What Is Performance Reference Model (PRM)?

When measuring the performance of significant IT investments, there needs to be more time for guesswork. You need a reference model to give you the tools to measure your contributions to program performance. That's where the Performance Reference Model comes in. The US government uses this standardized model to determine how much value each IT investment brings to its programs and how they contribute to overall performance. All it takes is a few simple steps: first, you identify all of your significant IT investments; then, you find out how much each one contributes to your program's success; and finally, compare those numbers with other programs to see if your investments are performing as well as others. Easy as pie! The Performance Reference Model (PRM) is a tool that helps agencies measure the performance of significant IT investments and how those investments contribute to program performance. The PRM is based on a simple premise: if you want to know whether your investment is successful, you should be able to compare it to something. PRM is the best thing to happen to your organization since the invention of the wheel. It's like a report card, except it's not just about grades—it uses a wide range of information to give you a clear picture of your organization's performance. You can use it in different ways: to improve daily and strategic decision-making, understand inputs and outputs better, align them for an explicit "line-of-sight" to desired results, and even identify opportunities for improved performance across traditional organizational structures and boundaries. The best part? It's not just one tool; it's many tools! Balanced Scorecard, Baldrige Criteria, Value Measuring Methodology, Program Logic Models… they're all designed to help you get what you want from your organization and work together seamlessly. So what are you waiting for? Get on board with PRM today!