Why is it called 'Pizazz'?

'Pizazz' is a show biz term, that means flair, sparkle, dynamism, creativity - and maybe a hint of courage, to stand out, and do something bold.

We have adopted it as an acronym for the 'PIEs Self Assessment and Service Specification' process; because the kind of services  we see, and would like to see more of, display all those same characteristics.

Perhaps in the longer run, the Pizazz will be re-branded, and replaced with something a little more straight-laced. But for now, the prospect of a lot of serious funders, in suits, sitting around a committee room table and saying, “Yes, but how are they doing for Pizazz?” was simply irresistible.

(NB: we have since changed that 'bacronym' to read 'PIEs Assessment and Self-development for Services' . For the reasons, see 'What's in a name?', HERE)

 

Keep it light

It is important therefore not to let the process of assessment stifle creativity. The spirit of the PIE approach is to support front-line led development, and avoid necessary top-heavy regulation as far as possible.  For this reason, the Pizazz assessment process stresses SELF assessment and service development.

We also, in this spirit, suggest you might even try a very 'light touch' approach to Pizazz assessment, which we call 'the 'coffee break Pizazz : HERE

Likewise, to avoid getting to worried about how best to apply the Pizazz approach and the PIEs @ framework in detail, take a look at 'My cat is a built environment?' : HERE

 

But for those that DO want to go deeper...

The Pizazz on paper comes with one standard format for all services.

But with the creation of the software version, the PIE Abacus, there is extra flexibility; and this includes the capacity to create a parallel Abacus, for particular purposes, including one for enhanced service user involvement.

There will also be the option now to use one of two forms - which we call 'the short form' and 'the long form' (a language borrowed from Tai Chi).

The short form is particularly recommended for services that are up-to-speed with the PIEs approach, but have very limited time; or are still only at the outset of their journey of development as PIEs.

The long form allows services to drill down in finer detail into their assessment and process. It is more useful for those services that have come some way already, and wish to go further.

See: Which form of the Pizazz is right for our service?

For a note on current and future costs of using the Pizazz, see: Pizazz costs

 

Further background reading/viewing/listening

PIElink pages

PIEs assessment - what is the point? : HERE

The Pizazz - what is it NOT? : HERE

Why is it called 'Pizazz'? : HERE

The coffee break Pizazz : HERE

My cat is a built environment? : HERE

 

The Pizazz on paper

 

The paperwork (for the Pizazz on paper) : HERE

How come it's free? : HERE

 

The PIE Abacus

The simplest, most effective way to evaluate and improve your PIE from Daniel O'Brien on Vimeo.

For more on the PIE Abacus, see:

The PIE Abacus - an on-line Pizazz (summary) : HERE