Domain Deep-Dive · Domain Deep-Dive — Measurement

DOMAIN 7

PMBOK 7 Performance Domain · Deep Dive

Measurement

Assess performance and take action to keep on track: choose effective measures tied to objectives, decide what to measure, present it clearly, and avoid the measurement traps. Measure to decide & act — not to decorate reports.

Visual Map — A Performance Dashboard

Traffic lights & thresholds turn data into decisions. Pair leading indicators (predict the future) with lagging ones (confirm the past).

Effective Measures & What to Measure

Tie measures to objectives; make them SMART; set baselines & thresholds.
Delivery: velocity, throughput, cycle/lead time.
Baseline: EVM — SPI / CPI & forecasts.
Value: benefits realised, stakeholder satisfaction.

Measurement Pitfalls

Hawthorne effect — measuring changes behaviour.
Vanity metrics — look good, mean little.
Gaming — targets get manipulated.
Too many metrics, false precision, correlation ≠ causation.

Exam Concepts

Leading (predicts) vs lagging (confirms).
KPIs & thresholds trigger action.
EVM indices are measures.
Don't measure what you can't act on.

Executive View

Dashboards to steer, not to admire.
Measure outcomes, not just activity.
What's measured gets managed — and gamed.

Industry Example

Manufacturing & IT

Manufacturing: OEE, SPC, takt time. IT: DORA metrics, velocity, lead time — all with thresholds.

Interactions & Checking Results

Measures every domain; feeds governance & decisions.
Good signs: timely, reliable, actionable information; data-driven decisions; measures that evolve.

Memory Hooks

"Measure what matters — then act."
Leading predicts · lagging confirms.
Beware the Hawthorne effect & vanity metrics.

60-sec ReviewLeading vs lagging3 things worth measuringName 3 pitfallsThresholds → actionOutcomes over activity

PMI Visual Wall · Domain Deep-Dive · Measurement · original instructional design · A3 landscape