The Decision Area Framework is a methodology developed by PMSI and BII International to design successful performance management solutions.
The framework looks to define what information, measures and analytics are required to optimise business decisions and performance improvement. It is a practical step-by-step process that ensures achievable milestones are prioritised in terms of value to the business and its underlying ROI.
The framework is described in The Performance Manager book - "Proven Strategies for Turning Information into Higher Business Performance (commissioned by Cognos an IBM Company). The approach is highly flexible, and circumstances will dictate how to best design and develop specific information needs for given Decision Areas across various functions and business roles.
Using the Decision Area Framework, PMSI will
- Determine what data insights can be generated from existing systems, databases and measures.
- Map out the information needs of individuals in various roles, functions and seniority, as well as the value, importance and achievability of these needs.
- Assess the opportunity to improve business relevance by enhancing existing data; by for example integrating various data sources, re-categorising data using various business rules, and defining new measures or calculations.
- Evaluate and prioritise the possible performance improvement impact by business area and function.
- Define KPIs, measures and analytics that will support the business’s decision making process.
- Use available data sources, to pilot the solution and create sample analytics, measures and reports that generate "buy-in" in terms of relevance and insight.
- Support the implementation process by translating the business needs into IT specifications and solutions that empower business users.
The format of PMSI’s support varies from workshops, an audit and interview process, diagnostic projects including fixed project engagements with specific performance improvement objectives