Business selection support device, business selection support method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a business selection support device, a business selection support method, and a program that can assist in selecting business processes to be targeted for business process improvement. [Solution] The system includes an acquisition unit that acquires the results of a first questionnaire, which investigates quantitative and qualitative matters related to the target business, and a second questionnaire, which is the result of a second questionnaire, which is a survey of awareness regarding business improvement; and an analysis unit that uses the first and second results to calculate the priority order for business improvement for each of the target business.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a business selection support device, a business selection support method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, improvement of operations has been considered in administrative agencies, private companies, etc. For example, an investigation is made of the processes of the operations currently being carried out, and considerations are made to improve the operation efficiency, such as reviewing the rules from the viewpoints of digitization and man-hour reduction for the process that takes the most time. A method of improving operations from such a process viewpoint is called BPR (Business Process Reengineering), etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for discriminating business knowledge useful for a case and accurately providing suggestions for effective business improvement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, government agencies and private companies handle a vast amount of work. Patent document 1, mentioned above, does not consider which of these numerous tasks should be selected as targets for business process improvement. Business process improvement often involves changing existing workflows. As a result, the burden on employees on the front lines who are targeted for improvement is significant, which can lead to resistance from employees and a decline in morale. If the task that takes the most time or the department with the most overtime is simply selected as the target for business process improvement, it will lack persuasiveness with employees on the front lines, and the business process improvement may not progress due to a lack of cooperation from the front lines. For this reason, it is desirable to appropriately select tasks that should be prioritized as targets for business process improvement and to obtain evidence to support that selection.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a business selection support device, a business selection support method, and a program that can support the selection of business processes to be targeted for business improvement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a business selection support device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires the results of a first questionnaire, which is the result of a first questionnaire that investigates quantitative and qualitative matters related to the target business, and acquires the results of a second questionnaire, which is the result of a second questionnaire that investigates awareness of business improvement, and an analysis unit that uses the first and second results to calculate the priority order for business improvement for each of the target business.

[0007] A business selection support method according to one aspect of the present invention is a business selection support method performed by a computer which is a business selection support device, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the results of a first questionnaire which investigates quantitative and qualitative matters related to the target business, and acquires the results of a second questionnaire which investigates awareness of business improvement, and the analysis unit calculates the priority of business improvement for each of the target business using the first and second results.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer, which is a business selection support device, to obtain, by an acquisition unit, the results of a first questionnaire that investigates quantitative and qualitative matters related to the target business, and to obtain, by an analysis unit, the results of a second questionnaire that investigates awareness of business improvement, and to calculate the priority order for business improvement for each of the target business using the first and second results. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to support the selection of business processes to be targeted for business process improvement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a business selection support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow performed by the business selection support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the first questionnaire according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a second questionnaire according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the processing performed by the business selection support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the processing performed by the business selection support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the processing performed by the business selection support device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Configuration of the business selection support system> Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the business selection support system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the business selection support system according to this embodiment. The business selection support system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system for supporting the selection of business processes to be targeted for business improvement in the operations carried out by organizations such as government agencies and private companies. For example, business improvement is carried out by investigating the processes of operations carried out by the organization and applying methods that aim to improve operations from a process perspective, such as BPR (Business Process Reengineering).

[0013] The following explanation uses an example where the organization is a government agency and performs administrative services to residents. However, it is not limited to this. Regardless of whether it is a government agency or a private company, the business selection support system 1 of this embodiment can be applied to any organization that performs a large number of tasks.

[0014] The business selection support system 1 includes, for example, a business selection support device 10 and multiple business groups G (business groups G1, G2, G3, ...). The business selection support device 10 and each of the business groups G are connected in a communication manner. A business group G is established for each business and consists of a leader terminal GL and multiple member terminals GM. For example, the terminals provided in a business group G can be PCs (personal computers) operated by each member of the organization (group) carrying out the business (e.g., employees belonging to a department or group in a city hall). The leader terminal GL is the terminal device operated by the member who acts as the leader for that business. The member terminals GM are terminal devices operated by each member responsible for carrying out the business. The business selection support device 10 is a computer that assists in selecting business processes to be targeted for business improvement. For example, a PC, server, or cloud service can be used as the business selection support device 10. The business selection support device 10 conducts a business survey of the processes performed within business group G. In this embodiment, the business survey involves the first and second questionnaires, described later. The business selection support device 10 analyzes the survey results from the perspective of selecting business processes to be improved and outputs the analysis results.

