Implement Improvements
An effective peer review process cannot come full circle without evaluating ways for improvement. When a peer review is complete and recommendations have been made, our job at Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) has just begun. Implementing improvements may be the last step of the peer review; however, the information we glean from our evaluation techniques helps us to start the next planning phase with the insight necessary to make the peer review process even better.
ORAU collaborates with each customer to make necessary modifications for future improvements based on the peer review evaluation. We combine input from customers and our staff to find ways to strengthen and broaden our capabilities, as well as identify new, more efficient processes. Because each customer's expectations are unique, our job is to develop methods of improvement while maintaining the flexibility that drives the review process.
We distribute evaluation surveys for each review and carefully consider the results. Our dedication to continuous improvement and our commitment to technology explain why we are sought after by agencies to manage the peer review process.
Recent and significant process improvements include:
- Flexible scoring and criteria. As customer requirements for scoring scales increased in variability, we enhanced PeerNet to allow a wide range of numerical and narrative ranges, as well as a provision for customized evaluation criteria.
- Electronic document distribution. PeerNet was enhanced to include electronic distribution of the documents reviewers are assigned to evaluate.
- Downloadable reports for customers . We also revised PeerNet to facilitate downloading commonly used reports that are compliant with industry-standard software applications.
- Contract with meeting facility. We recently established a contract with a specialized meeting facility in the Washington, D.C., area to provide a cost-effective and private meeting environment with the required technology infrastructure.
- Minimize financial obligation of reviewers. Our logistical procedures were modified to minimize the reviewers' out-of-pocket expenses by offering to purchase airline tickets and providing direct billing hotel rooms. The reimbursement time was also decreased by providing on-site assistance for completing travel expense statements.