Achieving Competitive Excellence Series

Achieving Competitive Excellence Series (ACES)

ACES Description

The Achieving Competitive Excellent Series (ACES) was developed with small manufacturers in mind, to help them make progress in the areas that challenge them.  Developed by experts at MassExcellence with funding by the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program in cooperation with the Alliance for Performance Excellence, ACES gives manufacturers a choice of eight modules.

1.    Communication

2.    Customer Intimacy

3.    Leadership

4.    Measurement and Analysis

5.    New Product Development

6.    Performance Management (workforce engagement)

7.    Process Management

8.    Strategic Planning

 

Firms may take only one or all modules.  The self-assessment tool at the end of this overview can help the instructor identify where the firms have the greatest need for training.

 

 

What Is Provided

Each module includes the following materials.

 

  1. Slides.  Some of these PowerPoint slides include text in the notes page to help the instructor.  These slides can be altered by the instructor to add the relevant logos and to cut or add slides if desired.  However, instructors should NOT remove the attributions that are shown on certain slides for materials that were developed by experts or that were based on articles or books that deserve credit for their intellectual property.
  2. Instructor's Guide.  This includes tips on timing, logistics and content.  It also includes information on the self-assessment questionnaire that can be used to help the firms select the appropriate modules.  All instructors should study the guide carefully before meeting with the CEO of the learning firm to select the appropriate modules and learning objectives.
  3. Learners' Guide.  This includes all the materials the learners need to have, including the questionnaire to rate the course. 
  4. Course Description.  This is a document that can be used by the instructors to help market each module and to help the learners determine if a module is right for them.