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.
Analyze measurement data at the project and organizational levels according to documented analysis procedures for each
metric. Monitor results against defined operational objectives in order to assess the results of capability
improvements.
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.
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