What is the FIRST step in creating a measurement and evaluation system?

Question

Options

• AIdentifying success factors
• BDefining the objectives
• CSelecting metrics and measurement tools
• DCreating a system of key performance indicators

• A
  8% (4)
• B
  71% (36)
• C
  18% (9)
• D
  4% (2)

Explanation

Defining the objectives (B) must come first because a measurement system has no foundation without knowing what you're trying to achieve - you cannot measure success if success hasn't been defined. Objectives answer "where are we going?" before you decide how to track the journey.

• A (Identifying success factors) comes after objectives, since success factors are derived from what the objectives say success looks like.
• C (Selecting metrics and tools) is a later step - you choose how to measure only after you know what you're measuring toward.
• D (Creating KPIs) is further downstream still; KPIs are built to track progress against already-defined objectives.

Memory tip: Think of it as building a house - you need a blueprint (objectives) before you pick materials (metrics) or check progress (KPIs). "Define before you measure" is the golden rule of evaluation design.

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