Using Metrics to Assess Performance Course

Module 1: Assessing Performance: The Basics

• Understand the necessity for measurement in assessing operations and program performance.
• Describe two basic approaches for assessing performance with measures.
• Cite four things we must know and agree on if we are to use measures in assessing performance.
• Explain the role of inputs, processes, and outputs in achieving a program’s purpose.
• Discuss terms frequently used in describing organizational and program performance.
• Define ten aspects of performance that auditors commonly find relevant in assessing performance.
• Identify cost savings or cost avoidance to be achieved by improving performance of quality, timeliness, economy, and efficiency.

Module 2: Measuring Performance

• Explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative data.
• Cite the three basic methods for measuring performance.
• Prepare measures for qualitative data by one method, rating using a scale.
• Cite the steps in preparing performance measures for quantity, quality, timeliness, and efficiency.
• Cite the attributes that outputs must meet in preparing measures for quantity, quality, timeliness, and efficiency.

Module 3: Unique Finding Components

• Describe the unique finding components that apply in developing findings for audits that use metrics to assess performance.
• Cite the potential sources of audit criteria.

Module 4: Planning Audits That Use Metrics

• Apply a step-by-step process to plan audits that use metrics to assess the adequacy of performance in producing and delivering outputs.
• Apply a design matrix to document the audit plan.

Module 5: Auditing Timeliness

• Learn techniques to assess the timeliness of processes and outputs in audits.

Module 6: Auditing Quality

• Understand methods for assessing the quality of outputs in audits.

Module 7: Auditing Economy for Cost Savings

• Learn how to assess economic performance and identify cost-saving opportunities in audits.

Module 8: Auditing Efficiency for Cost Savings

• Explore how to measure efficiency in audits to identify potential cost savings.