StudyDesign...

... how the study works

This one is different

Designing a comprehensive study can be challenging. Many studies on workflow efficiency tend to evaluate the frequency of certain methods used within an organization, with the assumption that the most frequently used methods are the most effective. However, the validity of this assumption is questionable.

Our study adopts a two-phase approach to address this issue. Initially, we examine the workflow itself. We use 32 method-independent questions aimed at identifying signs of either poor or efficient workflow, such as multitasking, desynchronization, and delays. These questions provide an objective assessment and benchmark of your current situation. They can be answered by yourself, or for better results by up to 10-15 of your employees or colleagues.


The second phase of our study encompasses the entire organization. We inquire about specific details of the organization, including its size, industry, and maturity level, as well as its relative success. Additionally, we gather information on the duration and types of methods employed. 

This approach enables us to draw clear correlations between organizational specifics and method usage, ultimately relating these factors to workflow efficiency and overall success.

How the study works ...

  1. Request your individual link for the symptom and potential part. 
  2. For best results give this link to at least 10-15 people in your organization – best suited are people who really do the work. It takes 15 minutes to answer the questionnaire.
  3.  After two weeks you get your results, and if you want an expert out of the DolphinUniverse explains the results to you and your managers.
  4.  If you want, you can additionally fill out the company questionaire. You get an extra link for this part only.
  5.  At that moment, you are part of the study comparing organizatons and methods.
  6.  After six months of running the study or more than 500 participants, we send you a summary of the results.

The following questions are to be answered

  • Did the average Flow improved over the time? E.g. see the  Multitasking Score on the right.
  • Agile versus Classic versus Hybrid - what generates better flow? Which companies are more successful?
  • Is SAFe(R) really so bad as mentioned in social media - right now?
  • What is the influence of Lean Portfolio Management - on Flow?
  • Which of the many specific methods really matter if it comes to success of the organization?

    Everything has a Predecessor

    The "State of Organizational Flow Report" is somehow the ancessor of the study "Status Quo: Multitasking in Project Management" conducted by Prof. Ayelt Komus, Vistem and me (Wolfram Müller). In 2016 something around 400 companies in DACH region took part with very interesting insights.

    The current study is independent of the 2016 study. Vistem and Prof. Komus are not involved here, but have given their approval for the continuation. The content and methodology originally developed in collaboration with Prof. Komus have since been further developed and adapted in many areas.

    Highlights of the study of 2016

    • Over 60% of respondents see symptoms of very pronounced multitasking in their company.
    • Almost 60% of respondents estimate that over 20% of the project effort could be saved.
    • Participants with a high proportion of multitasking estimate the potential for effort savings to be higher than participants with a low proportion.
    • Almost 70% of respondents are of the opinion that at least 30% of the project duration could be saved.
    • Participants with a high proportion of multitasking estimate the potential for reducing the project lead time to be higher than participants with a low proportion.
    • Two thirds of respondents reserve resources and specialists at an early stage and commit them to the project. There are no measures to prevent project egotism.
    • For 43% of participants, there is no standardized cross-project procedure for prioritizing projects.
    • Only when project management is actually "lived" is the negative multitasking influence significantly lower.
    • Companies with a high proportion of negative multitasking are less successful on average.

    If you want to learn more abou the study of 2016 - get the results here (German only).
    The largest long-term study "State of Organizational Flow Report" is now open to everyone!

    To be one of the first - join now!

    It will change your work life - promised.
    Register now for the Study - For Free
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