Journey to excellence : A case study of the capital projects division, province of Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide details on how the Capital Projects Division within Alberta Infrastructure, in the provincial government of Alberta, started its journey to excellence by following Excellence Canada's framework. The framework focusses on systematic approach to excellence and widespread implementation in the organization. This paper provides comprehensive information on the division's processes, trends and impending changes for leadership that demonstrates quality and commitment of business excellence through quality improvements based on experience.

Design/methodology/approach

In partnership with Excellence Canada, Capital Projects Division of Alberta government embarked on a journey to excellence using the Progressive Excellence Program^® framework for quality. Equally important, the division explored ways it can invest wisely in innovative ideas that will reshape the current organization and prepare staff for a very exciting future. That meant using the most comprehensive approach to review existing processes and strive for efficient and innovative ideas for continuous improvement over the longer term.

Findings

First, incorporating quality in the workplace is about the journey, not the destination, so leadership plays a vital role in its success. Second, the strategies on how to achieve quality primarily originate from the people within the organization. A key to achieving quality is to provide a framework for these ideas and strategies to emerge.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the perseverance and leadership required in the development of a framework to support and encourage quality in the organization.

Citation

Dalgleish, D., Mauricio, R. and Williams, T. (2013), "Journey to excellence : A case study of the capital projects division, province of Alberta, Canada", The TQM Journal, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 431-440. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542731311314908