The third virtual session of Productivity Insights, conducted by the Development Academy of the Philippines-Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity, showcased the transformative impact of the 5S workplace organization methodology on performance management within the Micro, Small, and Medium Size Enterprises Promotion Agency (MSMEPA) in Lao PDR. The 5S methodology comprises seiri (sort), seiton (set in order), seiso (shine), seiketsu (standardize), and shitsuke (sustain).

Held on June 13, 2024, the session had over 300 participants from various national and local government agencies and state universities. Dr. Malaykham Philaphone, director of the Technical Assistance Management Division at the MSME Promotion Fund under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, served as the resource person.

Dr. Philaphone discussed the challenges MSMEPA faced in the application process and grant approval timeline, including limited capacity and delays in receiving assistance. These issues prompted a collaborative approach among MSME-promoting organizations, government sectors, and business associations to find solutions.

She explained that, in addition to conducting training and capacity building, MSMEPA implemented the 5S methodology to streamline processes. This involved sorting and simplifying regulations, removing unnecessary documents, organizing through electronic services, enhancing transparency, standardizing practices, and implementing training programs. Beyond adopting 5S, the division used stakeholder feedback to refine processes further.

Dr. Philaphone emphasized the establishment of standard operating procedures and training programs to ensure consistency and efficiency in evaluating and approving grants. Continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms were also put in place to track the effectiveness of these reforms. She noted that the 5S methodology led to significant improvements, including a notable increase in application volume and a reduction in processing times, thereby providing MSMEs with quicker access to technical assistance funding and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, Dr. Philaphone highlighted the importance of understanding stakeholders, using data-driven approaches, recognizing knowledge gaps, and managing change in MSME support initiatives. She also addressed the need to manage transition issues and overcome resistance to change.

Productivity Insights is a series of sessions that share best practices from local participants and APO-member economies to enhance innovation and productivity in the public sector.

This article was originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/third-productivity-insights-showcases-5s-transformative-impact-on-lao-pdrs-msmepa/

The  second session of Productivity Insights, held virtually on June 6, 2024, focused on Indonesia’s digital transformation in  civil servant management. Hosted by the Development Academy of the Philippines as the focal organization of the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity, the event drew over 200 participants from various national and local government agencies, as well as state universities. 

Dr. Samsul Hidayat, acting director for Civil Service Performance at the National Civil Service Agency in Indonesia, discussed the country’s efforts to integrate technology to address challenges within its civil service sector, which includes 630 local governments with diverse systems and obstacles. He emphasized the need for digital transformation to enhance governance and service delivery, and stressed the importance of shifting both both personal and organizational mindsets to adapt to the digital era.

Dr. Hidayat detailed significant improvements resulting from digital transformation, such as paperless processes, digital signatures, online tracking of service progres, and simplifying bureaucratic procedures.  These advancements have led to faster service delivery, increased transparency and efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Despite these gains, Dr. Hidayat acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in system integration among local governments, and emphasized the need for continuous improvement in technology and the capacity of civil servants to utilize these systems effectively. 

To support this, Dr. Hidayat highlighted ongoing collaboration with other ministries, especially  in health and education, to further enhance service delivery. The focus is on sustaining and expanding digital initiatives to drive productivity improvements and better serve the Indonesian population in the next five years.

Productivity Insights is a series of knowledge and experience-sharing sessions that showcase best practices from local participants and APO-member economies to boost innovation and productivity in the public sector.

This article was originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/2nd-productivity-insights-session-highlights-indonesias-digital-transformation-in-civil-service/

The first Productivity Insights session, held online on 30 May 2024, highlighted the productivity initiatives of Thailand’s Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). 

More than 100 participants from various organizations, including government agencies, local government units, and state universities, attended the session.

Kasamaporn Mahawangsawat, director of the Corporate Assessment Department at the BAAC, delivered a presentation providing an overview of the agricultural cooperative, which is dedicated to providing financial services to Thai farmers and is committed to sustainable rural development. With 1,019 branches and five million mobile app users, the BAAC is a pillar in Thailand’s agricultural landscape. Mahawangsawat also emphasized how knowledge management can drive productivity initiatives in the public sector.

The BAAC’s knowledge management framework, centered on the Community of Practice (CoP), drives knowledge exchange, skill development, and innovation within the organization. Mahawangsawat discussed BAAC’s structured approach to CoP, including knowledge identification, sharing of best practices, innovation capture, and efficient knowledge utilization. She showcased creative solutions like Non-Performing Loan (NPL) management systems and mobile applications, which have resulted in significant productivity gains, shortened processing times, and cost savings.

