JPA International, Inc. has
been acting as a consultant to corporations and associations on
the "people" aspect of the auditing and other professions
for over twenty years. JPA is known for its expertise in global
issues, future trends, strategic planning, and cross-cultural
communications. Samples
of JPA's smaller and larger consulting and research projects are
shown below:
Selected Smaller Consulting
& Research Projects
Designing and Implementing 360 Degree Performance
Feedback Systems, 1998, Blue Cross/Blue
Shield Association of America, Chicago, IL
Extensive consulting and research project appraising
the current design of the performance appraisal system, especially
their 360 degree feedback process, gathering the most advanced
research on the success of these systems, assessing the organizational
structure that the feedback system was based in, and giving recommendations
on how to enhance the system and the organizational structure
for increased effectiveness.
Measuring Behavioral Change in Managers
and Employees, 1998, Institute of Internal Auditors, Altamonte
Springs, FL
Research project developed applying research
on behavioral change principles, strategies, tools and techniques
to managers and employees facilitating workshops and consulting
within their organizations. Results presented at the annual IIA
Business Issues Conference.
Similarity in Gender, Age, Ethnicity, Emotional
Intelligence, and Cognitive Ability: The Effects of Actual and
Perceived Similarity in Instructor and Student Characteristics
on "Student" Performance, 1996-1997, California
School of Professional Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Research Project, San Diego, CA
Ten-month research and experiment assessing the
impact of several key variables on performance, with a special
focus on a new field of assessing workplace maturity and performance
tied to "emotional intelligence," one's ability to act
responsibly and with capability, and to demonstrate "intelligent"
decision-making. It is expected that emotional intelligence will
be a better predictor of success at work than past measures of
intelligence, i.e., IQ and various psychological tests.
Coaching and Marketing Skills for Internal
Audit Managers, 1991-1992, Institute
of Internal Auditors, Altamonte Springs, FL
Program development of 2-1/2 day training course
based on assessment of membership's needs. Course includes management
coaching and empowerment skills, developing customer satisfaction
surveys, and developing and implementing marketing plans.
Marketing to Japanese Companies,
1990-1991, Home Federal
Savings and Loan, San Diego, CA, Sponsor: Bob Nees, Director of
Merchant Banking
Research conducted in three different phases
to assist networking of services between Home Federal and various
Japanese banks. Phase one was devoted to Japanese history, philosophy,
and Japanese culture. Phase two was on negotiation and communication
skills with Japanese business people. The last phase was focused
on selling and marketing in Japan, and to the Japanese.
Cross-Cultural Differences
in Internal and External Auditing, 1989, Institute
of Internal Auditors, Altamonte Springs, FL, Coopers & Lybrand,
Tokyo, Japan
Audit practices were researched in Japan and
Hong Kong and systematically compared to American and British
practices. No research of this kind had been done, and paper was
presented at the 48th Institute of Internal Auditors International
Conference.
The Fine Art of Getting Referrals, 1987-1988,
National Speakers Association,
Phoenix, AZ
Surveyed the membership on sales and marketing
practices, and developed benchmarks for members with a focus on
developing businesses through referrals. Results presented at
the 1988 National Conference, repeated at numerous local conferences
and later voted one of the best programs of the decade. Paper
was published the same year.
Selected Larger
Consulting and Training Projects
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1999-2001,
Nashville, TN
Research, evaluation, facilitation, and consultation
with the Executive Committee for the implementation of expanded
diversity initiatives.
Unionbay Sportswear, 1994-Present,
Seattle, WA
Working as an ongoing consultant, trainer and
strategic planning meeting facilitator at both the headquarters
and the distribution center in Seattle, to implement organization-wide
change towards a team-based organizational culture. Provide ongoing
management development coaching as well as training in high-performing
teams, customer service strategies, information systems analysis
and implementation, organizational change, performance management,
and cultural diversity.
Institute of Internal Auditors, 1986-Present,
Altamonte, FL
On-going training and consulting
on teambuilding, negotiations skills, managing change, conflict
resolution and Control Self-Assessment for IIA worldwide. Assisted
in consulting project on cross-cultural auditing procedures between
the Far East and the West. Developed coaching and internal marketing
skills program for managers and directors of internal audit staffs
through the IIA.
Consembition Jaya Sdn Bhd, 1988-Present,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ongoing consulting, research and training projects
throughout Southeast Asia. Projects have ranged from management
development of the officers of the Sarawak Economic Development
Council in North Borneo to leadership development training in
Singapore. Joan Pastor spends two to three weeks a year in the
Pacific Rim through this company.
National Security Agency, 1992-1996,
Fort George Meade, MD
Assisted the Agency worldwide in changing their
organizational culture from a military orientation to one that
is based in internal collaboration. Helped internal consultants
to develop a plan for streamlining business procedures and tapping
new markets. Worked with the Board of Directors on strategic planning
and values clarification, and to develop leadership skills necessary
for leading their organization through a great deal of change.
Provided training throughout the organization on building high-performance,
self-managed teams that develop commitment, accountability and
are measurement based. Worked with selected individuals throughout
the Agency to facilitate teams and track results. Provided management
assessments and one-on-one management development.
Fleet Technical Support Center, Pacific
Region, 1990-1996, Naval Command, San
Diego, CA
All personnel went through a specialized program
with the goal of building a communication loop throughout the
command and changing the organizational culture to one that is
more collaborative and based in teams. Special training was provided
to senior management, department heads, and middle management
with ongoing coaching and strategic planning provided to the senior
management team.
Baker Electric, 1987-1988,
Escondido, CA
Organization went through a management change
that required a total realignment of the organizational structure.
Yearlong project working with senior management on needs analysis
and management development, developing personnel policies and
guidelines, and restructuring departments to facilitate increased
communication flow between departments as well as between the
organization and their customers. Conducted a series of strategic
planning sessions and values clarification for senior management
team.
Executive Business Services, Inc. (EBS),
1987-1990, St. Maarten, Netherlands
Antilles
Worked through EBS with numerous hotels, banks,
government agencies, and manufacturing plants in a variety of
projects around the Caribbean. Helped create and implement measurable
procedures using statistical measurement to solve business problems.
Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, 1984-1988,
Business Education Services Division, New
York, N.Y.
Presented numerous topics in public seminars
and in-house training projects across the country and abroad.
Developed several training projects across the country and abroad.
Developed several training programs and an audiocassette program
for them.
John F. Kennedy Medical Center, 1983-1985,
Edison, NJ
Worked with directors, doctors and staff on communication
skills, conflict resolution, and restructuring departments to
improve job functions, reduce conflicts, and increase the quality
of patient care.
