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Consulting

In addition to supplying educational programs, the Center for Public Service provides consulting services for public and nonprofit organizations.

Projects In Progress

 

Public Service Innovation Laboratory

The Public Service Innovation Laboratory will aid public service organizations better explore, identify, refine, and implement innovations within a controlled environment, so that current resources and services aren’t put at risk.

CPS in the media: "Beaverton working with Portland State to begin crafting minority inclusion plan." and "PSU reaches out to Beaverton minorities."

 

Completed Projects

Projects are listed alphabetically

 

Clackamas County Alternate Workweek Pilot Project Evaluation

Research Team: Masami Nishishiba, Ph.D. and Associate Director (Lead Researcher); Jana Bitton, Research Assistant; Dennis Kurtz, Research Assistant; Charlene Zil, Research Assistant

 

Clackamas County Diversity Assessment

Research Team: Masami Nishishiba, Ph.D. and Associate Director (Lead Researcher)

Clackamas County contracted Center for Public Service (CPS) to conduct Diversity Assessment to reassess its diversity climate and evaluate the effectiveness of its programs and policies for diversity. Working with Clackamas County staff members assigned to the diversity assessment project, CPS team determined the focus and the approach for diversity assessment and currently conducting data collection and analysis.

 

Evaluation of Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services

Research Team: Masami Nishishiba, Ph.D. and Associate Director (Lead Researcher); Matt Jones, Ph.D. (Lead Researcher)

The Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services (GCDVS) provides an easily accessible, safe, welcoming and secure environment to victims of domestic violence and their children, where they receive a variety of services under one roof. It provides services that meet victims’ needs, assure their safety, promote their rights, and support their desire to lead lives free of violence. It was opened in September 2010, and is required by the board to conduct a formal evaluation during 2011-2012. Center for Public Service (CPS) was contracted to conduct an external evaluation of GCDVS’s performance.

 

Oregon Corrections Enterprises: Strategic Assessment of OCE/DOC Work and Related Programs

Research Team: From PSU-Marcus Ingle, Ph.D (Project Director); Jody Sundt, Ph.D (Lead Faculty); Shannon Grzybowski, MPA (Project Manager); Phil Keisling, Director and from OCE-Rob Killgore, OCE Administrator; Laura Osborn, OCE Deputy Administrator

The Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE), a self-supporting and semi-independent agency of the State of Oregon reporting to the Director of the Department of Corrections (DOC), signed an agreement with the Center for Public Service (CPS) at Portland State University (PSU) to conduct a strategic assessment in early 2012. The goal of this strategic assessment was to co-produce a long term (3-year) mission-related strategy for the OCE that identifies: what services will be ordered and by whom; who they will be provided to; how they will be advanced; and what internal and external improvements will be needed to implement the strategy.

 

Oregon Department of Education: Functional Analysis and Operations Review

Research Team: Masami Nishishiba, Ph.D. and Associate Director (Lead Researcher); Shannon Grzybowski, MPA; Andrew Dzeguze, J.D.

This Intergovernmental Agreement with CPS was established toconduct interviews with key ODE personnel, Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) legal advisors, Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) staff, and education community key stakeholders; use interviews to determine the extent to which existing ODE personnel have the understanding and tools needed to effectively perform their jobs consistent with the Agency’s organizational mission; develop a description and analysis of current agency functions and activities; prepare a recommendation of proposed organizational changes, strategies, budget  proposals, and management initiatives for the Agency; and develop both an internal and external set of tools for strategic planning and organizational improvements.

 

Public Sector Total Employer Cost of Compensation Study Phase 2.0

Research Team: Bob Winthrop; Phil Keisling, Director

The purpose of this study is to identify an approach to assess the total cost of compensation for the public-sector employer that will allow a reasonable comparison across different jurisdictions. A CPS research team collected data from five jurisdictions for five job categories, and developed a model to assess total employer cost of compensation. The team is currently working on expanding the number of jurisdictions and job categories, including the State of Oregon.

CPS in the media: "Public employees base salary only half of total compensation, PSU study shows."


Sustainable Municipal Operations

Research Team: Ed Gallagher; Dave Rouse; Masami Nishishiba, Ph.D. and Associate Director

The purpose of this project is to conduct a pilot study of comprehensive analyses of three municipalities’ operations (water treatment plants, park department operations, city hall facilities, and vehicle fleet use) and provide recommendations for operational changes that will yield environmental benefits as well as significant budget savings and achievable return on investment. Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance committed to fund the study for the first three municipalities in the list above, and the project is currently underway.