In business, measurement and evaluation are ongoing processes to ensure a company is effective and efficient at obtaining goals. Individuals at all levels are responsible for engaging in these activities, from owners to executives to operational managers. The best tips for measurement and evaluation include being consistent and reliable, having a clear and understandable review process, and focusing on a particular purpose, such as cost or quality. Other more specific aspects may also be in the process based on the company’s actions and needs for review. Reviewers should keep written notes and documentation after each review process.
Measurement and evaluation processes need to be consistent and reliable throughout a company’s operations. For example, a reviewer should attempt to run measurements at specified points in a business year. This allows all information gathered to be somewhat representative of the same amount of time for each review. This also leads into the reliability portion of the review process. Having a system that will create review data for performance management allows owners and executives to rely on performance management for improving the company’s operations.
Not all activities in a business are simple; in many cases, complex operations do exist. Measurement and evaluation processes should not be complex, however. Owners and managers should have a process that is both clear and understandable for all parties involved. For example, those gathering data for the review should understand how to complete the process and whom it is for. Then, the individual who meets with the overseeing reviewer can also present clear and understandable data to make the best decisions for review.
All business activities should have a clearly defined purpose. This allows workers to complete tasks in a manner that will suit all parties involved, from owners to managers to customers. Measurement and evaluation processes should be no different. The reviewer should choose a goal or purpose for the measurement and evaluation process. For example, an owner may desire measurements on costs associated with production or other standard business activity; operational managers may focus on product quality.
Most measurement and evaluation processes are for internal use only. Companies may need to comply with external regulations that require them to release such data, but that is not always the case. The end purpose should always be in focus. The reports may also need to go in a file for future reference. This allows for a quick comparison among multiple evaluation processes.
