Charityworks runs a one-year graduate development programme in the third sector. The Problem Charityworks wanted to learn how they could streamline their selection and matching processes to make them more efficient and effective as they scaled the programme up. The Approach Two Pro Bono O.R. volunteers analysed the contribution of selection components by analysing how the previous years’ results would have changed had they been omitted singly or in combination. They used data on a selection of best- and worst-performing candidates to assess the predictive power of the different assessment activities The volunteers recognised the matching candidates to posts as an example of the Assignment Problem and after reviewing the literature decided to approach it using the Hungarian Methgod. They developed an Excel-based prototype using VBA to produce initial allocations. The Solution The volunteers analysed the components of the selection process to show which ones were contributing to whether candidates passed the selection They also showed which ones were better predictors of performance in post They developed a prototype spreadsheet-based model to allocate candidates to posts The Benefits Charityworks decided to dispense with their second stage assessment centre Charityworks were able to make more data-driven decisions about the remaining assessment activities The volunteers learnt about a classic O.R. problem in a different setting and did some fairly intensive coding Charityworks are planning to take on a MSc student to carry the work on, so spreading awareness of O.R. Charityworks commented: 'Dedicated volunteers committed to the project added great value for data/insight-driven decisions'

1. Simplifying selection and improving
allocation
Dedicated volunteers committed to the project added
great value for data/insight-driven decisions
The client
Charityworks runs a one-year graduate development programme in
the third sector.
The client’s problem
Charityworks wanted to learn how they could streamline their selection
and matching processes to make them more efficient and effective as
they scaled the programme up.
The solution
• We analysed the components of the selection process to show
which ones were contributing to whether candidates passed the
selection
• We also showed which ones were better predictors of
performance in post
• We developed a prototype spreadsheet-based model to allocate
candidates to posts
The benefits
• Charityworks decided to dispense with their second stage
assessment centre
• Charityworks were able to make more data-driven decisions about
the remaining assessment activities
• We learned about a classic O.R. problem in a different setting and
did some fairly intensive coding
• Charityworks are planning to take on a MSc student to carry the
work on, so spreading awareness of O.R.
The approach
We analysed the contribution of selection components by analysing
how the previous years’ results would have changed had they been
omitted singly or in combination.
We used data on a selection of best- and worst-performing candidates
to assess the predictive power of the different assessment activities
We recognised the matching candidates to posts as an example of the
Assignment Problem and after reviewing the literature decided to
approach it using the Hungarian Methgod.
We developed an Excel-based prototype using VBA to produce initial
allocations
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