During 1987, we performed an assessment of the feasibility of consolidating the cashiering operations the State's three largest revenue collection agencies; the Employment Development Department, the Board of Equalization, and the Franchise Tax Board. The study included an assessment of current staffing, operations, workflow, and equipment in all three agencies. The desirability of consolidation was evaluated in terms of the benefits that would result solely through consolidation, as opposed to benefits which would result from process improvements which could be accomplished by the three agencies without consolidation. Results of the study did not support the position that the cashiering operations of the three agencies should be consolidated.
Services Performed: Organizational Alignment and Restructuring, Workload and Staffing Analysis, Business Process Reengineering
During 1988, we completed an assessment of California's escrow industry and the effect it has on the real estate industry, real estate licensees, and the consumer. The study examined and compared different regulatory constraints confronting alternative providers of escrow services, and identified and explained the regional variations in escrow business practices between northern and southern California. Major study tasks included development, administration, compilation, and analysis of surveys distributed to: (1) real estate licensees, (2) representatives of mortgage lending institutions (e.g., savings and loan associations, savings banks, and commercial banks), (3) escrow companies, and (4) title insurance companies.
Services Performed: Program Planning and Evaluation
During 1988, we completed an assessment of the past performance and future outlook of the real estate appraisal industry. Major study tasks included: (1) conduct of interviews with relevant federal regulatory and legislative officials, real estate appraisal industry trade associations, mortgage lending and insurance institutions, and realty companies, (2) development, administration, compilation, and analysis of 1,500 surveys distributed to relevant industry-related professionals, and (3) development of viable alternative recommendations regarding the appraisal industry. A primary focus of the assessment was on identifying and assessing needs for state licensing of real estate appraisers.
Services Performed: Program Planning and Evaluation
During 2000, we were engaged to conduct a survey of other states believed to have substantive small business contracting and procurement participation programs. About a dozen states were included in the survey. Subsequently, we were engaged to compare California's Small Business program with the programs in existence in the other states, and to develop and assess alternatives for enhancing California's program. Additionally, during FY2001/02, we provided assistance in developing a new set of Small Business Program regulations. The new regulations overhauled the existing Small Business Program regulations and aligned the regulations with current statutory requirements. This latter effort was completed in a period of about six weeks. Additionally, we provided assistance in responding to comments from the public hearings and correspondence, and in revising the regulations as needed.
Services Performed: Program Planning and Evaluation
During 1988, we completed an office-wide study of the organization, operations, and workload and resource management and control systems of the Office of Real Estate and Design Services (OREDS). The study scope encompassed approximately 125 positions assigned to four functional areas: (1) space leasing, (2) space design, (3) real estate appraisal, acquisition, and sales, and (4) administrative support. Organizational, personnel, staffing, position classification, methods, procedures, management information system, and equipment issues were addressed. In addition, we prepared a Resource Management System (RMS) Operating Manual. The RMS Manual contains procedures, forms, and report formats for ongoing workload and resource management and control of project work within the OREDS. Workload and resource forecasting, planning, scheduling, and reporting functions were addressed.
Services Performed: Organizational Alignment and Restructuring, Workload and Staffing Analysis, Business Process Reengineering