Understanding the Performance Reference Model (PRM)
Performance Reference Model (PRM) has a four level hierarchy (Measurement Area, Measurement Category, Generic Measurement Indicator, and Operational Measurement Indicator) as shown below.
Each component consists of two properties: Name and Description. Depending on where they are in the hierarchy, some of the components of the PRM have reference properties that links to a parent definition or to child definitions.
Note The PRM is different from the other three Reference Models in that while OMB requires the Operationalized Measurement Indicator element type, it does not provide the OMIs or their definitions; this is the responsibility of the individual agency. The Operationalized Measurement Indicator of the PRM is implemented in System Architect as a Performance Measure definition. OMIs can be linked to Measurement definitions.
The PRM serves these main purposes:
1 Help produce enhanced IT performance information to improve strategic and daily decision making.
2 Improve the alignment, and better articulate the contribution of IT to business outputs and out comes, thereby creating a clear “line of sight” to desired results.
3 Identify performance improvement opportunities that span traditional organizational structures and boundaries. As shown in the Figure below, the PRM includes four Measurement Areas for FY 2005: Mission and Business Results, Customer Results, Processes and Activities, and Technology. In each area, there are Measurement Categories. Each of these categories includes Generic Measurement Indicators that agencies can tailor or “operationalize” indicators for their environment.
