Success Story – Crack Squad
A Crack Squad is a group of highly skilled employees assisting with the application of world class best practices in the production or services environment when and wherever the need arises. The Crack Squad recognises the need for rapid changes, shorter delivery cycles and less but more effective oversight. This emphasises the need for a sustainable process that can determine where to allocate scarce resources. The ultimate challenge is to achieve higher levels of productivity with reduced funding.
The application will reinforce our vision, i.e. every employee receives development to become competent to perform 100% to the required outcome. Training will be line-driven, supported by the Human Resources Development Department, endorsed by top management.
Methodology
The methodology is applied by means of adopting a six-phased delivering system.
Phase 1 – Identifying the specific areas of concern
Phase 2 – Analysis of the concerns at hand (if known)
Phase 3 – Develop most appropriate approach, training and development
Phase 4 – Train crack on most appropriate approach and practices
Phase 5 – Implementation of approach
Phase 6 – Control and measure change and adjust approach if necessary
Results achieved – Excellent direct results were achieved through this intervention, as captured in the table below:
A number of interesting aspects become apparent (it must be noted that the improvements reported here can be attributed only to the work conducted by the five-man team only).
All areas being measured showed an improvement, ranging from 11-43% with respect to physical working conditions and 27-84% with regards to production achievements
Despite the fact that few observations are available, it can be justifiably accepted that there is a correlation between physical working conditions and production performance
There can be no doubt that the intervention provides excellent return on investment for clients, even areas with a relative high basis of performance improved during the intervention.
To summarise, the application of the Crack Squad approach delivered the following:
- A system that provides a basis for adhering to the requirements of the reasonable man. Senior Management now have a strong argument to proof their approach as reasonably practicable (if applied correctly)
- Compliance with legal requirements as specified by the Mine Health and Safety Act, the Skills Development Act, and the Labour Relations Act
- Adherence to the principles of Corporate Governance. These principles are the freedom to manage own affairs, the participation of all employees, while being held accountable
- An integrated approach covering all production factors, including health and safety
- A well trained and educated work force through a training approach that is on the edge of technological development
- A sustainable process for continuous improvement
- A fully integrated risk management system that complies with legal requirements and world class best practices
A blueprint for the training department and personnel