Conference Proceedings 26 - Transportation Research Board

44 PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS AND AGENCY OPERATIONSSystems ApproachResearch the integration of strategic planning andperformance measurement, including ways to makethe total process faster and more responsive. Provideguidance on how to assemble a range of performancemeasures into a tiered system that logically linksmeasures from an operational decision level (internalproductivity) through a policy decision level (externalstakeholder satisfaction). Connect performance measurementto business planning. Outline the feedbackloop—How are measures used? What decisions didthey influence? What process was improved as a resultof performance measurement? Include a discussionof the limitations of performance measurementtools—How do they fit into a total decision-makingprocess? What are the other desirable or essentialtools that must complement performance measurement?Recognize the need and utility of disconnectingor separating organizational measures and systemmeasures. Identify the link of operations-type performancemeasures with high-level policy-type performancemeasures—What are the gaps?DataDevelop strategies for using existing data sources.Synthesize data available at regional and state levels—What are states and metropolitan planning organizationscollecting and measuring? Increase the understandingof the current use of market research indecision making and how it can be improved to providedecision makers with important outcome informationand better information for priority setting.