How long does it take and what is the cost of a self-assessment process based on CAF?
The survey on the use of CAF held in 2005 amongst 131 organisations shows that 2 to 3 days seem to be rather short to do a decent self assessment whilst 2 working weeks or more is too long. The ideal time schedule for a CAF self assessment does not exist because too many variables are at stake such as the objectives of the management, the time and resources invested, the availability of data etc. But to the majority of organisations a duration of 2 to 5 days looks appropriate. The very far majority ended the CAF application in 3 months, including the preparation, the self assessment itself, the drawing of conclusions and the formulation of an action plan. Three months seem to be an ideal lapse of time to stay focused. Taking more time raises the risk of a weakening engagement of all parties involved. Furthermore, the situation might have changed in between the start and the end of the self assessment. In that case, the diagnosis isnt accurate anymore.