[0015] <Processing flow performed by the business selection support system> Referring to Figure 2, the processing flow of the business selection support system 1 according to the embodiment will be explained. The business selection support system 1 executes three main processes, which are shown in steps S10, S20, and S30.

[0016] In step S10, the process of conducting the first questionnaire and obtaining its results (first questionnaire results) is performed. The first questionnaire is administered to the business leader and is a questionnaire for conducting a survey on the business. The business selection support device 10 notifies the leader terminal GL of the first questionnaire (step S101). The first questionnaire is provided in the form of questions to be entered into a survey sheet written in spreadsheet application software (spreadsheet software). For example, the business selection support device 10 sends an email with the electronic file of the first questionnaire containing the questions attached. Alternatively, the business selection support device 10 notifies the user of information indicating the location where the electronic file of the first questionnaire containing the questions is stored, such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), via email. In this way, the business selection support device 10 notifies the user of the first questionnaire. When the reader terminal GL receives the electronic file of the first questionnaire, it inputs answers to the questions provided in the received first questionnaire (step S102). The reader terminal GL uploads the input first questionnaire electronic file to a location provided for submission, for example, the location indicated by the submission URL (step S103). The business selection support device 10 accesses the submission URL and acquires the input first questionnaire electronic file (step S104).

[0017] In step S20, a process of conducting the second questionnaire and obtaining its survey results (second survey results) is performed. The second questionnaire is conducted for each member who is a constituent member in charge of business implementation, and is a questionnaire for conducting an awareness survey on business improvement. The business selection support device 10 notifies the member terminal GM of the second questionnaire (step S201). The second questionnaire is provided in a web format in which answers are input to questions displayed on a specific website. For example, the business selection support device 10 posts the URL of the site where the questions are described on an electronic bulletin board or notifies it by email. Thereby, the business selection support device 10 notifies the second questionnaire. The member terminal GM acquires the URL of the second questionnaire site, accesses the acquired URL (step S202), and inputs answers to the questions on the second questionnaire site (step S203). By transmitting the answers input to the second questionnaire, the completed second questionnaire is accumulated on the site. The business selection support device 10 accesses the site and acquires the input results of the second questionnaire (step S204).

[0018] In step S30, the first survey results, which are the survey results by the first questionnaire, and the second survey results, which are the survey results by the second questionnaire, are analyzed from the perspective of selecting the target business for business improvement. The specific method by which the business selection support device 10 analyzes the survey results will be described in detail later.

[0019] Thus, in this embodiment, two questionnaires (the first questionnaire and the second questionnaire) are administered to business group G as a business survey to investigate the actual state of their work.

[0020] Traditionally, business process surveys aimed at improving operations have been burdensome, requiring respondents to spend 2 to 5 hours answering each survey. This is because they have shown the process (flow) of an operation in multiple steps, detailing the work content and time required for each step. While this is necessary to identify areas for improvement, it does not guarantee that the departments or groups that cooperated in the survey (those that responded to questionnaires, etc.) will actually implement improvements. Often, only a small fraction of the numerous tasks will receive improvement proposals. As a result, the burden on the departments involved often increases without any improvement in operations, leading to significant dissatisfaction with these business process surveys.

[0021] In contrast, in this embodiment, the phase of business process improvement is divided into two phases: a first phase in which the business processes to be improved are selected, and a second phase in which the targets for improvement of the selected business processes are extracted. Specifically, in the first phase, only the matters necessary to select tasks were investigated, and in the second phase, a detailed flow investigation was conducted for the tasks selected as targets for improvement. This reduced the amount of work investigation required in the first phase, and by conducting detailed investigations on tasks that were highly likely to undergo improvement, it was possible to reduce dissatisfaction with the investigation and make it easier to obtain cooperation.

