Major Studies are Coming Together

ASME is moving forward with a series of activities to rise to a higher level of service to society, our members, customers and stakeholders. The volunteer leadership of ASME has set in motion a number of ambitious activities, which are collectively referred to as the Continuity and Change initiative. It is a courageous effort because change is always unsettling. Nonetheless, the leadership team of volunteers and staff is convinced the activities will ensure the vitality and growth of ASME.

It is well and good to seek change while adhering to core values and continuity of success. However, the Continuity and Change effort has placed additional and heavy demands on the ASME staff and volunteers to work on the studies and activities associated with change while maintaining current operations.

In July, the Board of Governors reviewed the results of the marketing study that was conducted in the spring, which identified increased market focus, globalization and multidisciplinary initiatives as strategic focal points for ASME. During a Balanced Scorecard workshop, a set of strategic objectives was drafted. In August, these objectives were enhanced to include specific targets and measures, and the first of several two-day workshops was held to review what we have learned so far in our organizational study.

Many of the studies are coming together at this point in time. Monthly workshops that continue to review the organizational study, being conducted by Arthur D. Little, will be held until November to hammer out a preliminary plan that will incorporate the results of all three major studies. It will be reviewed by the Board of Governors and announced to our membership in November. This preliminary plan will reflect a year-long effort to research, study and map out a new direction for ASME. It is important for each of you to take the time to review the plan and to give us your feedback.

A variety of mechanisms are being put in place to make it easier for you to share your thoughts on this important initiative.

There will be a general meeting of the membership on Monday afternoon at the Congress in November, where the plan will be presented and members will have the opportunity to ask questions or give comments to shape the final plan. It will be presented to the Board of Governors in March for action.

You can visit www.asme.org/change to get updates or to participate in online discussion forums, or you can write to me directly at president@asme.org. I urge your participation in changing the direction of ASME to a market-focused, customer-oriented society.

— Reginald I. Vachon
ASME President

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