The ACORN test is an easy to remember way to evaluate the charter of an improvement project.
A Accomplishment. Does the goal actually focus on results?
C Control. Does the team have control of what is needed to implement and complete the project?
O Objective. Is the objective the ultimate achievement of the project or is it actually a sub goal?
R Reconciliation. No other improvement teams have the same goals as your team and so there re no conflicts.
N Numbers. To know if the goal has been achieved can it be measured?
About the Author
Denis Leonard
Denis Leonard has a degree in construction engineering, and an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. in quality management. He is a Fellow of the American Society for Quality and has been an Examiner for the Baldrige National Quality Award Board of Examiners, a Judge on the International Team Excellence Competition, and a Lead Judge on the National Housing Quality Award. He has experience as a quality manager in the home building industry as well as construction engineer, site manager, and in training, auditing, and consulting with expertise in strategic and operational quality improvement initiatives. His work has achieved national quality, environmental, and safety management awards for clients.