CGA implements new review process for publications

Carl Johnson, CGA President

The CGA implemented a new work process for reviewing its publications. The purpose of the change is to improve the management of the publication committee's increasing workload and to assist in international harmonization of the process for the reviews of publications. We anticipate that the new process will:

• Reduce the number of meetings needed for publication reviews by more than 30 percent.
• Create a more even flow of work.
• Reduce the time it takes to make decisions on publication reviews to a period of one to four months rather than 16 months.

The new review process incorporates many aspects of the successful Expedited Docket Process that the CGA created previously to respond to urgent work that has short time limits.

Ad hoc committees now will take the place of publication docket task forces and will have committee authority for their dockets. An ad hoc committee will hold a meeting to make decisions on proposed changes to articles that are submitted for publication. Additional meetings may be required for new publications, or if proposed changes require additional research.

This new process will reduce the number of dockets or work items that a committee will work on at any given time while also reducing the number of meetings. The working process will be expedited in three ways: The process will eliminate "down-time" between task force and committee meetings; it will give the ad hoc committee additional authority; and it will allow for changes to an article for publication to be addressed at a single meeting.

In addition, the process includes merging the Safety and Environmental Advisory Council and the Technology and Safety Standards Council into a single Standards Council that will have the authority to approve items for publication, and will manage work and resources.

The new process will not limit members' ability to participate. Participation on CGA committees remains open to all members.

A detailed discussion of the new structure and work process is available from CGA committee administrators so that all committee participants will know how the process works, and understand the reasons for the change and the benefits.