Using Key Performance Indicators

This process of monitoring the organisation's performance is more disciplined and effective when the method of measurement is set as an integral step of the planning process. This is achieved by establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPI) (see examples in table below).

Establishing Key Performance Indicators in advance increases the consciousness of organisation personnel to capture, record and use information to ensure that desired outcomes are achieved and to steer the organisation toward its goals.

Key Performance Indicators therefore are a standard or reference point that allows management to:

Monitoring the organisation's progress through Key Performance Indicators may be said to be "Keeping the Score". Unless the score is kept the organisation might never be able to judge whether progress has been made or not.

Examples of key performance indicators
Objective Possible Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
Increase the quality of programs
  • Attainment of results (e.g. desired placings in national championships)
  • The number of reported injuries (is there a reduction?)
  • The number of complaints (is there a reduction?)
Improve facilities to national standard
  • Construction / re-development of a facility suitable for national and international championships and tournaments
  • Certification (as a national standard facility)
Increase clubs in North Queensland
  • Existence of clubs in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay
  • The number of fully constituted clubs in Northern Queensland
Increase in sponsorship revenue
  • Major state sponsor ($30,000) found
  • Total sponsorship revenue reaches $50,000

Key performance indicators should be clear-cut. It is something that is either achieved or not achieved. Using key performance indicators, the management process will compare what was desired with what actually happened.