Otago Polytechnic has won a prestigious organisational excellence award — the Baldrige-affiliated Performance Excellence Study Award (PESA).

Otago Polytechnic is the first organisation in New Zealand to undergo an assessment process comparable to that for the United States Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and to reach the required standard.

Administered by Business Excellence NZ (endorsed by the American Society of Quality), the PESA involves rigorous examination by United States-based examiners against seven core Baldrige Performance Excellence Criteria to determine organisational excellence by world-class standards.

The US Baldrige Performance Excellence Program is one of the most internationally recognised frameworks for business excellence. Globally, many countries operate national quality awards aligned with Baldrige or have similar core criteria.

Key performance indicators and/or highlights noted by the examiners, include:

  • Otago Polytechnic’s strong organisational vision and culture of excellence
  • High levels of student satisfaction and employer satisfaction with Otago Polytechnic graduates
  • Excellent educational performance indicators (course completions, student progression, qualifications and course retention)
  • Sound financial performance and growth in overall EFTs/enrolments
  • High number of Ako Aotearoa Awards for Teaching Excellence
  • High levels of workforce engagement and staff satisfaction
  • Organisational agility and leading-edge innovation through a diverse provision of educational experiences. For example: EduBits, Otago Polytechnic’s suite of micro-credentials

The journey towards PESA recognition was initiated by more than a decade ago by Chief Executive Phil Ker, who had a vision to develop and embed a culture committed to continuous improvement. 

“I am thrilled that Otago Polytechnic has achieved this recognition – the result of years of effort by all of our staff," Phil says.

"We have rigorously applied the validated best practice in organisation and management which is the essence of the Baldrige framework, and have seen our performance improve year on year across all dimensions.

"The journey has been tough but satisfying, but there is still much more to do. This award will inspire us to reach even greater heights”

The award-winning application was Otago Polytechnic’s fourth attempt, the institution making its first PESA submission in 2012. 

“After each submission, we receive immensely valuable feedback, which guides our improvement action plans,” Joanne Greatbanks, Director: Performance Improvement explains.

“Otago Polytechnic is passionate about providing our learners with a ‘wow!’ experience. In order to continue to put our learners at the centre of everything we do, we need to continuously evolve, drive and innovate.”  

Jo Brady, Deputy Chief Executive: People, Performance and Development states:

“It is true that our people make a better world. We now have a globally recognised award to prove it and we remain committed to continuous improvement as the journey doesn’t have an end point. Our work matters — it has impact and transforms lives, communities and economies.”

A formal presentation of the Performance Excellence Study Award to Otago Polytechnic will take place in the coming months.


Published on 6 Aug 2018

Orderdate: 6 Aug 2018
Expiry: 31 Dec 2018