[0022] In the first phase, we conducted both quantitative and qualitative surveys, including those on workload. Qualitative surveys focused on the subjective perspectives of the group members (including leaders and members) responsible for the work, such as their feelings and motivations. This included investigating whether they had a positive view of business improvement, whether they were eager to improve it, or whether they preferred to maintain the status quo and viewed improvement negatively, and how they would feel about introducing new systems related to business improvement. By conducting qualitative surveys alongside quantitative ones, we could determine whether business improvements would be readily accepted. This allowed us to prioritize the business improvements of groups that were more likely to accept them during the selection process. In this embodiment, the first questionnaire involves a qualitative survey of the project leader regarding their perceptions of challenges related to their work. The second questionnaire also involves a qualitative survey of the members (e.g., staff) who carry out the work.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the first and second questionnaires use a multiple-choice format or a format for entering numerical values ​​such as time, number of people, or percentage, and do not include a free-response field. This reduces the effort required to answer the questionnaires. Furthermore, a checklist may be provided in the first questionnaire, corresponding to the input sheet where answers to the questions are entered. The checklist has a function that, triggered by the operation of a check button on the input sheet, extracts answer fields in the input sheet that are suspected of being missing or duplicated, and displays the background of the extracted answers in a different display manner from the background of other answer fields, such as red or yellow. By using this checklist, missing or duplicate entries can be easily extracted, making it easy to resolve these issues. The following primarily describes the structure of Phase 1, and since various technologies related to Phase 2 are publicly known, a detailed explanation of Phase 2 will be omitted.

[0024] Specifically, in the first phase, we will investigate the factors necessary for selecting tasks, specifically those that allow us to categorize the numerous tasks within the organization from a business improvement perspective. This investigation will be conducted using the first questionnaire.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of the first questionnaire according to the embodiment. As shown in this figure, the first questionnaire has items for number, question classification, and question. The number is a number assigned to the question. The question classification indicates the classification of the question. The question is a specific question that the business leader is to answer. The business leader answers the first questionnaire by entering their answers to each question.

[0026] In this diagram, the question classification is set to one of the following: department, number of employees, workload, job name, job category, job structure, job nature, perceived challenges, or quality of service. Of these, the questions classified as department, job name, or job category are questions designed to identify the job. These questions are structured so that they can be easily answered by selecting from pre-set options in the first questionnaire.

[0027] On the other hand, questions that can be categorized into workload, number of employees, work structure, nature of work, perceived challenges, or quality of service are designed to categorize the numerous tasks an organization handles from the perspective of improving work processes.

[0028] The survey on workload aims to visualize the annual workload for each task, specifically investigating which tasks consume the most time. These questions are designed to be easily answered by inputting numerical values ​​such as time and the number of staff members in the first questionnaire. Regarding workload, it is possible to investigate it using several metrics, such as working hours, the number of tasks, and working hours per employee. To minimize the effort required for respondents, the first questionnaire will only investigate the total time required to perform the tasks, and will not subdivide the tasks into multiple processes and investigate the working hours for each process. Furthermore, if the objectives and effects of business improvement include reducing overtime hours or the amount of work per employee, the workload survey should also include investigating the number of employees responsible for the tasks and the total overtime hours of all employees.

[0029] The survey on work structure investigates, for example, the ratio of routine tasks to non-routine tasks, the ratio of core tasks to non-core tasks, and the ratio of tasks directly related to administrative services to tasks not directly related to them. These questions are designed to be easily answered in the first questionnaire by entering the numerical values ​​corresponding to the ratios. Routine tasks are those with established procedures and rules, which can be performed even by team members unfamiliar with the work. Non-routine tasks are those that require situational responses, which must be performed by experienced team members using their experience. Core tasks are those in which only specific members (e.g., regular employees) can make decisions. Non-core tasks are those that can be performed not only by specific members but also by any member (e.g., fixed-term employees or dispatched employees). Tasks directly related to administrative services include front-office work, such as receiving inquiries and requests for procedures from users of administrative services (e.g., citizens), and back-office work, such as issuing procedural documents in response to inquiries and procedures from citizens. Tasks not directly related to administrative services include policy planning, general affairs, clerical work, accounting and bookkeeping, and work related to the management and operation of the organization.

