Benefits of APEX

• Increased organizational learning and development
• Accelerated improvement and productivity
• Better relationships with customers, employees, and stakeholders
• Sound management framework
• Improved results
• Recognition for achieving performance excellence for Alaskans in Alaska
• Can be used as a stepping-stone to the Baldrige National Quality Award

How APEX Works

Participants receive objective, comprehensive feedback from trained examiners that can be used to identify areas for organizational improvement. APEX is tailored to the unique requirements of organizations in Alaska and participation is open to all sectors: small business, manufacturing, service, education, health care and not-for-profits. Three different award levels are offered to help participants Improve their performance. Each level is progressively more challenging, resulting in more comprehensive feedback. The APEX fee structure allows for participation by both small and large organizations. An annual recognition ceremony will celebrate world-class performance.

Photo by Clark Mishler courtesy of Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

About APEX

APEX is a new program dedicated to recognizing Alaska organizations demonstrating world-class performance. It is a forum in which organizations from all corners of the public sector can learn from the successes of others.

The APEX framework is based upon the Baldrige National Quality Program (BNQP) and designed to provide specific measurable criteria in the areas of Leadership, Strategic Planning, Customer and Market Focus, Analysis and Integration, Human Resource Focus, Process Management and Results. The criteria provide an integrated management framework, embracing the leading edge of validated management practices.

APEX promotes a systematic approach for fact-based improvement initiatives, social responsibility, ethical behavior, benchmarking of processes, and measurable results. The approach provides accelerated change through comprehensive examiner feedback.

Starting in 2009, APEX will annually recognize Alaska organizations that are role models. Begin your pursuit of performance excellence now!