Public Performance Management

A sound public performance management system requires much more than simply counting the things government agencies produce.

Government agencies at all levels face mandates to measure and report program performance, but many continue to struggle with developing meaningful performance measures and incorporating performance information into real-time decision making. In many cases, there is no relationship between program activities, outputs that are measured, and the impact these programs have on people’s lives.

IEM offers Federal, state, and local government agencies a more thoughtful and robust approach to performance measurement, management, and budgeting. Our expertise is based on the application of rigorous scientific methodologies and experience implementing performance reforms in government.

Performance measurement

Performance indicators are often overly simplistic and limited to activities and outputs that are easily quantifiable. IEM’s measurement systems capture both quantitative and qualitative aspects of program performance, with a focus on the service outcomes that have real impacts on citizens as program clients.

Performance management

The old adage that “you manage what you measure” is well known among government

managers and advises caution in using simplistic performance measures. IEM’s approach recognizes the multi-faceted nature of program goals and operations, rigorously analyzes performance information in “real-time,” and presents analytic results in intuitive ways to inform decision making.

Performance budgeting

Many agencies claim to have “performance-based budgets,” but rarely link budget allocations to performance outcomes in effective ways. With IEM’s performance budgeting capabilities, agencies can carefully align program activities, costs, and budget accounts, and create natural incentives for managers to control costs and enhance operational efficiency.

IEM offers the following services that either stand alone or complement our capabilities in homeland security, emergency management, and defense support: