Getting Started
This practice assumes that you have set up a performance measurement system in your organization. You have
specified measurements based on the organization's business and operational objectives and developed
a measurement infrastructure to collect and report on the measurement data.
In this practice, begin by deploying the performance measurement system to the organization. Create a deployment plan
that identifies the tasks and responsible resources for all stages of the deployment.
Identify a set of pilot projects so that you can validate the measurements and the infrastructure and make needed
improvements before deploying to the entire organization. Provide mentors to accelerate adoption and to collect lessons
learned.
Identify the tasks that are required to manage the performance measurement system in order to get the most effective
and efficient use from it. Monitor measurement data as it is collected from projects. Perform analysis at the project
and organizational levels in order to monitor results against the defined business and operational objectives.
Evaluate the performance of the system (the measurement infrastructure and the process of collecting, reporting, and
analyzing measurement data) regularly. Identify any changes to the organizational objectives and priorities and adjust
the performance measurement system accordingly.
Common Pitfalls
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The effectiveness of a deployed performance system increases with its use; nonetheless, many attempts at sustaining
a measurement system have failed due to the lack of use and commitment.
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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 performance measurement system need to
evaluate the relevance and value of all 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.
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The impacts of changing individual and team behavior to achieve business and organizational objectives probably
will not be apparent for a much longer time than it takes for the effects on individuals and teams to become
apparent. Because of this, it is important that everyone implementing and using the measurement system understand
this. The success of a measurement system should never be determined in anything less than eight months to a year.
It takes time for changes at the lowest level of an organization to show sustained benefit at the organization and
business levels.
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Periodic assessments of the performance measurement system should occur to support continuous
improvement. It also sends a clear statement from management that the measurement system is important.
This will prevent it from becoming forgotten and useless.
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