The categories performance criteria model of the Baldrige Award can be utilized to evaluate management systems and recognize major improvement areas.

The Baldrige Award was established in 1987 by the US Congress and named behind former Secretary of Commerce, Malcolm Baldrige. It aspires to enhance quality awareness and is based on a weighted score of seven types of performance criteria:

1. Leadership (120 pts.)

2. Business Results (450 pts.)

3. Strategic Planning (85 pts.)

4. Measurement, Analysis/Knowledge Management (90 pts.)

5. Human Resource Focus (85 pts.)

6. Customer and Market Focus (85 pts.)

7. Process Management (85 pts.)

The maximum achievable score is 1000.  The Seven classes of Performance model of the Baldrige Award can be utilized to assess management systems and recognize main improvement areas. The model suits well for organizations taking a constant improvement philosophy.

The Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence are about winning business victory with a high integrity, high-performing, ethical organization. The Criteria assist organizations respond to present challenges and concentrate on all the complexities of delivering today's consequences while preparing efficiently for the future.