<p>Nearly six months after releasing a report recommending changes at the Steamship Authority, the consulting team that performed last year’s comprehensive review of boat line operations is coming back.</p>
Nearly six months after releasing their report and recommendations for changes at the Steamship Authority, the consulting team that performed last year’s comprehensive review of boat line operations is coming back for more.
After receiving the $217,976 report in December, the SSA board of governors engaged HMS Consulting and Technical and Glosten Associates for $135,000 to help put its recommendations into effect.
On Wednesday in Falmouth, members of the Seattle-based consulting team will join the boat line board and top managers for an all-day public meeting.
Beginning at 10 a.m. in the administration building on Palmer avenue, the SSA and consultants will review the report’s 10 recommendations. They fall into four main areas: process-based management, organizational structure, management recruiting and accountability, and vision.
The SSA has already tackled several of the recommendations, adding some, but not all, new positions that were advised. The boat line has also investing in management systems for safety, quality and learning.
Wednesday’s afternoon session, following a break for lunch, will focus on establishing a strategic direction for the boat line.
“There is no long range plan,” said Matthew Lankowski, an ocean engineer on the consulting team, during a public presentation on the Vineyard early this year.
The boat line commissioned the comprehensive review from HMS/Glosten in the spring of 2018, after a series of ferry breakdowns, hundreds of canceled trips and the failure of the SSA’s online reservation system.
Over a series of site visits, interviews, document reviews and videoconferences, consultants examined five key SSA functions — vessel operations, fleet maintenance, information technology, management structure and public communications — to make their final recommendations.
Putting the recommendations into effect is expected to cost $1 million initially and an additional $1 million annually.
Public comment will conclude Wednesday’s meeting. Island residents may ride the ferry at no charge to attend the meeting. The SSA parking shuttle stops outside the administration building.
Comments
Most conspicuously absent
Duck and CoverMost conspicuously absent among Steamship Authority newly added positions has been a Chief Operating Officer. By hiring a Chief Operating Officer earlier rather than later, that person would have some say in who is being being hired for other new positions. If the Steamship Authority's senior staff did not feel threatened by bringing someone new on board, a COO from the outside would have been the first position filled. Straight from the external report: "Adding a Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Marine Operations will be necessary to both realign departments and ensure that the primary function of the SSA is properly and cohesively represented in decision-making." Now the COO position is unnecessary?
Hey, it's been a while since
WashAbhorred EdgartownHey, it's been a while since a boat died in the middle of a crossing or ran into rocks after missing an inlet - things must be fine.
A strategic plan drafted by
T Bone OBA strategic plan drafted by an outsider is one thing. Having a skilled management team and board to execute on a strategic plan is another. The best plan in the world won't save a mediocre leadership team/board.
Why is SSA hiring an
HN EdgartownWhy is SSA hiring an expensive consultant to do the job of management?
Did someone cite this
James MenemshaDid someone cite this assembly “ mediocre” ?
Let’s look at the facts and drop the sugar coated vernacular - for the simple reason that’s what’s right.
Nice guys- maybe
Managers - no
Accountants seldom lead transition well.
The CEO casts the longest shadow
That’s where the organizational mandate and mission is made- that’s where to start .
It’s that simple
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