Post by John Uliano on Jul 28, 2021 16:23:12 GMT
Pipeline Report
Salesforce: How do we use it as a tool?
My understanding is that Salesforce is utilized to evaluate and track business development opportunities for The Fedcap Group (TFG). As the report exhibits, the application serves as a repository, with analytic function, to track data related to existing contracts, as well as prospective opportunities. As a tool, it provides TFG a continual snapshot of its current financial position, while allowing it to project future revenues based on projected contracts. Reporting can provide specific revenue by practice area and company. I think some companies also it for more specific program reporting on specific deliverable, as well as almost a case management capacity.
What is a "pipeline" and how might it impact your work?
I am literal in that the “pipeline” is the source of revenue for The Fedcap Group (TFG). While pipelines bring us things like water and gas, this pipeline deliver dollars, which sustain the larger agency and individual companies. In terms of my work and from the perspective of transparency, I think it benefits all staff to know the financial standing and revenues of their organization. This report, along with annual earnings call, helps support that, although this is the first instance I can recall seeing the pipeline report. Maybe in my role, it’s not necessary for me to be aware of it, but I do not feel it would hurt the organization in any way if this report was shared more globally within the organization.
In terms of impact, the report shows how far along the companies of TFG are towards meeting their pipeline targets. It puts into perspective the business-side of our work and the importance of consistently sourcing new opportunities. Any time I see a RFP or such come through one of my networks, I try to forward along to Fedcap Inc. leadership to determine if it’s worth consideration. Seeing this report justifies that effort and reminds me to continue to forward along potential awards.
What did the pipeline report tell you?
It indicates that that the organization is falling short of its qualified pipeline goal (slide 9) and that a substantial portion of the goal made thus far is due to international contracts. I think a concern could be the lack of a stronger domestic pipeline, although I question the impact of COVID on available funding opportunities. I think the conversion near 100% for renewal/recompete contracts is a positive, as it exhibits that we operate our contracts effectively and establish best practice, which is incorporated into our rebid/renewal applications.
MTM Reports
What surprised you?
Placement rate aside, I was slightly surprised to see that job placement outcomes remain strong in the most recent MTM report. I feel like the narrative, at least immediately here in the New York Metropolitan area, if not the greater US, is that individuals are not seeking work at present, both due to COVI and being instead more interested in collecting unemployment benefits. I recognize that our data is collected globally with the introduction of the UK and Canada, so possibly this offsets the narrative (or it’s just incorrect, as I suspect to a degree). Similarly, I did not expect to see employment retention goals to be as strong as they were and eclipsing the high wage earning standard. I am also pleasantly surprised that the conversion of individuals receiving wellness to being employment ready is pretty much on par relative to prior to the pandemic. I would have expected this outcome to dip due to the impact of COVID, but that has not been the case. With the transition of education to a remote environment, I would have expected a higher number of individuals advancing an academic milestone, as there were only 172 individuals achieving this milestone. With children also being home still in most cases, and possibly the remote setting not being conducive to all learners, maybe these had a greater impact than I would have expected. In terms of staff demographics, I am surprised that with regard to gender the only types we report on are male and female, and we are not taking into account any additional gender types. Maybe the organization does not track this information, but consideration should be given to doing so and promoting inclusivity.
What trends do you see?
The decrease in individuals served stands out, although not necessarily surprising (yet), as COVID has likely impacted these outcomes, especially with some services continuing on a “voluntary basis.” I feel it will be more relevant to evaluate participants served after a full quarter of returning to offices to determine if the reduction warrants greater concern.
The improvement in retention rates as compared to the prior 2 half years is welcomed, although as we transition out of COVID it will be of interest to see if these are maintained. The trend of increased certifications is of importance, especially as it relates to career advancement, although expected with the inclusion of Apex.
I see that the tracking of amplification data is coming along, as I realize that this is a major focus of the organization in measuring our larger impact on the individuals we serve. Also, as someone who collects data regarding participant satisfaction, it was nice to see those outcomes included in the most recent report. Regarding data trends, it is noted that the larger organization’s goal is a 50% employment placement rate and that the past half-year measured at only 30%. It’s a bit challenging though to evaluate the trend, as the placement conversion rate was not indicated for the previous reporting periods.
Are there any trends that cause you concern?
While challenges due to COVID continue and the collection of data points is still new, I would expect a higher number of savings accounts established. I would expect that maybe it’s still being underreported, but, if I am interpreting the data correctly, only 820 individuals of almost 67,000 served have a savings account, which accounts for about 1%. Granted, I realize that some individuals served are children, but it would seem that greater focus should be attributed to this indicator.
Overall, it is slightly challenging to determine trends of concern, as expectations are not always clearly delineated. It would be helpful to know the organization’s expectation for certain indicators. For example, we expect 50% of job-ready individuals to be placed in employment. It would be helpful to know similar measure for other indicators (e.g., expected percentage of participants served having a savings account, expected percentage of individuals receiving educational services to attain a higher grade level/advance their education, etc.)
How will you use MTM in your own work?
I think the spirit of MTM reminds me to be more focused on relevant data in my work. Along with the prior week’s readings, I think I am more motivated to consider the data we are collecting and how it can contribute to the story in how we are improving the economic well-being of our participants. Are the outcomes we report on supporting the mission? I think that is the intention of MTM and I believe it’s something I can keep in mind in my day-to-day work.
