The Performance Specification Framework
A performance specification framework is designed to provide a standardized measurement hierarchy and framework uniquely tailored by decision-makers for a specific environment.
The framework is designed to clearly articulate the relationship between inputs, outputs, and outcomes. The framework builds from the value chain and program logic models. This “line of sight” is critical for project managers, program managers, principal investigators and key decision-makers to understand how, and to what extent, key inputs are enabling progress toward outputs and outcomes. The performance specification framework captures this alignment to reflect how value is created as inputs are used to create outputs, which in turn, impact outcomes.
The PSF is structured around Performance Areas, Performance Categories, and Performance Measures.
The framework is designed to clearly articulate the relationship between inputs, outputs, and outcomes. The framework builds from the value chain and program logic models. This “line of sight” is critical for project managers, program managers, principal investigators and key decision-makers to understand how, and to what extent, key inputs are enabling progress toward outputs and outcomes. The performance specification framework captures this alignment to reflect how value is created as inputs are used to create outputs, which in turn, impact outcomes.
The PSF is structured around Performance Areas, Performance Categories, and Performance Measures.
- Performance Areas – The high-level organizing element of the framework organizes aspects of performance at the broad impact or structural output levels. This layer is directly linked to the goals and objectives established in strategic and tactical plans.
- Performance Categories – Collections within each performance area describe the attribute or characteristic to be measured. For example, a Student Results Performance Area could include three Performance Categories: Support Delivery of Curriculum (textbooks, student guides, online support), Student Learning (educational achievement, certification), and Employment (employment and wage outcomes).
- Performance Measures – The specific indicators (e.g. number and/or percentage, rate, level) and targets that are tailored to a specific intended outcome and are designed to measure the success of strategies and initiatives.