Office of Operations
photos of traffic merging onto congested highway, congestion in snowstorm, variable message sign, cargo, variable speed limit sign in a work zone, and a freeway at night
21st century operations using 21st century technologies

Business Process Frameworks for Transportation Operations

Business Process Frameworks for Transportation Operations

Using the Frameworks

Using the frameworks is easy and involves four steps.

  • Step 1: Assemble a group to conduct the self-assessment. Select the tool for the program area of interest from the list shown on the Business Process Frameworks home page. The tool will provide guidance on how to begin with the first step of process which is a self-assessment. The self-assessment is a series of multiple choice questions that help determine your capability. The group decides on the consensus answer and records the discussion for each question in the tool.
  • Step 2: Based on the responses, the current levels of capability are identified by the tool. The group then reviews the results of the capability assessments and notes any adjustments that need to be made to the determination.
  • Step 3: An appropriate list of actions is recommended for consideration to improve capability across the dimension. The group reviews the list of actions for suitability in their context and selects a subset of actions that are of highest-priority. Actions are not meant to be prescriptive but provide ideas for the group to consider. Actions from different levels other than the assessed level can be reviewed to see if any of those are appropriate for the agency or region as well. These can be added to create a customized action item report.
  • Step 4: Compile the list of actions into an implementation report and proceed towards accomplishment of the actions.

What will be the outcomes from this effort?

The main outcome from using the frameworks is a list of concrete implementable actions for the program area in question. The actions, developed based on best practices and expert involvement, generate the impetus to increase capability quickly and effectively for the respective program area.

Who should be involved?

The benefits of using the frameworks are greatly dependent on the group conducting the self-assessment and selection of actions. While the group will vary based on the program area, here are some ideas for whom to involve in this effort:

  1. The managers of the program within the agency and associated staff
  2. Planning, programming, and budgeting staff who have an impact on the program
  3. External stakeholders and collaborators for the program. For example:
    1. When using the road weather management framework, involve the local National Weather Service personnel.
    2. When a city is reviewing the traffic signal management framework, involving adjacent cities and jurisdictions in the assessment is a good idea.

While the size of the group can vary, an ideal group size to build consensus around the needs of agency is around 10-15 attendees.

When should I use these frameworks?

The frameworks can be used in many different ways and may be adapted to the needs of the agency. Here are some likely scenarios that might benefit from the use of the framework:

  1. Agency is considering a significant Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSM&O) investment in the program area
  2. Agency is going through realignments and organizational changes in the program area
  3. Recent reviews of performance have shown that program activities are stable but not improving as desired
  4. Agency is going through a strategic planning effort for TSM&O or the program area
  5. Agency went through Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) Implementation activities and targeted a program area for improvement.