| The purpose of this research was to design, implement, and evaluate an innovative management methodology for facilitating the modernization of administrative processes within large bureaucratic organizations through an action research effort. The main components of the management methodology are: (1) The Management Action Portfolio Methodology (MAPM) which was implemented in a three-stage process; (2) A computer software program, Enterprise Strategist{dollar}spcopyright{dollar}, which supported the methodology; (3) A computer software program, GroupSystems{dollar}spcopyright{dollar}, which supported a group decision support environment; and, (4) A computer software program, Team Expert Choice{dollar}spcopyright{dollar}, based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology and which was used to provide support to decision-makers for developing and selecting a multi-project action portfolio of prioritized modernization initiatives.; The management methodology was successfully applied in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a very large and diverse federal agency. The specific area of application was to the USDA Human Resources Management (HRM) function. This research involved an actual modernization project, application of the MAPM, and an interagency panel of experts to evaluate the process.; The interagency panel of experts, from 11 different federal government agencies, was a key component in this research. The panel members were professionals who were selected for their experience as customers and executive managers, and as experts in HRM, business process reengineering and information technology. Their responsibilities were to review, analyze, and develop an investment portfolio of strategic action projects for implementation within the USDA by following the procedures outlined in the MAPM.; Based upon the findings, the methodology was validated as useful in facilitating strategic modernization activities in USDA, a large bureaucratic organization. It provided an integrated action plan of business process projects. Selection criteria were developed for choosing modernization tools. Also developed were criteria for selecting modernization initiatives. The methodology was evaluated as a structured approach which was understandable by senior managers from a top-down perspective. Finally, the software tools used in this research proved to be very useful for facilitating the creation of a portfolio of action projects. The methodology has application to the federal government's strategic planning and business modernization activities. |
