USAID’s results-oriented approach to management calls for its managers to consider performance information when making decisions. Sound decisions require accurate, current, and reliable information, and the benefits of USAID’s results-oriented approach depend on the quality of performance information available (USAID’s “Guidelines for Indicator and Data Quality” - TIPS No. 12).
To be valid, an indicator must accurately reflect the performance element that it purports to measure. This requirement is recognized by both USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS) and the Guidelines for Indicator and Data Quality. ADS 203.3.4.2. states that indicators selected for inclusion in the performance management plan should measure changes that are clearly and reasonably attributable, at least in part, to USAID.
The Guidelines for Indicator and Data Quality states that one of the critical requirements for an indicator is the degree to which it and the related data accurately reflect the process the indicator is being used to measure. The guidelines further explain that “validity” refers to data that clearly and directly measure the result they are intended to measure; “reliability” refers to data that have a stable or consistent measuring process; and “timeliness” refers to data that are sufficiently up-to-date to be useful in decision making.
In addition to the above, it is important that performance information be recorded and documented. The GAO Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government requires accurate and timely recording of all transactions and significant events. These standards also require that transactions and significant events be clearly documented, with the documentation readily available.
General Recommendations
- Apply performance indicator definitions when collecting, summarizing, and reporting program results.
Source: AUDIT REPORT NO. 4-674-10-005-P MAY 12, 2010
The recommendations are derived from audit reports of the Office of the Inspector General. The source refers to the audit report, which is available on this site as part of the Audit Database Project: an educational tool for compliance with USAID regulations. Please see the disclaimer of this site before using recommendations.
←Previous Performance Management Plan Not Completed - ADS 203.3 - Performance Management Toolkit | Reported Results Were Not Verified – ADS 203.3.5.1. - ADS 202.3.6. Next→ |
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- Program’s Indicators, Targets and Goals Should Be Revisited - ADS 203
- Reported Results Did Not Meet Data Quality Standards - ADS 203.3
- Baseline Data, Indicators, and Targets Needed to Measure Progress and Achievement - ADS Chapter 203
- Indicators Do Not Effectively Measure Program Impact - ADS 203.3.2.2 - ADS 200.2.b
- Performance Data Lacked Support - ADS 203.3
- Performance Indicators and Targets Did Not Facilitate Program Management - ADS 203.3
- Setting Performance Targets for Partners - ADS 203
- Thorough Site Visits Not Conducted - ADS 202.3 - Performance Management Toolkit
- Data Quality Assessments Not Completed - ADS 203.3.5 - Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (Public Law 103–62) - Performance Management Toolkit
- Performance Management Plan Not Completed - ADS 203.3 - Performance Management Toolkit
- Reported Results Were Not Verified – ADS 203.3.5.1. - ADS 202.3.6.
- Partner Implementation Plans Lacked Vital Information – ADS 200.6
- Lack of a Current Performance Management Plan (PMP) - ADS 203.3.3
- Thorough Site Visits Were Not Conducted - ADS 202.3.4.6 - ADS 202.3.6
- Data Quality Assessments Were Not Completed - ADS 203.3.5.2 - Performance and Results Act of 1993
- Performance Management Plan Was Not Completed - ADS 203.3.3
- Improve Data Quality and Program Monitoring - ADS 203.3.5.1 - ADS 203.3.5.3.b
- Performance Management Plans Were Not Approved - ADS 203.3.3
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Activities Was Weak - ADS 303.2(f) - ADS 203.3.5.2
- Some Results Reported by Implementing Partners Were Unsupported or Inaccurate - ADS 203.3.5.1. - ADS 203.3.5.2 - ADS 203.3.2.2