Most organizations use a capability assessment methodology to assess if a job seeker is competent and skilled to perform the job. As a tool, it can help both employers and employees to assess both knowledge and skills. Here we explore the methodology and how Manufacturer’s Edge helps companies to find the most capable talent from among the applicants.
The theory behind capability assessment methodology
The capability assessment methodology approach is a theoretical framework used by hiring teams to evaluate an individual’s capacity to live a quality life. The key differentiating factor in this approach is to find how the person is living life, to know their true capability. This approach considers the correct way to assess a candidate is to know how well they are doing is their ability to live a life that is valuable, not their wealth of resources or subjective well-being.
Thus, the capability approach rests on two ideas:
- The freedom to achieve well-being is of primary moral importance.
- Well-being should be understood in terms of people’s capabilities and function.
The capability approach equates ‘capabilities’ with ‘real choices’ which help the individual to lead the life they want to live. Functioning’s are outcomes needed by a person to do or to be.
For example, the difference between fasting and starving is whether the person is choosing not to eat. In this example, the functioning is starving but the capability to obtain an adequate amount of food is the key element in evaluating well-being.
The capability approach focuses on the information that is needed to make judgments about individual well-being and social policies. It rejects alternative approaches that it considers normatively inadequate, such as evaluations that are done exclusively in monetary terms.
How many types of capability assessment methodologies are in vogue?
Two types of capability assessment processes are: in vogue. These are Comparative and Suitability Assessments.
- Comparative assessments are used for temporary employment opportunities of more than six months or ongoing employment. The common practice is to use a minimum of three capability assessments conducted by a panel of at least two persons.
- Suitability assessments are used to check if a strategy aligns with the internal and external environments. It uses a number of tools and evaluation metrics like TOWS analysis to collect robust data to justify the recommended choice.
Since capability assessment is a roll-out that cannot be considered as a standalone feature, here are some dimensions for comprehensive discussions:
- Strategic importance: How critical or relevant a capability is for the success of the business
- Capability maturity: How good the organization is at performing a capability
- Adaptability: How easy or difficult it would be to change a capability
While capability assessment can be conducted in a number of ways, the steps that are followed are as follows:
- Identify organization’s goals
- Identify assessment criteria
- Complete the assessment
- Analyze the results
How can Manufacturer’s Edge Help Companies?
Manufacturer’s Edge is a public-private partnership company which helps manufacturers to adopt the latest and best methodologies, best practices, and technologies to increase profitability. The organization focuses on providing the expertise needed by companies to improve their productive multifold. Its other services include matching talented professionals with jobs that need their skill sets.
Manufacturer’s Edge provides:
- Business health assessments to identify pain points and provide resources, consulting, and training to improve business operations and outputs.
- Customized solutions for engineers and business professionals work with manufacturers to provide company assessments and customized solutions.
- Industry programs for collaboration-focused companies
- Government and economic development partnerships
The organization strives to leverage these partnerships to help Colorado manufacturers connect with other manufacturers. Manufacturers Edge should use tools such as the Capability Assessment Methodology as well, to create a proactive work culture across the organization.
