Assessments
Assessments are often an integral part of The Barthwell Group’s consulting process. We develop customized assessment instruments tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Our assessment methodology is a unique combination of proprietary quantitative and qualitative tools. Our assessments are often based on in-depth, confidential, individual interviews. We provide our clients with detailed analyses of our findings and make actionable recommendations.
Frequently, clients are able to gain new insights which were not revealed through prior surveys, and are provided with practical follow-up action items which helps them to address challenges.
The Barthwell Group Approach
Our process includes:
- Customized Assessment Instruments
Every assessment instrument is specifically designed to obtain relevant, in-depth information for our client. - Individual, Confidential Interviews
We conduct confidential interviews with individuals which generally result in greater insights regarding the assessment focus. - Detailed Analysis of Assessment Results
Clients receive feedback regarding every assessment question, frequently analyzed from the perspectives of different categories of stakeholders. - Actionable Recommendations
We add value by extrapolating practical recommendations from our assessments which enhance the ability of our clients to fulfill their objectives.
Case Studies
Helping a Fortune 500 Company Assess its Potential Entry into a New Market
Challenge
A Fortune 500 company wanted to test its entry into a new market among potential institutional clients.
The Barthwell Group Solution
We conducted two assessments using customized instruments for both. In the first assessment, The Barthwell Group was able to obtain detailed feedback regarding the potential reactions to the Client entering the business, specific suggestions for products and services, and information on the decision-making process engaging a vendor in the new marketplace. As a result of this assessment and other data, the Client decided to enter the new business.
During the second assessment, we obtained detailed feedback regarding effective methods to win new clients, product segments where vendors would be considered, and expected pricing and services. The Client was able to use the findings and recommendations as guidelines in establishing its new business.
Helping a Fortune 500 Company Assess its Operations and Relationships with its Semi-Autonomous Subsidiaries
Challenge
A Fortune 500 company recognized that there were tensions with its subsidiaries. While both the parent and the subsidiaries had agreed initially that the subsidiaries would operate “autonomously,” there was not a clear understanding of how key business functions would be implemented. As a result, there were frequent frustrations which impeded the smooth operation of business for both the parent and the subsidiaries.
The Barthwell Group Solution
The Barthwell Group created a detailed assessment instrument designed to understand how key business operations were executed between the parent and the subsidiaries and perceptions of the overall parent/subsidiary relationship. The assessment revealed discrepancies between the general understanding regarding how key business areas would operate as well as specific examples of practices which were causing tensions. As a result, The Barthwell Group was able to provide the Client with practical recommendations to address the challenges, which are in the process of being implemented.
Assessing the Impact of Recruitment Strategies and the Workplace Environment on Diversity and Inclusion within a Division of the U.S. Armed Services
Challenge
A division of the U.S. Armed Services wanted to determine why its relationships with Minority Serving Institutions (“MSIs”) were not resulting in greater recruitment of diverse candidates for its workforce. It also wondered whether its environment for minority professionals was attractive. In spite of the considerable investment in a program designed to build relationships with MSIs and the attempts of the division to be responsive to issues raised in its annual employee surveys, the number of minority professionals was not meeting expectations.
The Barthwell Group Solution
The Barthwell Group developed customized assessment instruments and interviewed over 160 stakeholders from 24 MSIs and four military bases in order to gain in depth insights regarding: (i) the relationship between the Client and the MSIs, and (ii) the environment for diverse professionals within the client’s organization. The comprehensive analysis, presented by The Barthwell Group to the Division’s highest governing body, provided the Client with new, substantive insights and actionable recommendations to enhance its relationships with the MSIs and the environment for minority professionals. The Division is in the process of implementing these recommendations.
Assessing the Emergency Preparedness of a State University
Challenge
After the Virginia Tech campus tragedy, the governor of another state required all state operated higher education institutions to report on the status of their emergency preparedness systems. The president of a state university, where the responsibilities relating to emergencies were dispersed among different units, needed to develop a comprehensive response to the governor’s request in a short period of time.
The Barthwell Group Solution
The Barthwell Group created a two-phased methodology designed to assess both the extent of emergency preparedness systems and processes in place at the University and the local, state, federal, and corporate resources available to improve these systems. We developed specific customized assessment instruments appropriate for the various categories of internal and external stakeholders. The assessment included specific recommendations which would enable the University to strengthen its preparedness internally as well as information about resources from government sources which could help in its emergency preparedness enhancement.