Selecting Key Performance Indicators to Monitor Outcomes
Figure 3.3
Checklist for Assessing Proposed Indicators Outcome to be measured: __________________________________ Indicator selected: ________________________________________ Is the indicator . . . 1. As direct as possible a reflection of the outcome itself? _____ 2. Sufficiently precise to ensure objective measurement? _____ 3. Calling for the most practical, cost-effective collection of data? _____ 4. Sensitive to change in the outcome, but relatively unaffected by other changes? _____ 5. Disaggregated as needed when reporting on the outcome? _____ Source: United Way of America 1996.
not feasible to collect data at regular intervals. However, caution should be exercised in using proxy indicators, because there has to be a presumption that the proxy indicator is giving at least approximate evidence on performance (box 3.1). For example, if it is difficult to conduct periodic household surveys in dangerous housing areas, one could use the number of tin roofs or television antennas as a proxy measure of increased household inBox 3.1
Indicator Dilemmas The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry—a large, cavernous museum with many monumental-size exhibits, including an entire submarine and a coal mine—wanted to conduct a study to determine which exhibitions were of greatest interest to its visitors. They found that it was impossible to count how many visitors viewed every exhibit, so they decided to use a proxy indicator. They did this by determining where they needed to replace floor tiles most often. And where did they find the floor tiles most in need of replacement? In front of the exhibit of hatching baby chicks. Source: Webb et al., 1966.
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