Progress Measurement

The importance of metrics

The term "peace" is understood by widely differing definitions. Therefore, the first value in using metrics for peace is to clarify specifically what is meant by peace as a goal or global aspiration. Secondly, metrics allow us to break the larger goal into components that are measurable to determine how close we are to the goal. Metrics also allows us to see the progress, or lack thereof, over time and in multiple locations; to assess where to strategically invest resources to produce the greatest return and quickest impact on the larger goal; to tell a story that accurately reflects the history, current status and strategy for success, thus empowering people to be creative and aligned in their efforts for the common goal; and to determine which individuals or organizations are being most effective in addressing the goal or a component of the goal. (Marilyn King)

By Jean MacMillan, Michael J. Garrity and Emily E. Wiese:

Performance measurement is an essential tool for achieving the fit between organizations, people and technology, allowing us to evaluate that fit and to diagnose where improvements are needed. From performance measurement you can develop performance models that link detailed measures of performance to desired outcomes. Combining performance measures and models can answer questions such as: Is the design of equipment appropriate for the people who will use it?

Measures help to determine who should be selected based on knowledge, skills and abilities to meet job requirements and can evaluate whether training improves knowledge, skills, and mission outcomes.

But why does measurement make training more effective? Because people learn faster and better if they get feedback on their performance.

Making training more effective means you get a higher return on investment for your training program. But in order to give useful feedback, you have to measure - and you have to measure the right things. Once you know what to measure, you have to know how to get the data. And once you have the data, you have to know what to do with it. In other words, you can't train what you can't measure.

Knowing what to measure is the first step of the process. One method is to develop measures based on competencies. Competencies are systematic descriptions of what constitutes good performance in a particular job, and the knowledge and skills needed for that job. These competencies are developed by working with subject matter experts in the field in which you are training. Experts can provide a series of observable performance indicators, indicating whether an individual or a team is at a low level of readiness and needs more experience and instruction.

Measures in the Peace Wheel

A proposal to simplify and streamline the collection and dissemination about the state of peace in Eugene or any city:

PEACE THROUGH LAW and Governance: Where governments respect the human rights of all their citizens and settle disputes by the rule of law for the common good. Participatory government and empowerment of civil society. Planetary Citizenship. Peace Measures in Law

PEACE THROUGH HABITAT of Relationships and Health: Where all people have food, shelter and access to medical care. Children are born into and raised by healthy families and communities. Partnership models. Peace Measures in Habitat

PEACE THROUGH EDUCATION: Where literacy and education for all are accomplished facts. Lifelong development of innate wisdom. Peacebuilding skills, Peace leadership. Peace Measures in Education

PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS: Where economic practices create well-being for all stakeholders, including the commonwealth through production, labor, finance. Social responsibility and servant leadership. Peace Measures in Business

PEACE THROUGH CULTURE: Where beauty, the arts, media and cultural exchanges inspire the best in people. Powerful positive bridges between people that strengthen linkages between societies. Accountability for what is broadcast as cultural images. Peace Measures in Culture

PEACE THROUGH SCIENCE: Where the benefits of science, technology and noetic development are for evolutionary unfoldment of all life. Ongoing inquiry into human behavior and basic harmonizing principles in Nature. Developing principles for practical, peaceful co-existence. Peace Measures in Science

PEACE THROUGH ENVIRONMENT: Where the earth in all her natural beauty is treasured and its resources utilized sustainably, for this and future generations. "Living" systems and structures that integrate human needs with renewable material resources, restoring the natural environment. New energy systems, voluntary simplicity, growth in harmony with nature's Laws. Peace Measures in Environment

PEACE THROUGH RELIGION and Spiritual Teachings: Where tolerance and appreciation of diverse religious beliefs is the rule, spiritual practice in encouraged, and reverence for life fostered. Exploring the underlying unity of Ageless Wisdom teachings, adapted for each era and culture. Ultimate honor and respect for the privacy and sanctity of each individual's unique relationship to Deity. Peace Measures in Religion

A Proposal for Self-assessment of Eugene 

                            -- in the eight program areas of the UN Culture of Peace (pdf)

Common Indicators

                                    -- from an American Planning Association report