Establish and maintain measurement objectives derived from identified information needs and objectives.

Measurement objectives document the purposes for which measurement and analysis are done and specify the kinds of actions that may be taken based on results of data analyses.

Measurement objectives focus on acquirer performance, supplier performance, and understanding the effects of their performance on customer operational and financial performance. Measurement objectives for the supplier enable defining and tracking service level expectations documented in the supplier agreement.

Measurement objectives identify what information is needed to do the following:

·         Maintain alignment to project objectives and provide results that keep a project on track to its successful conclusion

·         Support the organization’s ability to establish an infrastructure that reinforces and grows acquirer capabilities, including processes, people, and technologies, as appropriate

·         Support the enterprise’s ability to monitor and manage its financial results and customer expectations, as appropriate

Sources of measurement objectives include management, technical, project, product, and process implementation needs.

Measurement objectives may be constrained by existing processes, available resources, or other measurement considerations. Judgments may need to be made about whether the value of the result is commensurate with resources devoted to doing the work.

Modifications to identified information needs and objectives may, in turn, be indicated as a consequence of the process and results of measurement and analysis.

Refer to the Project Planning process area for more information about estimating project attributes and other planning information needs.

Refer to the Project Monitoring and Control process area for more information about project performance information needs.

Refer to the Requirements Management process area for more information about maintaining requirements traceability and related information needs.

Typical Work Products

1.    Measurement objectives

Subpractices

1.    Document information needs and objectives.

2.    Prioritize information needs and objectives.

3.    Document, review, and update measurement objectives.

Carefully consider the purposes and intended uses of measurement and analysis.

Measurement objectives are documented, reviewed by management and other relevant stakeholders, and updated as necessary. Completing these activities enables traceability to subsequent measurement and analysis activities and helps ensure that analyses will properly address identified information needs and objectives.

4.    Provide feedback for refining and clarifying information needs and objectives as necessary.

Identified information needs and objectives may be refined and clarified as a result of setting measurement objectives. Initial descriptions of information needs may be unclear or ambiguous. Conflicts may arise between existing needs and objectives. Precise targets on an already existing measure may be unrealistic.

5.    Review appropriate measurement objectives with potential suppliers throughout the solicitation, obtaining their feedback and commitment.

Refer to the Solicitation and Supplier Agreement Development process area for more information about solicitations and interacting with potential suppliers.

6.    Maintain traceability of measurement objectives to identified information needs and objectives.

Of course, measurement objectives may also change to reflect evolving information needs and objectives.