A New Approach on Software Self-Assessment Tool Based on EFQM Model

Purpose – The paper introduces a self-assessment software tool for managers. The design of this instrument is based on the EFQM Excellence Model. Methodology/approach The methodology determines an overall index, considering the level of fulfillment of each criterion and the “visible” and “invisible” influences between criteria and subcriteria. Findings – The designed tool allows highlighting Enablers, Results and inter-relationships, computing each element of the model, identifying influences and determining the global index. Research limitations/implications – The main issue is to measure the “invisible” influences. We determined the contribution of each sub-criterion on the model criteria fulfillment level. In order to completely validate our model we will apply our tool on further data. Practical implications – The results of the proposed tool prove its applicability both to profit and CSR oriented companies, or to simulate situations of balance between profit and CSR. Originality/value – The software tool contains a digraph representation of the EFQM elements and interrelations. It allows to enter a pre-calculated value for each element of the model, for simulation cases, or to access the questionnaire database for evaluation of each criterion fulfillment degree. Furthermore, the application permits the choice of an Influence-Criteria-Pattern that can take into account both global and specific influences. Key-words: TQM, business excellence, software application