BOG Approves New Organizational Structure (3/17/04)

On March 13, the Board of Governors approved a new organizational structure for ASME. The Society is now embarking on a 15-month transition period, during which details of the organizational plan will be fleshed out and implemented.

The transition to the new ASME organizational structure will be completed by July 1, 2005. The presentation given to the Board of Governors during their meeting, as well as the actions the Board took on the proposed plan, are available on the ASME Continuity and Change section of ASME.org, www.asme.org/change.

During the two-day meeting, the board approved the adoption of the coordinating plan and key principles of the Continuity and Change initiative, with some additions. Modified mostly in nomenclature from early proposals, the plan:

• Replaces the ASME Council structure with Engineering and Technology Enterprises, which includes communities, institutes, centers and Codes & Standards, each defined by its strengths and sustenance. Communities and institutes are member-focused, whereas centers and Codes & Standards are mission-focused activities. The new structure intends to allow greater flexibility and easier access for members to network more effectively and share resources.

• Creates a Project Management Task Force to address outstanding issues, during the transition. This task force will include, among others appointed by the President, Senior Vice Presidents reporting regularly to the Board of Governors.

• Addresses how leadership roles will continue and how they support the phasing in of the new structure. As an example, the role of the President-Elect is expanded to include ex officio responsibilities such as strategic planning, program assessment and conflict resolution.

• Includes the development of a new, equitable, and consistent accounting model for consideration and implementation by the fiscal year 2006 period.

According to ASME President Reginald I. Vachon, in a letter sent to members, the board's approval signaled a 15-month planning and transition phase that will include (the following is a partial list):

General Items
• Identify and appoint members to a Project Management Task Force that will help in the transition to a new organizational structure.

• Integrate the Balanced Scorecard initiative to targets and measures for the FY 05 budgeting process.

• Move toward the goal of achieving the approved Continuity and Change organization plan.

• Identify and implement the priority initiatives of the new model.

• Align the existing ASME calendar with schedules based on the goals of the new organizational structure, including activities related to all councils.

• Identify council-specific transition planning activities.

• Plan and coordinate the necessary teleconferences to launch the transition efforts.

Communications
• Develop a 15-month communications plan that includes significant discussion with boards and councils.


Staff specific items
• Establish staff leadership positions for the implementation of the transition plan.

• Launch staff and volunteer study teams.

• Identify the implications of the new organization to staff positions. Initiate training and re-training initiatives.

To view the full Continuity and Change presentation and to read more about the Board of Governors' actions, visit the Continuity and Change section of ASME.org at www.asme.org/change.




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