[0030] The survey on the nature of the work investigates, for example, the status of manualization in the work, the status of constraints imposed by ordinances or regulations, the status of data storage, the status of analysis, and the status of decision-making by systems. These questions are structured in the first questionnaire so that respondents can easily answer by selecting from pre-defined options corresponding to each situation. The "status of manualization" refers to the degree to which manuals are in place for tasks that can be manualized. For questions categorized under this classification, respondents choose one of three options: "All manuals exist," "Some manuals exist," or "No manuals exist." The status of restrictions imposed by ordinances or regulations refers to the degree to which it is difficult to change (improve) operations due to these restrictions. Answers to questions categorized under this classification are made by selecting whether or not specific restrictions apply. Specific restrictions include, for example, the need to conduct operations in person with users of administrative services (citizens, etc.), the requirement for approval by multiple people for settlements, and the need for an official seal. The data storage status refers to the degree to which the information (data) used in carrying out business operations is digitized. For questions categorized under this classification, respondents choose one of three options: all information is digitized; a mix of digitized and paper-based information exists; or all information is stored in paper format with no digitized data. The "analysis status" refers to the degree to which the methods used for analysis are systematized. Analysis involves compiling data on the status of work implementation and calculating the progress of work. Systematization, on the other hand, means performing some or all of routine tasks using functions of spreadsheet software, such as macro functions that can execute a series of operations. Answers to questions categorized under this question type are, for example, "analysis can be performed using systematized tools," "analysis is not systematized and is performed independently by staff," or "no analysis is performed." Answers are made by selecting one of these three options. The status of system-based decision-making refers to the extent to which system-based tools are used in making necessary decisions during the course of business operations, such as decisions regarding evaluation or certification. Responses to questions categorized under this classification are made by selecting one of three options: "The decision can be made using system-based tools," "The decision is not system-based and is made manually by staff," or "There is no work that requires decision-making."

[0031] The survey on perceived issues investigates the degree of awareness of problems in the work. Responses to questions categorized under this question type are given by selecting one of three options: "I am aware of the problem and am implementing improvement measures," "I am aware of the problem and am considering improvement measures," or "I am not aware of the problem." If "I am aware of the problem and am implementing or considering improvement measures" is selected, respondents may also be asked to select specific improvement measures from a list of options. Examples of specific improvement measures could include the introduction of digital tools, systemization, and efficiency improvements through business process consolidation.

[0032] A survey on the quality of services investigates the quality of services provided by the operations that provide those services (e.g., administrative services). Responses to questions categorized under this type of survey are given by selecting one of three options: frequently, sometimes, or rarely, regarding feedback received from service users (citizens, etc.). Examples of feedback from users (citizens, etc.) include negative comments such as "the explanation was difficult to understand" or "there were mistakes," as well as positive comments such as "the explanation was easy to understand" or "there was little waiting time."

[0033] Figure 4 shows an example of a second questionnaire according to the embodiment. As shown in this figure, the second questionnaire asks respondents to answer whether they have concerns about their work by selecting one of five options, such as often, sometimes, occasionally, rarely, or never. In the second questionnaire, questions regarding concerns about work may include, for example, the attitude of the department (or group) in which the member is responsible for work improvement, and the workplace atmosphere regarding work improvement.

[0034] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the business selection support device 10 comprises a distribution unit 101, an acquisition unit 102, an analysis unit 103, an output unit 104, a first survey result storage unit 105, a second survey result storage unit 106, and an analysis result storage unit 107. Distribution unit 101 distributes questionnaires related to the business survey (the first questionnaire and the second questionnaire). Distribution unit 101 distributes the questionnaires by notifying reader terminal GL of the electronic file of the first questionnaire and member terminal GM of the URL of the second questionnaire. The acquisition unit 102 acquires the results of the business survey. The acquisition unit 102 acquires the results by obtaining the completed electronic file of the first questionnaire from the submission URL site and the completed second questionnaire from the web questionnaire URL. The acquisition unit 102 stores the completed first questionnaire in the first results storage unit 105. The acquisition unit 102 stores the completed second questionnaire in the second results storage unit 106.

[0035] Analysis unit 103 analyzes the survey results (the first survey result and the second survey result). Here, using Figures 5 to 7, we will explain the specific method by which the analysis unit 103 analyzes the survey results. Figures 5 to 7 are diagrams illustrating the processes performed by the business selection support device according to this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 schematically shows the processing flow related to the analysis performed by the analysis unit 103. As shown in this figure, the analysis unit 103 obtains the results of two types of surveys (the first questionnaire and the second questionnaire). Based on the obtained results, the analysis unit 103 analyzes the results by (1) visualizing the operations, (2) visualizing the issues, and (3) scoring and weighting them. Then, the analysis unit 103 generates a list of candidate operations with high priority for business improvement as a result of the analysis.

[0037] (1) Visualization of work involves calculating the workload based on the survey results. Analysis Department 103 will perform analysis on the following analysis items, for example, based on the perspective of (1) visualization of work. These analysis items are examples of "first indicators".

