6.1.1.3
Use of Performance Measures
Performance measures are used to:
- Connect agency policies and objectives to investment decisions.
- Establish desired and targeted levels of service that consider past performance, current and future demand, stakeholder priorities, and anticipated funding.
- Align agency policies, investments, and day-to-day practices in a meaningful and easily understood manner.
- Prioritize investment needs.
- Monitor and report progress towards desired objectives to both internal and external stakeholders in a consistent, cost-effective, and transparent manner as illustrated in practice examples from the Washington State, North Carolina, and Virginia DOTs.
TIP
Outcome-based measures better relate to performance characteristics noticed by the public and other stakeholders than output-based measures.
Table 6.1 - Desired Performance Measure Characteristics
Desired Characteristics | Rationale/Purpose |
---|---|
Measurable with available tools/data | May require no additional cost for data collection |
Forecastable | Enables data-driven target setting based on future conditions |
Clear to the public and lawmakers | Allows performance story-telling to customers and policymakers |
Agency has influence over result | Measures agency activities rather than impact of external factors |