SMART indicators
Indicators are the points of evidence to demonstrate that the conditions sought in objectives are met. All indicators should adhere to the SMART criteria: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timebound. See also Indicators.
The following are essential considerations in establishing useful indicators for the BVI Framework.
- Ensure that the indicator will, as directly as feasible, provide evidence for the objective set in the BVI Framework.
- Focus the indicator on measuring change. It may be necessary to define a benchmark or a baseline from which change is measured.
- Choose as few indicators as possible to achieve the objective. For the BVI Framework, no more than two per Perspective–Value pairing is desirable.
- Establish SMART indicators, considering whether the data:
- is available or attainable
- comes from a credible source
- is large enough
- is gatherable in a suitable timeframe.
- Do not over commit to quantitative indicators. Remember that a mixed model of quantitative and qualitative approaches generally provides more powerfully persuasive evidence.
- Test the validity of the indicator. Consider the question: if all these factors were true, would that satisfy that the measure of success is achieved?