[0038] (1)-1. Business Hours (1)-2. Business structure

[0039] (1)-1. Regarding working hours Analysis Unit 103 uses the responses to questions classified as workload in the first questionnaire to derive work hours. For example, Analysis Unit 103 uses the annual work hours for each task as the work hours in the analysis results. Furthermore, the analysis unit 103 may generate a graph (for example, a bar graph) showing the working time for each task as an analysis result.

[0040] (1)-2. Business structure Analysis Unit 103 derives the business structure using the responses to questions classified under business structure in the first questionnaire. For example, Analysis Unit 103 uses the ratio of routine tasks to non-routine tasks, and the ratio of core tasks to non-core tasks as the business structure based on the analysis results. Furthermore, the analysis unit 103 may generate graphs (for example, pie charts) as analysis results that show the ratio of routine tasks to non-routine tasks, the ratio of core tasks to non-core tasks, etc. It may also generate graphs as analysis results that show the ratio of tasks directly related to administrative services to tasks not directly related to administrative services, the ratio by task classification (front-office tasks / back-office tasks, policy planning / general affairs / administrative / accounting / organizational management / operations), etc.

[0041] (2) Visualization of issues means extracting business issues from the perspective of business improvement based on the survey results. Based on the perspective of (2) visualization of issues, Analysis Department 103 will perform analysis on the following analysis items, for example. These analysis items are examples of "second indicators".

[0042] (2)-1. Degree of workload (2)-2. Degree of digitalization (2)-3. Service challenges (2)-4. Status of business standardization (2)-5. Inconsistencies in business conditions (2)-6. Status of consideration of the issues (2)-7. Degree of motivation for improvement (2)-8. The strength of constraints imposed by external factors such as ordinances.

[0043] (2)-1. Degree of workload Analysis Unit 103 uses the responses to questions classified by the number of employees and workload in the first questionnaire to derive the degree of workload. For example, Analysis Unit 103 calculates the degree of workload by dividing working hours or overtime hours by the number of employees to determine the working hours or overtime hours per employee. Here, a higher degree of workload means a heavier workload per employee.

[0044] (2)-2. Degree of Digitalization Analysis Department 103 derives the degree of digitalization using the responses to questions classified by business nature as the question classification for the first questionnaire. For example, Analysis Department 103 derives the degree of digitalization according to the selected options for each question regarding data storage status, analysis status, and system-based decision status. For example, suppose there are three options for the question regarding data storage status: all information is digitized, a mix of digitized and paper-based information is present, and no digitized information is present; all information is present on paper. In this case, Analysis Department 103 considers the degree of digitalization to be highest when the option "all information is digitized" is selected. When the option "a mix of digitized and paper-based information is present" is selected, the degree of digitalization is considered normal. When the option "no digitized information is present; all information is present on paper" is selected, the degree of digitalization is considered lowest. The degree of digitalization can be derived from each of the questions regarding the status of analysis and the status of system-based decision-making in the same way as in the case of data storage status.

[0045] (2)-3. Challenges of the service Analysis Department 103 uses the responses to questions classified as "Service Quality Survey" in the first questionnaire to derive service issues. For example, Analysis Department 103 classifies the content of feedback received from service users (citizens, etc.) into positive and negative feedback, and compiles the number of responses in each category.

[0046] (2)-4. Status of business standardization Analysis Department 103 uses the responses to questions categorized by nature of work in the first questionnaire to derive the degree of work standardization. For example, Analysis Department 103 calculates the degree to which work is standardized according to the option selected in response to the question about the status of manualization. For example, suppose there are three options for the question about the status of manualization: a manual exists, only a partial manual exists, and no manual exists. In this case, Analysis Department 103 considers the degree of work standardization to be greatest when the option "a manual exists" is selected. When the option "only a partial manual exists" is selected, it considers the degree of work standardization to be average. When the option "no manual exists" is selected, it considers the degree of work standardization to be least.

[0047] (2)-5. Contradictions in the Business Conditions The analysis unit 103 uses the responses to questions categorized by the nature of the work as the question classification for the first questionnaire to derive inconsistencies in the work status. For example, the analysis unit 103 calculates a score according to the combination of choices selected as answers to each question regarding the status of data storage, analysis, etc. Here, the status of data storage and analysis are typically proportional and correlated from a digitalization perspective. For example, if the data storage status is "all information is digitized," then the analysis status is likely to be "analysis can be performed using systemized tools," and not "analysis is not performed by staff independently without systemization." In contrast, if the data storage status is "all information is digitized," but the analysis status is "not systematized and analyzed independently by staff," then the data storage status and the analysis status are not linked, and the work status can be considered contradictory. When such a contradiction occurs, it is considered that the work has some issues from the perspective of business improvement, such as inaccurate investigations of either or both the data storage status and the analysis status, and should be given high priority as a target for business improvement. From this perspective, the analysis department 103 derives the magnitude of the contradiction in the work status.

