The current metrics that are used to evaluate DoD programs do not provide decision-makers with timely, consistent, reliable, or useful data in that they rely on lagging indicators (i.e., they provide information about past performance). In an effort to better control costs, schedule, and product quality, the DoD should develop and adopt effective “leading indicators”—reliable and predictive metrics that provide earlier warnings of programmatic problems and challenges. The successful use of leading indicators could provide program managers, the DoD, and Congress with earlier warnings of program difficulty.
School Authors: William Lucyshyn