Question: What is the Classification Redesign Project?

The Classification Redesign Project is an effort to develop both up-to-date job descriptions for all staff and a contemporary method for comparing job responsibilities and skills within both the University and the labor markets in which we compete. The resulting information is used to classify jobs within the UniversityŐs salary structure.

Question: Why has the University undertaken this project?

The University of Pennsylvania has been using the current job evaluation system since the early 1980s. Since that time, there have been significant changes in the workplace, including increased technology, redesigned work processes and organizational changes. A new system will update the methods used to accurately and thoroughly describe and evaluate University staff jobs.

One product of this project will be the creation of a current position description for each staff position. Up-to-date descriptions are used in the recruitment and selection of new staff and in training and development, performance planning and salary and benefit administration.

Question: Who is working on the Classification Redesign Project?

The Classification Redesign Team represents a cross-section of University departments and jobs found throughout the University. The team works with a consultant, Coopers & LybrandŐs Human Resources Group, that has significant experience in this arena. The team was established in 1995 to work with Human Resources on this project.

Question: What has happened thus far with this project?

The Classification Redesign Team developed a series of compensable job factors which will be used in the evaluation of jobs. A compensable job factor is any factor used to provide a basis for determining the relative value of jobs within an organization. The factors which will be used at the University are:

Communications
Work Experience
Complexity
Planning
Decision Making
Problem solving
Formal Education
pecialized Knowledge
Impact of Actions
Managerial Skills
Innovation/Creativity
Working Conditions/Physical Effort

Question: How are these factors used to evaluate positions?

Job evaluation measures the degree to which these factors are present in each position (i.e. amount of formal education to do the job, the degree of specialized knowledge, etc.). This information is provided by staff and their supervisors through the completion of a position information questionnaire. Over 600 staff have completed questionnaires over the past few months.

Question: Who fills out the position information questionnaires?

All A-1 and A-3 staff will be asked to complete position information questionnaires. The questionnaire takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete and needs to be reviewed by the staff member and supervisor.

Question: When will staff receive the questionnaires?

Staff will receive them by late September. The questionnaires are to be completed and returned to Human Resources by October 25th.

My job is very detailed and complex. Will there be enough room on the questionnaire to list all of the responsibilities of detailed and complex jobs?

The questionnaires are comprehensive, providing full opportunity to provide thorough information about positions. The questionnaires have been designed to gather a wide range of information, recognizing that many jobs have many complex components.

Question: Who can I contact for assistance in completing the questionnaire?

Staff should first contact their supervisors, and then members of the Classification Redesign Team or the Human Resources Compensation Office with questions. They can be reached at 8-3503 or contacted by e-mail at askhr@pobox.upenn.edu.

Question: When will this project be completed?

The completion date is the end of this fiscal year.

Question:How can I continue to hear about the progress of this project?

The Classification Redesign Team will continue to communicate to you through a variety of vehicles. A Classification Redesign Project Update was created and distributed to staff earlier this year. Other updates, articles in the Almanac and campus presentations continue in the months ahead.

For more information, please call the Division of Human Resources at 898-6093 or e-mail us at askhr@pobox.upenn.edu. For help with child care call Child Care Choices 985-2929

Return to Compass Features for September 24, 1996