprises Ltd UK, who focused on the use of the EFQM 2013 Excellence Model, which helps organisations to improve their overall performance.

“The DQA Model motivates companies to measure, analyse, learn and improve their performances across all levels. It is of paramount importance to adopt the Quality and Excellence Model in line with international best practices,” said Hughes.

The workshop focused on two main areas: first, the internal self assessment process (made mandatory now for all applicants) enabling organisations to identify gaps and close them before proceeding to apply for the award externally, and secondly, on how to write the external award submission using the Enabler Map and Results Qualification file as a new and simpler means of documentation. The next workshop for potential applicants is due in May 2013.

The Dubai Quality Award is open to all UAE-based establishments in the public and private sectors. Submissions for the 2013 Award will now be completed in two stages. Stage one will involve the submission of self assessment report and Results Qualification file by end of June 2013. A committee will then evaluate and provide feedback to applicants on their reports. In Stage 2 based on the committee’s feedback the applicant will submit the Enabler Map and updated Results Qualification file by end of September.

Applications will be evaluated by a team of assessors who will conduct site visits and prepare detailed reports highlighting best practices and the areas for improvement in each organisation. The assessment is based on EFQM Excellence Model or DQA Criteria and the RADAR Scoring Methodology.

Since its launch in 1994, the DQA has enjoyed the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who has been instrumental in driving the quality movement across the private and public sectors in the emirate.

The Dubai Quality Award winners are honoured in three categories - the Dubai Quality Gold Award (DQGA), the Dubai Quality Award (DQA) and the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award (DQAA). The awards will be distributed in key sectors – manufacturing, finance, professional, tourism, services, trade, construction, higher education and healthcare.

Companies interested in applying for the award or individuals keen to join as assessors may register immediately with the Business Excellence Department on bed@dubaided.gov.ae or call 04-445 5833.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Mar 6, 2013

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