[0048] Figure 6 shows the relationship between data storage status and analysis status. The vertical axis of Figure 6 shows the options selected for the questions regarding data storage status. The horizontal axis of Figure 6 shows the options selected for the questions regarding analysis status. In this diagram, there is usually a positive correlation between the number of the selected option for the question about data storage status and the number of the selected option for the question about analysis status. For example, if option 1 is selected for the question on the horizontal axis (analysis status), then it is typical that an option close to the number selected on the horizontal axis will be selected for the question on the vertical axis (data storage status), such as option 1 or option 2. Similarly, if option 3 is selected for the question on the horizontal axis (analysis status), then it is typical that an option close to the number selected on the horizontal axis will be selected for the question on the vertical axis (data storage status), such as option 3 or option 4. From this perspective, the analysis department 103 divided the combinations of possible answers to the questions in the graph shown in Figure 6 into three regions: the first contradictory region, the consistent region, and the second contradictory region. The first contradictory region is a region that includes contradictory answer combinations where data storage tends to be poor (not digitized) while analysis tends to be easy (systematized). The second contradictory region is a region that includes contradictory answer combinations where data storage tends to be good (digitized) while analysis tends to be difficult (analyzed independently by staff). The consistent region is a region that includes consistent answer combinations where poor data storage tends to lead to difficult analysis, and good data storage tends to lead to easy analysis.

[0049] The analysis unit 103 derives the degree of inconsistency in the business state based on the distance from the point plotted in the graph of Figure 6, corresponding to the combination of answers, to the consistency region. For example, it derives the degree of inconsistency in the business state by assuming that the further away from the consistency region, the greater the degree of inconsistency in the business state.

[0050] (2)-6. Status of consideration of the issues Analysis Department 103 uses the responses to questions categorized as "perceived issues" in the first questionnaire to derive the status of consideration of the issues. For example, Analysis Department 103 derives the degree of awareness of an issue based on the options selected in response to the question, "Do you have an awareness of the issue?" For example, suppose there are three options for the question, "Do you have an awareness of the issue?": "I have an awareness of the issue and am implementing improvement measures," "I have an awareness of the issue and am considering improvement measures," and "I have no awareness of the issue." In this case, Analysis Department 103 considers the degree of awareness to be greatest when the option "I have an awareness of the issue and am implementing improvement measures" is selected. When the option "I have an awareness of the issue and am considering improvement measures" is selected, the degree of awareness is considered normal. When the option "I have no awareness of the issue" is selected, the degree of awareness is considered least.

[0051] (2)-7. Degree of motivation for improvement Analysis Department 103 derives the degree of motivation for improvement using the answers to the questions in the second questionnaire. For example, Analysis Department 103 derives the degree of motivation for improvement according to the options selected in response to questions regarding awareness of problems in the work. For example, suppose there are five options such as "often," "sometimes," "occasionally," "rarely," and "never." In this case, Analysis Department 103 assumes that the degree of motivation for improvement is greatest when the option "often" is selected. Next, it assumes that the degree of motivation for improvement decreases in the order of "occasionally," "occasionally," "rarely," and "never."

[0052] (2)-8. The strength of constraints imposed by external factors such as ordinances. Analysis Department 103 uses the responses to questions categorized by nature of work in the first questionnaire to derive the status of consideration of the issues. For example, Analysis Department 103 derives the degree of constraint according to the number of options selected in response to the question about the status of constraints imposed by ordinances or regulations. For example, suppose there are three options: it is necessary to conduct the service face-to-face with the user of the administrative service (citizen, etc.), approval from multiple people is required for settlement, and an official seal is required. In this case, Analysis Department 103 determines that the degree of constraint is greatest when all three options are selected. Next, it determines that the degree of constraint decreases when any two of the three options are selected, and then when any one of the three options is selected.

[0053] (3) Scoring refers to assigning scores to the degree of analysis of each of the analysis items from the perspectives of (1) visualization of operations and (2) visualization of issues described above. Weighting refers to assigning weights to the scored values ​​in accordance with the business improvement policy.

