Original Date: 02/09/1998
Revision Date: 04/22/2003

The Resource Center is the central hub of continuous improvement activities at UE. This administrative function supports all of UE’s departments and work centers, but reports directly to the president of the company. This arrangement assures independence and top-level visibility for continuous improvement initiatives. Most of the programs administered and supported by the Resource Center have been in operation at UE for many years. With a staff of two, the Center provides coordination to ensure that these programs work together to enhance the productivity, competitiveness, and profitability of the company.

A lending library is maintained in the Resource Center and offers a broad selection of publications related to continuous improvement methods. These books are purchased by the company, but selected by the employees. Employees who select a publication are asked to do a book report so others can learn why the book is worth reading. All of the books are available for check out by employees. The library is also an excellent resource for self learning. A new addition to the library is the book swap section which includes general interest books such as fiction and children’s literature. Employees who take a book from this section must bring in a book to swap with it. This method provides a constantly changing selection of books. The Resource Center also maintains equipment and office supplies for employees to borrow. Equipment such as video and Polaroid cameras; tape recorders; overhead projectors; and slide projectors can be checked out for use in presentations and training sessions.

The Valued Employee Program which recognizes and rewards employees for participation in continuous improvement efforts is administered by the staff of the Resource Center. Forms for Action Centers, Valued Ideas, Tours, and Book Studies can be picked up in the Center. Designated boxes in the Resource Center are used to receive completed forms and for submitting articles to the monthly You-E-News. Other forms such as designing/planning training sessions and educational programs are also available at the Center, along with binders containing a variety of training curricula so employees can plan their personalized programs with assistance from Resource Center personnel, if necessary.

The Resource Center supports all of the employees through numerous programs, resources, and activities. Since most of UE’s continuous improvement activities are self directed by employees, the Resource Center provides a cost effective way to make sure that the efforts are coordinated and that employees have everything they need to make UE a better company each day.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.