Organizational Elements
Model (OEM)
The Organizational
Elements Model (OEM) was developed by Roger Kaufman as a tool that can be used
to identify the different elements within a system. A system is “a set of
interrelated components that work together to achieve a common purpose”
(Porter, 2005a).
The OEM also “provides a framework of designing and
implementing effective means to achieve desirable end results” (Chyung, 2005). The OEM model is created of five elements:
inputs, processes, products, outputs, and outcomes. These elements are used to
link the resources within an organization to the processes that it must develop
to attain an ends.
The OEM model can be used when an organization has
identified a performance, or instructional, gap within its personnel, or
processes, to determine what means are required to assure a successful
attainment of the ends
The following figure visually describes what the OEM model
is, and the five elements.
|
MEANS |
1. inputs
(raw materials) |
Organizational
efforts |
Internal
to organization |
|
2.
processes (how-to-do-its) |
|||
|
ENDS |
3.
products (learner/instructor accomplishments) |
Organizational
results |
|
|
4. outputs
(organizational accomplishments) |
|||
|
5.
outcomes (effects in and for society) |
Societal
impact |
External to organization |
Organizational Elements Model
(Source: http://coen.boisestate.edu/ychyung/researchpaper.htmf)
It is important before an organization uses the OEM model, that
they understand the difference between the means and ends. The means are the
inputs and processes which it can use to obtain an ends. The ends are the
by-products of the means to the organization and to society.
The OEM model also takes into account three different types of
need levels, a mega level (or societal level), a macro level (or organizational
level), and a micro level (or individual/small-group level). These needs allow
an organization to identify the different gaps to achieve the end-result
The OEM can be used by identifying a gap within an
organization and applying the above model to determine the needs of the
organization to get to an ends. The organization can then add the following
elements to the model and determine gaps within each element.
Elements:
1.
Inputs : These are the raw materials
2.
Processes: This is the how-to-do-its
3.
Products: These are the results while
in the processes
4.
Outputs: These are the organizational
accomplishments, the products delivered to society
5.
Outcome: These are the effects in and
for society (Porter, 2005b).
By adding each the proper
information to each element the organization can see what the ends of their
means will be.
Chyung, Y. (2005). Improve the
motivational appeal of online instruction for adult learner: What’s in if for
me? Retrieved
Porter, C. (2005a). Week 1: Job Technology: Hard & Soft.
Retrieved
Porter, C. (2005b) Week 8: Organizational elements model. Retrieved