[0054] First, the analysis unit 103 performs scoring. (1)-1. Regarding working hours, for example, the analysis unit 103 scores working hours by setting a score corresponding to the working hours, for example, a score where the value increases as the working hours increase. (1)-2. Regarding the business structure, for example, the analysis unit 103 scores the business structure by setting scores according to the business structure, for example, a score that increases as the proportion of routine tasks increases, and a score that increases as the proportion of non-core tasks increases. (2)-1. Regarding the degree of workload, for example, the analysis unit 103 scores the degree of workload by setting a score corresponding to the degree of workload, for example, a score where the greater the workload, the higher the value. (2)-2. Regarding the degree of digitalization, for example, the analysis unit 103 assigns a score according to the degree of digitalization. For example, the analysis unit 103 assigns a score that is higher the greater the degree of digitalization. (2)-3. Regarding service challenges, for example, the analysis unit 103 scores service challenges by setting a multiplicative value as a score, which is obtained by multiplying a numerical value corresponding to whether the content of the feedback received from service users (citizens, etc.) is positive or negative by the number of voices classified in each category. (2)-4. Regarding the standardization status of operations, for example, the analysis department 103 assigns a score according to the degree to which the operations are standardized. For example, the analysis department 103 assigns a higher score to operations that are more standardized, thereby scoring the degree to which operations are standardized. (2)-5. Regarding inconsistencies in the business state, for example, the analysis unit 103 assigns a score according to the degree of inconsistency in the business state. For example, the analysis unit 103 assigns a higher score the greater the degree of inconsistency in the business state, thereby assigning a score to the degree of inconsistency in the business state. (2)-6. Regarding the status of consideration of the issues, for example, the analysis unit 103 assigns a score according to the degree of awareness of the problem. For example, the analysis unit 103 assigns a score that is higher the greater the degree of awareness of the problem. Alternatively, if a response indicating awareness of the problem is received for the question, the analysis unit 103 may assign a score to the status of consideration of the issues by multiplying the number of improvement measures that are being implemented or considered by the above score. (2)-7. Regarding the degree of motivation for improvement, for example, the analysis unit 103 assigns a score according to the magnitude of the motivation for improvement. For example, the analysis unit 103 assigns a score that is higher the greater the degree of motivation for improvement, thereby assigning a score to the degree of motivation for improvement. (2)-8. Regarding the strength of constraints due to external factors such as ordinances, for example, the analysis unit 103 scores the degree of constraint according to the degree of constraint. For example, the analysis unit 103 scores the degree of constraint by setting a higher numerical score for a greater degree of constraint.

[0055] Next, the analysis unit 103 performs weighting. Figure 7 shows an example of weighting. Figure 7 shows the content corresponding to each item: analysis name, analysis item, standard, and pattern 1. The analysis name is (1) visualization of operations and (2) visualization of issues. The analysis item is an analysis item that analyzes each of (1) visualization of operations and (2) visualization of issues from various perspectives. In this diagram, the standard items are shown in percentages (%), representing the proportion of each analysis item when standard weighting is applied. When standard weighting is applied, a uniform proportion (10%) is set for each score of the analysis item. In Pattern 1, the percentage of each analysis item is shown in "%" when weighting is applied based on a policy that emphasizes working hours and workload. In Pattern 1, for example, 20% is set for the analysis item corresponding to working hours, 45% for the analysis item corresponding to workload, and 0% for the analysis item corresponding to the degree of motivation for improvement. A uniform percentage (5%) is set for the remaining analysis items. In addition to Pattern 1, weighting can be applied to any desired pattern, such as a pattern that emphasizes service challenges, or a pattern that emphasizes the degree of digitalization and considerations regarding those challenges.

[0056] In this way, the analysis department 103 weights the analysis items so that a relatively large percentage is assigned to the analysis items that are considered important, according to the business improvement policy. The business improvement policy is determined, for example, according to the situation of the department that carries out the work, the department in charge of business improvement, and the organization to which they belong. The analysis unit 103 calculates a total score based on the priority of business improvement by adding up the numerical values ​​obtained by assigning points to each analysis item according to the weighting ratio. The analysis unit 103 generates analysis results indicating that the higher the total score, the higher the priority of business improvement for that business. The analysis unit 103 calculates a ranking based on the total score as the priority of business improvement for each business.

