Social Enterprise Management (SEM)

Social Enterprise Management (SEM) - An Introduction

SEM is a business and technology blueprint that is enabled by a new generation of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of social services organizations.  SEM provides governments with a platform to break their dependence on siloed, expensive and inflexible IT systems.  Agencies are empowered with an outcome-based approach that addresses the individual and the family in totality through integrated service delivery.  Social Enterprise Management enables the holistic management of citizens’ needs and allows organizations to implement a truly integrated service delivery model.

Cúram Software created and pioneered the concept of Social Enterprise Management (SEM), a business model based on the key objectives of social enterprises world-wide – to provide Care and Protection for citizens and their families in times of need and to help them to achieve their Social and Economic Potential. 

Forward-thinking governments are focusing on improving the quality of their social infrastructure as a strategic imperative to improve service delivery and cut costs.  Innovative agencies are embracing new Social Enterprise Management (SEM) models to achieve successful client-focused outcomes.
 

Social Enterprise Management - a Social Compass

As agencies look to transform their business one thing is very clear; country, state, provincial or city agencies would not automate their business by setting out to rebuild a suite of program-based silos – because it makes no business sense.  The rather more obvious starting point would surely be to develop solutions around the Citizen, their challenges and their “context” or circumstances.  The starting point for business transformation is a business model that supports the twin objectives of social enterprises world-wide: to provide care and protection for citizens in times of need and to help them achieve their social and economic potential. 
 

Social Models
Two social models underpin the programs that cover the range of benefits and services provided by agencies around the world.
 

The Bismarck model is named after Otto Von Bismarck who is widely accepted as being responsible for the introduction of the first social insurance scheme in 1883 which introduced a concept of sickness insurance for workers in trade, industry and agriculture; this provided both medical care and cash benefits for workers during periods of sickness.  Benefits delivered under the Bismarck model are based on contributions made by employers and/or employees.

The Beveridge model is named after a report commissioned by Lord Beveridge in the UK.  This 1942 report followed the first nation-wide survey on poverty in the UK and became the blueprint for the ‘welfare state’ as it currently exists in both the UK and many other countries.  Benefits provided under the Beveridge model are based on citizen needs and/or income levels. 
 

Social Enterprise Management – The Business Model
Social Enterprise Management (SEM) is a business model designed to support these two fundamental social models and provide a solid foundation for developing outcome-driven business processes and solutions. By supporting both social models, SEM uniquely supports the twin business objectives of social enterprises world-wide.

The Social Enterprise Management business model differentiates itself from other traditional approaches by emphasizing the following objectives:

1. Outcome-focused: Agencies can focus on achieving positive citizen outcomes through specific goal-oriented processes and caseworker tools
2. Family-centered: Recognizing the systemic nature of the challenges facing citizens and the complex and diverse family structures, SEM provides a holistic approach based around social context analysis using evidence-based assessments.
3. Integrated Service Delivery: Understanding the challenges associated with the fragmented government and community response to citizens in need, SEM combines a multi-disciplinary approach with the outcome focus and family-centric philosophy to create the integrated service delivery model required to deal with the issues associated with program and organizational boundaries.

To support this vision Cúram developed a unique, program-independent and family-centric Industry Reference Model that is at the heart of the Cúram Business Application Suite.  The model incorporates a market-leading Integrated Case Management capability that allows caseworkers to manage individuals, families, programs, service providers and service plans in a structured and holistic manner to achieve successful citizen outcomes.

Since this underlying reference model is based on the two fundamental social models (Bismarck and Beveridge) it ensures that customers are insulated as far as possible from program and policy changes and from the impact of the introduction of new programs.