Additionally, she presented BAAC’s successful change management techniques, such as organizational reorganization, communication, and ongoing monitoring, which improved performance and efficiency as the organization transitioned from manual to automated processes.

The example of BAAC illustrated the significance of cooperation, creativity, and flexibility in handling the complexities of modern governance. Attendees gained a better understanding of the critical role that CoP plays in promoting organizational excellence in the public sector. They also obtained valuable insights from BAAC’s success story, which they can apply to their organizations.

Hosted by the Development Academy of the Philippines, the focal organization of the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity, the Productivity Insights is a series of knowledge and experience-sharing sessions aimed at demonstrating how public sector organizations translate their learnings into productivity initiatives.

This article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/first-productivity-insights-session-showcases-productivity-initiatives-of-thailands-baac-through-knowledge-management/

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Mongolia Productivity Organization (MPO) have formalized a partnership to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange. The signing  ceremony took place on May 29, 2024, during the 66th Session of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Governing Body in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This partnership, marked by a signing of a memorandum of understanding stemmed from bilateral cooperation between the National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) of the Philippines and Mongolia in February. The collaboration, hosted by the DAP as the APO Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations for mutual benefit. The focus will be on introducing a public-sector performance excellence framework and learning from best practices.

The event was attended by notable representatives, including: Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata, APO Secretary-General; Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary and APO Director for the Philippines; Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, DAP President and CEO and APO Alternate Director for the Philippines; Mr. Armand Tristan R. Suratos, APO Liaison Officer for the Philippines; Erkhembayar Yamaaranz, APO Director for Mongolia; and Batbileg Tsagaan, MPO Deputy Director.

This MOU aims to encourage active communication, the sharing of best practices, and mutual learning between both organizations. This sustained partnership is expected to significantly impact the productivity landscapes of both the Philippines and Mongolia, driving sustainable development and improving the quality of governance.

This article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/dap-mongolia-productivity-organization-forge-partnership-to-boost-collaboration-and-knowledge-exchange/

Pasig City, May 2024 – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, hosted a groundbreaking webinar series, “Nudging to Create Change in the Public Sector,”  on May 6-7, 2024. This event attracted over 700 participants from various government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units, academic institutions, and other sectors.

The two-day webinar aimed to deepen the public sector’s understanding of productivity improvements and explore the practical application of Nudge Theory in change management. On the first day, Jefferson A. Arapoc, an associate professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, delivered an engaging introduction to nudging. He illustrated its impact on shaping behavior and fostering a productive work environment through real-life case studies and practical applications in policymaking, marketing, and choice architecture. Arapoc emphasized the significance of empathy, communication, and empowerment in driving successful behavior change initiatives.

The second day delved into the critical topic of the application and role of nudging in change management within the public sector, featured insights from Benjamin Radoc, a Behavioral Economist and Principal Researcher at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Research Academy. Radoc discussed bounded rationality and alternative methods for influencing behavior, highlighting the necessity of testing nudges and addressing ethical considerations. He also shared strategies for improving productivity through nudging, such as establishing norms, utilizing comparisons, simplifying decision-making processes, promoting ethical behavior, and ensuring knowledge retention.

This webinar series marks a significant step forward in redefining change management within public sector organizations. By bringing together experts in Nudge Theory and its applications, the DAP empowers individuals and change managers to implement meaningful transformations for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.

Stay tuned for more exciting webinars from DAP this year. For further details, follow our updates on https://www.facebook.com/dap.edu.ph

This article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/dap-hosts-webinar-series-highlighting-the-importance-of-nudging-in-the-public-sector/

Quezon City, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines, serving as the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization, hosted the Workshop on Needs Assessment of APO Members in Public-Sector Productivity  (PSP) on May 13 to 17, 2024, at Novotel Manila.

The event brought together 29 participants from 14 APO-member economies— Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, and Vietnam. The objective was to reassess and identify the evolving needs of and challenges of APO members in PSP.

In his welcome address, Dr. Arsenio Balisacan, secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority and APO director for the Philippines, emphasized the importance of addressing public sector needs amidst rapid technological advancements. He encouraged participants to cultivate an efficient, effective, agile, and forward-thinking public sector.

The workshop commenced with presentations focusing on the current landscape of the public sector in the Asia-Pacific region and the Philippines’ journey as a Center of Excellence on PSP. Subsequent sessions delved into strategies for advancing public-sector productivity, including reforms aimed at bureaucratic efficiency. 

Throughout the program, participants engaged in group workshops and presentations to identify country-specific recommendations and strategies. Case presentations from South Korea, Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia offered global perspectives and best practices in public-sector productivity.