[0057] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the output unit 104 outputs the results of the analysis performed by the analysis unit 103. For example, the output unit 104 displays the results of the analysis performed by the analysis unit 103 on a display (not shown) connected to the business selection support device 10. Alternatively, the output unit 104 prints the results of the analysis performed by the analysis unit 103 to a printer (not shown) connected to the business selection support device 10. The first survey result storage unit 105 stores the first survey results, which are the results of the survey conducted using the first questionnaire. The second survey result storage unit 106 stores the second survey results, which are the results of the survey conducted using the second questionnaire. The analysis result storage unit 107 stores the analysis results obtained by analyzing the survey results from the perspective of business improvement.

[0058] As described above, the business selection support device 10 according to the embodiment comprises an acquisition unit 102 and an analysis unit 103. The acquisition unit 102 acquires the results of a first questionnaire, which is the result of a first questionnaire that investigates quantitative and qualitative matters related to the target business, and acquires the results of a second questionnaire, which is the result of a second questionnaire that investigates awareness of business improvement. The analysis unit 103 uses the results of the first and second questionnaires to calculate the priority of business improvement for each target business. As a result, the business selection support device 10 according to the embodiment can calculate the priority of business improvement for each business, making it possible to identify which of many businesses should be selected as targets for business improvement. Therefore, it can support the selection of businesses to be targeted for business improvement.

[0059] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be noted that some or all of the functions of the business selection support system 1 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented using a computer. In this case, the functions may be implemented by recording a program for implementing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include devices that dynamically hold programs for a short period, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and devices that hold programs for a certain period, such as volatile memory inside a computer system acting as a server or client. The above-mentioned program may be for implementing some of the functions described above, or it may be a program that can implement the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or it may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0060] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1...Business selection support system, 10...Business selection support device, 101...Distribution department, 102...Acquisition department, 103...Analysis department

Claims

1. The acquisition unit acquires the results of the first questionnaire, which investigates quantitative and qualitative matters related to the target business, and the results of the second questionnaire, which investigates awareness of business improvement. An analysis unit calculates the priority order for business improvement for each of the target business processes using the results of the first and second surveys, A business selection support device equipped with the following features.

2. The acquisition unit acquires the results of the first questionnaire administered to the leader of the target business, and acquires the results of the second questionnaire administered to each member who performs the target business. The business selection support device according to claim 1.

3. The analysis unit calculates a first indicator based on the perspective of visualizing the target business using the first and second survey results, calculates a second indicator based on the perspective of visualizing the challenges of the target business, and calculates the priority order according to the first and second indicators. The business selection support device according to claim 1.

4. The acquisition unit acquires the results of the first questionnaire, which include, as quantitative items, the proportion of routine tasks or the proportion of non-core tasks that can be handled by unspecified members in the target business. The analysis unit calculates the first indicator according to the ratio of routine tasks or the ratio of non-core tasks in the target business. The business selection support device according to claim 3.

5. The acquisition unit acquires the results of the second questionnaire, which includes the degree to which the organization performing the target work is aware of problems regarding the performance of the target work. The analysis unit calculates the second index according to the magnitude of the degree. The business selection support device according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned business is a business that provides services to users, The acquisition unit acquires the results of the first survey of the first questionnaire, including the number of opinions submitted by users. The analysis unit calculates the second index according to the magnitude of the number. The business selection support device according to claim 3.

7. The acquisition unit acquires the results of the first survey of the first questionnaire, which includes the degree to which the data used in the target business is digitized and the degree to which the analysis of the data used in the target business is time-consuming. The analysis unit calculates the degree of inconsistency between the combination of the degree of digitization and the degree of manual labor as the second index. The business selection support device according to claim 3.

8. The analysis unit calculates the priority order according to a total score obtained by weighting the first indicator and the second indicator at a ratio determined in accordance with the business improvement policy. The business selection support device according to claim 3.

9. A method for supporting business selection performed by a computer, which is a business selection support device, The acquisition department acquires the results of the first questionnaire, which investigates quantitative and qualitative matters related to the target business, and the results of the second questionnaire, which investigates awareness of business improvement. The analysis department uses the results of the first and second surveys to calculate the priority order for business improvement for each of the target tasks. Business selection support method.

10. A computer that serves as a business selection support device, The data acquisition unit acquires the results of the first questionnaire, which investigates quantitative and qualitative matters related to the target business, and the second questionnaire, which investigates awareness regarding business improvement. The analysis department will use the results of the first and second surveys to calculate the priority order for business improvement for each of the target tasks. program.

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