#Japan #Ishikawa #Persol Group #Ishikawa Prefecture #BPR Support

Overview of the BPR Support Program

The Persol Group, through its subsidiaries, Persol Business Process Design and Persol Works Switch Consulting, has embraced the role of transforming and enhancing the administrative services in Ishikawa Prefecture. This initiative specifically aims to assist the cities of Wajima, Tsubata, Shika, and Hodatsushimizu, which were seriously impacted by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in 2024, as part of the "Disaster-stricken Municipalities Business Reform (BPR) Support Project." The vision is to achieve sustainable administrative operations aimed at maximizing the efficacy of service delivery.

Background of the Initiative

In recent years, Japan has witnessed a significant decline in population, leading to an urgent need for local governments to maintain and enhance public services with diminishing workforce numbers. The aftermath of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake has exacerbated these challenges, as the affected municipalities now face increased administrative burdens from both regular governance services and recovery efforts. This dual strain has highlighted the necessity for effective business process re-engineering (BPR) alongside digital transformation initiatives. Municipal staff have voiced concerns regarding inefficient operations, particularly in public-facing services such as resident services and tax processing departments. The challenges they face include time-consuming verification tasks and an urgent need for a streamlined approach to administrative work.

Objectives of the Initiative

The BPR Support Project aims to create actionable plans for administrative service improvement, which will not only enhance the quality of services but also set a precedent for the rest of the municipalities in Ishikawa Prefecture. By collaborating closely with local civil servants and analyzing the unique circumstances of the affected municipalities, the project aspires to establish a model of operations that promotes efficiency while retaining service reliability and accuracy.

Phases of Implementation

The project will proceed in phases to ensure comprehensive support for effective reform:
1. Assessment: Initial focus on understanding the current operational frameworks and challenges faced by the targeted municipalities.
2. Planning: Development of a well-structured BPR strategy that incorporates stakeholder insights and aligns with the needs of the community.
3. Execution: Implementing the proposed reforms while providing ongoing support to ensure sustainable adoption of new processes.
4. Expansion: Following the successful execution within the four municipalities, the knowledge and insights gained will be shared across all municipalities in Ishikawa Prefecture to foster a wider adoption of these reforms.

Future Prospects

Moving forward, this collaborative effort is not only about elevating administrative services in the selected municipalities but also about setting the stage for collective procurement models across neighboring local governments. This approach aims to optimize cost expenditure and improve operational efficiencies while accelerating digital transformation across Ishikawa Prefecture. By leveraging the partnerships built through this initiative, the Persol Group intends to shape a sustainable future where local governments can respond effectively to emerging challenges, thereby contributing to the resolution of community issues and the creation of value within the region.

Statements from the Leadership

Aya Shimai, Manager of the Smart City Solutions Group at Persol Business Process Design, emphasized the program's aim to ease the burden on local civil servants while simultaneously improving the quality of services offered to residents. This aligns perfectly with their mission of building a better working environment for society at large.

Kana Ando, Manager of the Public Strategy Promotion Group at Persol Works Switch Consulting, highlighted that this project holds significant social implications. By creating a roadmap for recovery and improvement of administrative services in the earthquake-affected areas, the endeavor seeks to contribute positively towards sustainable governance and the acceleration of recovery efforts in Ishikawa Prefecture.

About Persol Business Process Design

Established with a clear mission to enhance organizational innovation and improve workplace environments, Persol Business Process Design focuses on three capabilities: process design, organizational and human resource management, and staff education, bolstered by advanced technologies such as AI. The company strives for the realization of a sustainable society as outlined in their parent company's vision, "Let’s work and smile together."

About Persol Works Switch Consulting

Persol Works Switch Consulting provides comprehensive human resources consulting services, including strategy formulation and technology consulting to facilitate business process re-engineering. The company is committed to resolving challenges faced by organizations while enhancing workplace productivity, further enriching the knowledge base of the services offered by the Persol Group.