The Eight Step Process

The US DoD has started using an "Eight Step Process" for logistics and other activities. These are (in general terms)

1. Look at the overall picture
2. Determine the work unit accomplishments
3. Determine individual accomplishments that support the work unit goals
4. Convert expected accomplishments into performance elements
5. Determine work unit and individual measures
6. Develop work unit and individual standards
7. Determine how to monitor performance
8. Check the performance plan

The source of these steps is rooted in the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Ac t), which originated in the 1950's by Col. John Boyd. It is an objective description of the decision making process. Due to an emphasis on the infinitely repeating nature of decision making, the OODA Loop is an excellent match for the AFSO21 (Air Force Smart Operations for the 12^st Century) principal of continuous improvement.

In the project management context and domain, the Eight Step Process works like this

1. What is the highest level description of "done" that is not "begin, do all work, done?" This means what are the work steps that result in done at a level that is independent of technology and details. This is the description of the path to increasing maturity for the deliverables.
2. What are the work efforts needed to produce these deliverables?
3. What are the significant accomplishments needed to move the deliverables from one level of maturity to the next?
4. What are the units of measure of these Significant Accomplishments?
5. What are the work packages and their Accomplishment Criteria (exit criteria) ?
6. What are the contents of each Work Package?
7. How would we measure the physical percent complete of each Work Package?
8. What are the measures needed to assess and forecast the future performance?