How the Most Sophisticated Documentation Groups Operate

At the apex of our version of the Documentation Capability Maturity Model are the Level 6 "Optimizing" groups. These are very sophisticated writing groups that are continually looking at ways to enhance work practices and processes so as to better serve their customer needs.

At this level, the job descriptions for all the subject matter experts contain extensive descriptions regarding their roles and responsibilities in the development of high quality document products. Work performance is not merely judged on how well they execute design and conduct of studies, but also on how effective they documents are in supporting organizational strategies and economic objectives.

At this level, the writing groups rely upon carefully defined document quality standards that reach well beyond style guides and template preferences. These groups articulate detailed guidance for executing effective strategic reviews. All understand the importance of working to shared standards over individual preferences. Reviewers authenticate and sign off for documents meeting strategic intentions and communication quality. If problems arise downstream, then the reviewers are held as culpable for the problems.

Documentation project management inside a Level 6 writing group tracks the amount of time along with other parameters applied by individuals to planning, authoring, and reviewing documents. Performance is always reviewed for "lessons-learned" at the end of all major writing projects.

At this level, there is a clear commitment to the assessment of document usability for the target audience and even testing of  document designs for certain types of documents (such as clinical study protocols)  early in the document life cycle.

These writing groups take full advantage of authoring tools to assure information is effectively generated once and then repurposed to other documents as a drug or device asset moves forward in the development life cycle.

Lastly, these very sophisticated groups make time in their busy schedules for innovation both in terms of work practice and work tools.

I do not know of any groups in the pharma or med device industries who have the above mentioned attributes. Do you?