CSM has engaged in program assessments with clients that believe performance improvement is directly related to candid and objective review against specific performance standards, clear definition of relevant program weaknesses and shortfalls, and ongoing program management that requires continuous performance reviews and responsive corrective action.

CSM's Program Assessments bring together three distinct elements, which collectively provide a unique and program-specific product:

Professional Expertise.  Effective assessments require professional expertise to ensure not only the accuracy of the findings, but the wisdom of the conclusions and the relevance of the recommendations.  CSM has brought together a team of experienced professionals to conduct these assessments.  Our team members have spent time as executives and high level managers, and all have program assessment experience.  For law enforcement and intelligence agencies, we have former executives from the FBI, CIA, DEA, and Department of Justice whose expertise is unchallenged in law enforcement, intelligence, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism programs.

 

Focused Approach.  The focus of CSM's assessments is narrowed to the organization's mission, executive management's vision, and its operational environment and experience, all of which are acquired by close collaboration with the key managers.  This approach includes a comprehensive review of relevant organization policy to develop an understanding of the organization and its context.  This approach narrows the scope of the assessment, focusing it on the most important issues.

 

Structured Methodology.  The assessment methodology includes a process that is designed to produce candid responses to critical issues and clearly identify the strengths and weaknesses of the organization.  The final assessment is documented and presented to executive management in a Program Assessment Report, along with recommendations for long term and short term actions.