Levels

This section provides explanation about the Levels in the MINCE Maturity Model.

Levels: overview

Figure 18 – A MINCE Tower (with only levels 1 to 3)

Levels indicate the appreciation of competitiveness in relation to each of the combinations of the Tower and the full set of Criteria.

As explained elsewhere, each Tower in out MINCE castle has five Levels (a couple more than there were found for the Tower in adjecent photograph). The higher the level in a Tower we are able to reach, the better we can see who is approaching through our looking holes (Criteria).

From the first floor we will, obviously, via our Criteria-holes only notice anyone approaching as soon as the oncomer is very near. Only at that moment will the organization be able to decide whether to consider the newcomer a friend or a threat. The organization, as a result, will have little time to prepare a warm welcome of a proper defense.

This is much easier if the organization is able to check for new arrivals from higher floors. That will leave time to get prepared: prepare complex meals (friendly visitor) or put out the oil cauldrons above high fires (enemy ahead).

In MINCE we are particularly interested in the height of the top floor that we can reach. This is the Level: what is the maximum height (Level) for the five looking holes (Criteria) we will be able to reach in our Towers?

Secondly, MINCE gives a view on the perspective of the castle lord. What height will he want to be from which the workers are to look out for visitors? He will have to realize that it will not possible to add a couple of floors over night. Adding a floor in a tower requires craftsmanship, patience and dedication. It will take its toll and such things can only be speeded up to a certain degree.

The combination of a Tower and a Criterion is evaluated using MINCE and this results in an appreciation of what has been found. That is the measured Level. Next to that, there is also an ambition Level set: the level at which the organization's management team would like to be in the near future.

MINCE uses the following Levels:

1. Activities;
2. Processes;
3. Systems;
4. Supply Chain;
5. Quality.

As you might notice, the MINCE Level is derived from the levels defined by the 2004 version of EFQM. The difference lies in the MINCE combination of Level and Tower/Criterion, which is unlike the approach of EFQM. Nevertheless the level indication suits both models.

The higher the level in MINCE