Salesforce: How do we use it as a tool?
My understanding is that Salesforce is utilized to evaluate and track business development opportunities for The Fedcap Group (TFG). As the report exhibits, the application serves as a repository, with analytic function, to track data related to existing contracts, as well as prospective opportunities. As a tool, it provides TFG a continual snapshot of its current financial position, while allowing it to project future revenues based on projected contracts. Reporting can provide specific revenue by practice area and company. I think some companies also it for more specific program reporting on specific deliverable, as well as almost a case management capacity.
What is a "pipeline" and how might it impact your work?
I am literal in that the “pipeline” is the source of revenue for The Fedcap Group (TFG). While pipelines bring us things like water and gas, this pipeline deliver dollars, which sustain the larger agency and individual companies. In terms of my work and from the perspective of transparency, I think it benefits all staff to know the financial standing and revenues of their organization. This report, along with annual earnings call, helps support that, although this is the first instance I can recall seeing the pipeline report. Maybe in my role, it’s not necessary for me to be aware of it, but I do not feel it would hurt the organization in any way if this report was shared more globally within the organization.
In terms of impact, the report shows how far along the companies of TFG are towards meeting their pipeline targets. It puts into perspective the business-side of our work and the importance of consistently sourcing new opportunities. Any time I see a RFP or such come through one of my networks, I try to forward along to Fedcap Inc. leadership to determine if it’s worth consideration. Seeing this report justifies that effort and reminds me to continue to forward along potential awards.
What did the pipeline report tell you?
It indicates that that the organization is falling short of its qualified pipeline goal (slide 9) and that a substantial portion of the goal made thus far is due to international contracts. I think a concern could be the lack of a stronger domestic pipeline, although I question the impact of COVID on available funding opportunities. I think the conversion near 100% for renewal/recompete contracts is a positive, as it exhibits that we operate our contracts effectively and establish best practice, which is incorporated into our rebid/renewal applications.
MTM Reports
What surprised you?
Placement rate aside, I was slightly surprised to see that job placement outcomes remain strong in the most recent MTM report. I feel like the narrative, at least immediately here in the New York Metropolitan area, if not the greater US, is that individuals are not seeking work at present, both due to COVI and being instead more interested in collecting unemployment benefits. I recognize that our data is collected globally with the introduction of the UK and Canada, so possibly this offsets the narrative (or it’s just incorrect, as I suspect to a degree). Similarly, I did not expect to see employment retention goals to be as strong as they were and eclipsing the high wage earning standard. I am also pleasantly surprised that the conversion of individuals receiving wellness to being employment ready is pretty much on par relative to prior to the pandemic. I would have expected this outcome to dip due to the impact of COVID, but that has not been the case. With the transition of education to a remote environment, I would have expected a higher number of individuals advancing an academic milestone, as there were only 172 individuals achieving this milestone. With children also being home still in most cases, and possibly the remote setting not being conducive to all learners, maybe these had a greater impact than I would have expected. In terms of staff demographics, I am surprised that with regard to gender the only types we report on are male and female, and we are not taking into account any additional gender types. Maybe the organization does not track this information, but consideration should be given to doing so and promoting inclusivity.
What trends do you see?
The decrease in individuals served stands out, although not necessarily surprising (yet), as COVID has likely impacted these outcomes, especially with some services continuing on a “voluntary basis.” I feel it will be more relevant to evaluate participants served after a full quarter of returning to offices to determine if the reduction warrants greater concern.
The improvement in retention rates as compared to the prior 2 half years is welcomed, although as we transition out of COVID it will be of interest to see if these are maintained. The trend of increased certifications is of importance, especially as it relates to career advancement, although expected with the inclusion of Apex.
I see that the tracking of amplification data is coming along, as I realize that this is a major focus of the organization in measuring our larger impact on the individuals we serve. Also, as someone who collects data regarding participant satisfaction, it was nice to see those outcomes included in the most recent report. Regarding data trends, it is noted that the larger organization’s goal is a 50% employment placement rate and that the past half-year measured at only 30%. It’s a bit challenging though to evaluate the trend, as the placement conversion rate was not indicated for the previous reporting periods.
Are there any trends that cause you concern?
While challenges due to COVID continue and the collection of data points is still new, I would expect a higher number of savings accounts established. I would expect that maybe it’s still being underreported, but, if I am interpreting the data correctly, only 820 individuals of almost 67,000 served have a savings account, which accounts for about 1%. Granted, I realize that some individuals served are children, but it would seem that greater focus should be attributed to this indicator.
Overall, it is slightly challenging to determine trends of concern, as expectations are not always clearly delineated. It would be helpful to know the organization’s expectation for certain indicators. For example, we expect 50% of job-ready individuals to be placed in employment. It would be helpful to know similar measure for other indicators (e.g., expected percentage of participants served having a savings account, expected percentage of individuals receiving educational services to attain a higher grade level/advance their education, etc.)
How will you use MTM in your own work?
I think the spirit of MTM reminds me to be more focused on relevant data in my work. Along with the prior week’s readings, I think I am more motivated to consider the data we are collecting and how it can contribute to the story in how we are improving the economic well-being of our participants. Are the outcomes we report on supporting the mission? I think that is the intention of MTM and I believe it’s something I can keep in mind in my day-to-day work.
