Task: Manage the Measurement System
This task identifies the day-to-day items that need to be accomplished to support the efficient use of a performance measurement system.
Purpose
To support the ongoing use of the performance measurement system.
Relationships
RolesPrimary: Additional: Assisting:
InputsMandatory: Optional:
  • None
External:
  • None
Main Description

To efficiently use a performance measurement system, you must manage it daily.

Although you will gather metrics, not all metrics identified in a measurement plan will be available nor useful at the beginning of the deployment. For example, in the context of a project lifecycle, code- and testing-related metrics will not be available yet. As you begin to collect these metrics, they are most useful to those who are working on the project. Metrics related to practice adoption and artifacts provide the first look at the effects of any change driven by the IT organization. Operational- and business-related metrics are aggregations, typically, so they are more useful as more collection points are included.

Ensure that reports are run on the appropriate timings.

Also, mentoring will be required as new individuals begin to use the performance measurement system. This mentoring will address specific issues with the current tasks that individuals are performing.

Validation of the impact of the measurement system can occur only with constructive feedback. As the measurement system is deployed to a broader user base, those responsible for maintaining the whole system for an IT organization become more removed from the day-to-day use by the various personnel and teams.

It is crucial to seek feedback, rather than simply expecting it to come to you. Unfortunately, it is human nature to dislike change. Therefore, those who are responsible for the IT measurement system need to evaluate the relevance and value of the input before modifying the system. Decisions for modifying any portion of the measurement system should be based on whether or not the organizational and business objectives are being met or not. Although everyone that provides feedback should be thanked, personal likes and dislikes are of less importance than the needs of the organization and business.

Properties
Predecessor
Multiple Occurrences
Event Driven
Ongoing
Optional
Planned
Repeatable