Background:

The University of Minnesota's Conference and Event Services (CES) is a major entry point for organizations who seek to hold large conferences and events in multiple University venues. While continuing to support the strategic goals of the University, CES found the need to analyze their business strategy and organizational processes. To do this, CES looked to OMS to help them identify their core vision, mission, values, and strategic goals. CES was also looking for assistance in finding a way to better collect data to support decision making and to report accountability measures.

Action:

OMS first helped CES develop a strategy map used to focus their efforts, define who their customer is, articulate improvement projects, and aid in decision making for the next five years. This strategy map provided aline-of-sight to broaden University strategy as well as between CES and its partners. OMS then designed and implemented the Partner Feedback Survey, which gathered feedback from stakeholders aimed to improve the relationship between CES and their partners.

Results:

The development of the strategy map helped CES define their core mission, vision, values, and goals. Having received valuable market and client data, CES was able to distinguish the value of what they provide to their customers and how to communicate best with them. The data gathered from the Partner Feedback Survey aided leadership in drawing comparisons or distinctions between stakeholder units. OMS was then able to develop a communications plan along with a reporting and evaluation plan. This final report concluded that in addition to the work already accomplished, many more opportunities exist to increase revenue, improve efficiency, and further support the University's main initiatives.