“Top down” is a strategy of information processing – a technique to write a program for a main procedure that names all the major functions the program will need. According to Wikipedia, the advantages of top-down programming as compared to bottom-up programming is having a ‘skeleton’ code that clearly illustrates how low level modules integrate an easier to follow code since it is written methodically and with purpose.While the method is used for software and computer programming purposes, it can also be used within a corporation or business that recognizes the need for change and improvement but doesn’t quite know how to build or execute a plan.
Thomas Group Inc. (Nasdaq: TGIS) is a process improvement firm that focuses on the inter cultural change management of a business. It develops and employs methods to transform current processes, procedures and people within the operation to help it assess linkages and efficiencies. Thomas Group then lays down short and long term enhancement programs for the company to follow.
Thomas Group CEO David English told Market News First that the change begins with management and is strengthened when the change becomes part of the company’s culture rather than just a process focused on current employees.
“We find that our process improvements are enhanced when we are able to actually change cultures within a company,” English said. “If we can change a culture within an organization, then those improvements stick around after the people are gone – it becomes a part of the entity rather than invested in the people that are there at the time.”
Just like the top-down computer programming method, English said the changes have to come from the top down. It’s the skeleton code, setting the pace and structure that builds the strength of the plan. If it’s not precisely written and followed, the company can fall back into its previous rut.
“You’ve got to have management that supports the changes you’re trying to make and has to help drive those changes through the organization … ultimately its the people that work there that do the day to day work that make those changes successful or not.”
English said a lot of companies are looking for software or a “magic pill” to fix problems within its structure, looking past the fundamentals.
“If you have a broken process … software may help you get information faster … but the output is still going to be bad unless you fix the fundamentals of what you’re doing,” said English.
He added that many times after talking to Thomas Group, a company will recognize what really is a basic issue or problem and try to address it themselves, many times lacking the self discipline to carry through with the revamped plan.
“So many times … companies need an outside eye to come in and look at things … you can’t see the forest through the trees many times,” he said. “Many times it takes an outside change agent to drive improvements through an organization.
Shares of Thomas Group were down 28 cents to $11.50 Friday afternoon.