Improving Program Results Through the Use of Predictive Operational Performance Indicators

Abstract

In Canada, in-depth evaluations of federal programs are intended to occur every 5 years. As such, evaluation is a periodic retrospective (lag) indicator examining results achieved versus program objectives. In a Canadian context, stand-alone evaluations have proved challenging to implement, time consuming, and not well adapted to annual management accountability needs. Consequently, there are important benefits from developing parallel ongoing operational performance measurements, complementing periodic evaluations as an integrated system. With links to program evaluations, ongoing performance feedback can include predictive (lead) indicators of progress, through operational linkages to a program’s intended long-term outcomes. The present case study examines program efficiency concerns demonstrating lead indicators as an “early warning system”—targeting problem areas, producing speedier program adjustments (including accountability and efficiency improvements) and also demonstrating potential to increase quality, timeliness, and usefulness of longer term in-depth evaluations.