Time to Develop a PM System

["DAVID J. BERNSTEIN" <DAVID.BERNSTEIN@co.mo.md.us>]

--- Received from FINANCE.BERNSD 240-777-8886                01-01-12 17.58

  -> apmg@raw.rutgers.edu
  -> soucysm@oag-bvg.gc.ca

To: GASB's About Performance Measurement for Government Listserve

I received a request from Sylvie Soucy, Director, Office of the Auditor
General of Canada regarding empirical evidence on the length of time it
takes to develop a mature performance measurement (PM) system for
government.  Based on the five local government case studies I did to date
for GASB (see www.seagov.org), I concluded that it takes five to seven years
to develop a mature, effective PM system.  I recall in doing research for my
dissertation a frequently used estimate is that it takes three to five
years, but I cannot find the reference.  My likely candidates are Harry
Hatry, Joe Wholey, Paul Epstein, the US GAO (writing about Federal GPRA), or
Vice President Gore's National Performance Review.

Two questions:

1) Does anyone know the source of the often cited three to five year
estimate to develop a mature PM system?

2) Does anyone know of any empirical research such as a survey that
addresses the issue of how long it takes to develop a PM system, and the
related question, how much it costs?

If no one has empirically researched this issue, it should certainly be
added to the "further research needed/research agenda" list, as the issue of
timing and cost to implement a PM system is certainly a roadblock to
widespread development and use of performance measures for decision making
and accountability.

You can respond to GASB's About Performance Measurement for Government list
(apmg@raw.rutgerts.edu), or to me personally (david.bernstein@co.mo.md.us).
 Please also send a copy to Sylvie Soucy (soucysm@oag-bvg.gc.ca).

Thanks.

David J. Bernstein, Ph.D.
Evaluation Manager
Montgomery County, Maryland
david.bernstein@co.mo.md.us
or
davidjbernstein@aol.com
240-777-8886
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