Case Study
Promoting Equitable Early Childhood Services
Operational Planning and Program Management Strategy: Buffett Early Childhood Institute
Client
As a research and policy institute of the University of Nebraska, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute promotes the learning and development of children from birth through age 8. Supported by the University’s resources, their work spans applied research, provider and educator training, public policy, and outreach. With a particular focus on children who are at risk due to poverty, developmental delays, or abuse, the Institute champions equitable early childhood services for each child and family in the state of Nebraska.
Problem
Statewide, Nebraskans experience significant disparities in access to early childhood services. The Institute’s initiatives to promote equitable access are informed by a significant body of applied research. But when they engaged Dr. Duke, they lacked clearly defined project charters and regular reporting on outcomes. The Institute’s executive leadership wanted to create operational and program management systems to help them improve outcomes.
Solution
Creating new operational systems, as well as a user-friendly statewide project management program, was no small feat for such a large organization. Dr. Duke used input from executive leadership and five program directors to:
Structure the Institute's work into well-defined programs with charters
Establish each program’s project plans and operational systems
Design portfolio management procedures to simplify strategic decision-making
Move program management tasks into an online project management system
Result
For the first time, the Institute’s full scope of work was clearly defined, and each project had a detailed plan and management system. Now, staff simply follow the plan to work toward built-in project milestones. Program directors can plan collaboratively across units. And executives have remote access to real-time statewide progress insights, as well as communication with directors, all in the same software. With such a powerful system in place, the Institute was able to eliminate countless wasted hours, and focus on serving families and children more effectively than ever.
Case Study Testimonials
Hallie facilitated innumerable discovery, planning, and training sessions with staff allowing for significant engagement and deeper understanding. She immersed herself in our organization so that she truly understood our needs and goals and was thus able to assist in a way that brought the most value.